The below is a reflection of the Tasmania Cultural Immersion Tour from our amazing Year 8 students:
Day 1 by Olivia Wall
The day started at 5am when we all gathered around the school gate. Excited and energetic we crowded in a group awaiting the bus. After a quick 30 minute bus ride we checked our bags in and awaited our flight together. When we boarded the plane and found our seats the real excitement kicked in. We felt the thrust from the acceleration as the plane lifted us into the air.
After a quick 1 hour and 30 minute plane ride we landed in Hobart. We collected our luggage and were soon on another bus to the Mövenpick Hotel in Hobart. We left our luggage with the hotel staff and went out for lunch at the Hog' s Breath Hotel. After lunch we drove to our first scheduled activity, Hyperdrive Kart Racing.
We were suited up and soon after we were flying up the race track having fun with our friends. After the racing we all headed back to the hotel to find our rooms. Later that night, after relaxing in our nice hotel room, we all went out to eat dumplings at a nice small restaurant. We were all tired after an amazing first day but super excited about the rest of the trip.
Day 2 by Lara Ibaan
On day 2 of the Tasmania tour, we first went to the Tahune Forest and participated in the air-walk. The air-walk was an educational hike on a platform about 30 meters above the forest floor. This provided views of the forest and rivers, where we learned about the floods which occurred around 2016 and 2022.
We then ended the day by travelling to Mt Wellington and then completing a short hike that displayed an overview of the hiking trails, buildings, and houses.
Day 3 by Audrey Vella and Amelie Naeck
Our experience at Port Arthur Historic site was interesting. We learned about Australia’s history and the convicts that were transported to the historic site between 1830 and 1877. We started the day with a harbour cruise that showed us views of the site and the Isle of the Dead. It also provided commentary about the history of the settlement. We then had an escape from Port Arthur Tour, where we learned about how difficult it was for the convicts to escape due to it being surrounded by water and guards.
As the night went on, we participated in the Ghost Tour. The ghost tour included walking around the ruins at night and we were told stories about ghosts and strange incidents that occurred at the site. Overall, it was a fun trip and we learned about Australia’s past.
Day 4 by Marcus Previti
In the morning, we went down to the bottom floor and had breakfast. Later, we boarded the bus and headed off to our first stop, the Barilla Bay Oyster Farm. We learnt about how long it takes for an oyster to grow, then we learnt about the different sizes of oysters - even one of the shells was as big as a foot! We also got to see the oyster farm and were allowed to walk to it... at the cost of our shoes getting dirty. Then after the tour we went back to the restaurant and got to eat oysters.
After the tour and eating oysters (I didn't eat any) we went to the Salmon Ponds at 12:00pm. We got to feed the salmon which everyone enjoyed, and they were a bit snappy. Then we got to eat pancakes there, and as an option you could put salmon on a pancake... which nobody ordered. Everyone went for sweet pancakes. Then we got back on the bus at 2:00pm to go towards our last stop, Mt Fields National Visitor Park Centre (my personal favourite part of the day).
We went on a 30 minute hike, and took some amazing photos by the waterfalls. And after walking back down the mountain, we got back on the bus and headed back to our hotel. It was a pretty good day, even though it was a lot of walking.
Day 5 by Quinn Cumbo
Our trip around Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Amaze Richmond and Museum of Old and New Art was an exciting and unforgettable experience. We started the day by visiting Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where we saw amazing Australian animals including a Tasmanian devil, wombats, kangaroos, and many different birds.
After that, we travelled to Amaze Richmond, where the giant maze was extremely difficult and had everyone running around trying to find the exit, which definitely made us break a sweat.
Later, we visited MONA, where the modern and unusual artwork was very creative and designed to make people think deeply about emotions, society, and different ideas. The interactive displays, bright colours, and unique sculptures made the experience very interesting and memorable.
Overall, the trip was full of fun, learning, adventure, and great memories with friends.
Day 6 by Zach Murray and Izaak Lim
We woke up at 8am for an 8:45am breakfast; we were all very tired, but ready for the last couple of hours in Tasmania. We went back up to our rooms to collect our bags and say goodbye to what was our home for six days. We all met in the lobby and hopped onto the bus for a 2 and a half hour drive to Launceston.
At 12:30 we arrived at the Cataract Gorge, and the view we saw was beyond words. We walked around the gorge, up a hill and over a bridge looking at all of the Gorge.
We took the bus to the airport which was a quick smooth 30 minute drive. We arrived at the airport and took our luggage out of the bus and said goodbye to the best bus driver ever! We checked in early, went through security. and found a spot to relax and play card games. We also saw the Gold Coast Football Club team walk through as we were about to board for departure. We had a small plane and a quick 1 hour flight. At 6:30pm we arrived home and saw our parents for the first time in a week!
We listened to their welcomes and shared how much we missed them.
