Year 9 Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Camp – An Unforgettable Adventure!
Our Year 9 students recently returned from an unforgettable week in Far North Queensland, taking part in the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef Camp. Blessed with incredible weather and flawless organisation, the trip was filled with adventure, learning, and plenty of fun!
Day 1 kicked off with an active morning hike through the stunning Cairns Botanical Gardens, where students explored tropical plant life and learned about the local environment. The afternoon was spent cooling off in the popular Cairns Lagoon, followed by a fun-filled evening of beach volleyball, which continued into the late hours.
Days 2 and 3 were action-packed, starting with a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Farm where students got up close with some of Australia’s most famous wildlife. The breathtaking Skyrail Rainforest Cableway gave everyone a bird’s eye view of the lush rainforest canopy. Students experienced the thrill of river tubing down the Mulgrave River and enjoyed exploring the vibrant Kalinda Markets. A highlight was our trip to the Daintree Rainforest, where students engaged in cultural learning experiences with local Indigenous guides. Each day finished with delicious dinners along the Esplanade and more night-time beach volleyball fun under the stars.
Days 4 and 5 were simply magical, as students ventured out to the Great Barrier Reef. Swimming alongside turtles, clownfish (“Nemo”), colourful coral and a variety of marine life was an awe-inspiring experience for everyone. To wrap up the adventure, students spent the final day at a water park where they enjoyed high-energy knee boarding, wakeboarding, and adrenaline-pumping water slides.
Throughout the week, our students represented Mooroolbark College exceptionally well, receiving positive feedback and compliments from every venue we visited. The trip ran smoothly, the activities were incredible, and the students’ behaviour and engagement made it a truly outstanding experience for everyone involved.
It was a week of memories, friendships, and personal growth that our Year 9 students will remember for years to come!
