Taking on the Grampians

Between 22 May and 1 June, three classes of Year 9 Outdoor Education classes ventured off to the Grampians on a 4-day experience involving a range of activities. A trip to Brambuk Cultural Centre enlightened students about the area’s indigenous culture. They saw a painting of ‘Bunjil’, the creator spirit and also painted boomerangs and learnt how to throw them. Students thoroughly enjoyed a hike to the beautiful MacKenzie Falls and at the end of the day set up camp at Smith Mills Campground.

The next day consisted of a canoe trip to Lake Wartook, where students learned different strokes to steer them in the right direction. The weather proved difficulty, as the wind was very strong and challenged students to push their physical abilities to reach the destination. Afterwards they travelled to Mt Stapleton campground where they finished the day with a short walk to another indigenous painting site depicting white stick-figure men.

Hiking was on the agenda for Day 3, with over fifteen kilometres of walking, challenging the students to push fitness levels. Starting at Mt Stapylton Campground and hiking up to Mt Zero, students enjoyed amazing 360-degree views of the Wimmera plains and Grampians mountain range from the top. Continuing to the top of Mt Staplyton, students got to see Bird Rock aand enjoyed lunch inside a cave formed by natural weathering.

After a tough second-last day, students were woken early so that they could meet their rock climbing instructor, Hugh. With a range of climbs, a difficult grade 21 climb and an abseil, students challenged their abilities and attempted almost every climb/abseil to the best of their ability.
After lunch, students left for home and had an opportunity to reflect on the past four days during the bus ride home.

Miss Olivia Dullard, Trainee