19 November 2025
This November, our Year 9 students embarked on four outdoor education experiences as part of the Lumina 9 program. From the alpine landscapes of the Walls of Jerusalem to the rivers of the North-West and the spectacular coastline of Fortescue Bay, each group embraced a week filled with challenge, teamwork and the joy of discovering Tasmania’s wild places.
Walls of Jerusalem & East Coast Journey
What began as a planned five-day trek through the Walls of Jerusalem quickly turned into an adventure across two regions, thanks to the ever-changing Tasmanian weather. Students experienced sunshine, snow, rain and wind as they explored both the central highlands and later the East Coast.
Highlights included climbing Mount Amos, St Patrick’s Head and Solomon’s Throne - each offering steep, demanding ascents and remarkable views. Along the way, the group swam, cooked together, sang on the bus, played games and even woke to snow outside their tents. These shared experiences strengthened friendships and nurtured confidence in the outdoors.
Packrafting Adventure
For eight students, the Year 9 Camp took the form of a packrafting expedition. After learning essential paddling and safety skills on the Forth River, the group embraced the chance to swim rapids and navigate moving water - with a few unexpected tumbles along the way.
Unpredictable weather meant their planned Alum Cliffs journey was replaced by a paddle on the lower Mersey River. Even then, a storm sent the group to shelter in a local bakery before conditions improved. Once on the water, they strapped their packs to their rafts and paddled to a nearby farm to camp for the night. The final day brought a beautiful gorge paddle, rock jumps, and quiet moments taking in the scenery.
Fortescue Bay Coastal Camps
Two groups spent their week exploring the Tasman Peninsula, based at the stunning Fortescue Bay. Their programs included beach swims, paddle boarding, day hikes, an overnight hike and shared time at camp.
Students completed major walks including Cape Raoul, Cape Hauy, The Blade, Bare Knoll, Canoe Bay and Bivouac Bay - each offering sweeping coastal views and rewarding moments of achievement. Paddle boarding added fun and challenge, while afternoons were filled with beach games, conversations and relaxed time together. The overnight hike was a significant milestone, with one group covering a remarkable 25 km in a single day.
We are proud of the way each student approached their camp experience with courage, curiosity and care for one another. The Year 9 Camps are an important part of the Lumina 9 journey, offering opportunities to develop confidence, leadership and a deeper connection to the outdoors.
