Year 9 Werribee Gorge

Year 9: Werribee Gorge

State Park Outdoor Education excursion  

Werribee Gorge State Park is renowned for its 500-million-year-old geological history which includes the 200-metre-deep gorge, one of the deepest in Victoria along with its conservation of native flora and fauna. With many unique plant species, birds, native mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, students had the opportunity to observe different animals in their habitat and learn about life in the wilderness.   

In weeks 3 and 4 of Term 4 our Year 9 students completed the Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk located in Werribee Gorge State Park approximately 8km west of Bacchus Marsh and a 40-minute drive from Truganina P-9 College. The excursion was run over two days and involved students who were enrolled in the Outdoor Education elective for 2024. In total 48 students successfully completed the challenging 8km circuit walk across the two days. 

The focus of the excursion was teamwork and resilience with students having to pack their own bags, carry their own water, wear appropriate footwear, and support each other in completing the 8km hike which involved steep incline and decline areas and a 50m section of cable handrail. Students demonstrated responsibility by following the ‘Leave no Trace’ philosophy and ensured that any rubbish that was taken into the state park was taken out. 

Some of the highlights of the excursion included students seeing lizards, kangaroo’s and a koala in their natural habitat. Students traversed the Eastern and Western lookout points and explored the Werribee river which included lunch along the flowing river and working together to complete the cable handrail section of the trail which highlighted the enthusiasm and excitement of the students. 

A special thanks to Amanuel Shume, Kira Shelman, Nyingot Ater and Daniel Piacquadio for attending the excursions. Without them, the excursion would not have been the success that it was.

Stefan Bilanovic

Secondary Teacher

English, Humanities & Outdoor Education