Outdoor Ed Hikes the Grampians

For the final Outdoor Education trip of the year, Year 9s made the trek to the Grampians National Park. On the first day the students tested their nerve by completing a range of rock climbs in Summerday Valley, ranging from grades 5 to 21. Undeterred by light showers, the students powered through each, completing many ascents. Everyone had a great time cooking a full meal on a Trangia stove for the first time.

Our second day included multiple short walks totalling nineteen kilometres in total. The walk to the Pinnacle revealed stunning views of Halls Gap, the Balconies were breathtaking, and Mackenzie Falls was an awe-inspiring end to great second day.

To further explore the Northern Grampians, the students completed a ‘short’ twenty-two-kilometre hike up and around Mt Staplyton and Mt Zero. The views from each mountain were stunning, revealing serene parkland including Mt Difficult and Victoria ranges, expansive farmland and even Mt Arapiles.

To connect with the traditional custodians, the students visited two rock art shelters, Ngamadjidj Shelter and Bunjil’s Shelter. For their final day, the students visited Brambuk, The National Park and Cultural Centre. Boomerang painting and throwing, and a presentation of Dreamtime stories from the traditional custodians, were highlights for many students. The 4-day trip allowed all the students to further their understanding of the Grampians and how to safely experience outdoor environments.

Miss Natalie Duane, Outdoor Education Trainee