During Week 7 of this Term a group of 18 students in Years 9 and 10 headed off to the East and South-East coast of Tasmania. The trip came about after the cancellation of another ‘Ski Trip’ to Mt Hotham with the lingering effects of COVID and travel restrictions, with the intention of providing an ‘outdoor experience’ in our home state.

On Day 1 we headed to Scamander and participated in a surf lesson with local legend Gary Egan (42 South Surf School) before checking in for a burger and sleep at the Surfside in Beaumaris.

On Day 2 we hit the road again to Freycinet National Park and walked into the well-known Wineglass Bay Lookout and Beach. Hitting the road again, we travelled via Swansea, Orford, and Sorell, to eventually arrive at the Eaglehawk Neck Dive Centre.

Day 3 saw us participate in pool training sessions in small groups, learning the essential skills to safely scuba dive. These included regulating, clearing the mask and breathing through the mouthpiece. With participants ticked off, we headed down to the local beach and Tessellated Pavement site for a look around.

On Day 4, we once again kitted up in our scuba gear and were shuttled to the local boat ramp for the ocean dives. Whilst intimidating at first, all students were able to submerge and enjoy the view below. The viewing included fish, kelp, boulders, a small shark, jellyfish, and a range of small organisms that live underwater. On top of this, was the feeling of being between 5-12m underwater with the dive instructor and our dive partner.

On Day 5 we checked out, stopped by a few local tourist sites, and hit the road home. A really enjoyable week away, where students were challenged to overcome some level of fear to participate in something new and unique, whilst also getting to experience some of Tassie’s best spots.