Outdoor Recreation

In the second last week of term before the Winter break, ten fearless Outdoor Recreation students who were not afraid of getting cold and wet, rugged up to tackle 90-odd km of the Murray to Mountains rail trail in the Victorian high country. Starting in Beechworth, (no beaches, but well worth a visit) the team set off for Everton and Myrtleford. Akin to having your deserts first, the 15km from Beechworth to Everton is a downhill cruise the entire way. The first day descends nearly 300m and is easy warm up for the next two days as we head toward Harrietville following along the Great Alpine Road.

The gang arrived in Myrtleford just as it started to drizzle, and tents were set up as quickly as possible before they enjoyed a hot shower and dry clothes. 

A few students took their chances with the weather on Day One, and rode without rain jackets. A 90% chance of 10-15mm on Day Two saw everyone zip their jackets all the way up, with a few trying to fit their helmet over their hood. Whilst it never bucketed down, the jackets kept everyone’s top half warm and dry, and we comfortably covered the distance by lunchtime. Shoes and socks were a different story, and at the end of the day, no one was too keen for a 6km walk along the Ovens River in Bright, most opting a for another hot shower before deciding what to cook for dinner.

The final day follows the Ovens River upstream along the Great Alpine Road. Any views of Mount Feathertop were hidden by low cloud as we rode into the hills through the pine plantations surrounding Bright into the gold mining town of Harrietville. The three day ride is an easy ride, accessible to anyone who can ride a bike. Students who enjoyed Outdoor Education in Year 9, but aren’t looking to fast-track the VCE option in Year 10, would be well placed in this class. It’s a fun, hands-on program aimed at developing a young persons ability to plan and prepare for overnight outdoor adventurous activities.

James Sheehan

Year 10 Outdoor Recreation