Year 10 Update
Healesville High School’s Central Australia Camp was an unforgettable experience for students, offering a perfect blend of adventure, cultural enrichment, and relaxation. This year’s itinerary took students on a journey through some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes, including the majestic Uluru, the dramatic Walpa Gorge, and the mesmerizing salt flats. Each destination provided unique opportunities for learning and exploration, ensuring a comprehensive immersion into the heart of the Australian outback.
At Uluru, students were awe-inspired by the sheer scale and beauty of this sacred site, while the visit to Walpa Gorge revealed the intricate interplay of nature and geology. The salt flats offered a surreal landscape that captivated the imagination.
A highlight of the camp was the hands-on experience with dot painting, where students learned more about the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture. The evenings were equally enriching, with students enjoying the camaraderie of campfire gatherings under the starlit sky and unwinding with a splash in the pool.
Overall, the Central Australia Camp was a perfect fusion of educational experiences and enjoyable activities, leaving students with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Australia’s cultural and natural heritage.
A DIARY OF OUR TRIP:
Day 1. Students woke up nice and early on Sunday to meet at school at 5.30am before driving to the airport. From there a three hour flight took us to the red centre. Once we arrived we met our infuse leaders, Sam and Vada. After introductions we were on our way to Uluru-Kata Juta national park. Students began by taking a tour of the cultural centre before heading out for a short walk to the base of the rock to see one of the water sources.
Day 2. On Monday students began the day with a dot painting session, where we learnt about the local artistic culture before creating our own mini canvasses. After this we headed back to the national park to undertake three hikes, two at Kata Juta and one at Uluru. During the first hike the group explored Walpa Gorge, from there we travelled to the Valley of the Winds. Back at Uluru students joined a ranger for a partial base walk where we learned about the Anangu history with the location.
Day 3. Today was another travel day. After packing up camp the group undertook a three hour drive to Kings Creek station which would be our home for the next two nights.
Day 4. Wednesday was the warmest day of our visit, so everyone was up early to drive out to Kings Canyon and complete the rim walk. An imposing set of stone stairs greeted the group, who climbed to the top before taking the rim look around the canyon. In the afternoon students partook in a second culture experience, learning about bush medicine, bush foods, traditional jewellery, and weapon customs of the area.
Day 5. Home time. After breaking down camp students were back on the road for the drive to Yulara. After one last look around the town we headed to the airport for the journey home.
Ms Penrose