I hope that this message finds you all very well. Whilst in many ways the Kimberley Tour seems so long ago already, I still find myself reflecting on the great memories that we shared and a smile creeps across my face. I have been trying to find the easiest way to share the photos from our tour and think that this will be the best option.

Please open this link to access photos that were taken by Kimberley Tour teacher supervisors. You should be able to download and print them as you wish. Please be respectful of staff and student’s privacy, by being considerate before sharing them further than our immediate community.

On behalf of Mr Lewis, Miss Uglow, Mr Sloan and myself, we would like to thank you again for allowing us to have this amazing opportunity with your children.

Take care,

Mrs Luinstra

Hello everyone,

For those who would like a copy, the poem I wrote about the tour can be found in the link below.

Our Kimberley Adventure Poem

Mr Lewis

Hello everyone,

I am sure you have all enjoyed hearing about our wonderful week away. A friendly reminder for Duncraig Year 6 parents that the assembly tomorrow afternoon will be hosted by the Year 6 Kimberley Tour students. Parents are most welcome to attend if you would like to do so. I have requested the assembly be recorded so that we can then upload a copy of the video onto the blog.

A number of students have also requested a copy of the poem I wrote about the tour. I will do my best to get it typed up and post onto the blog by the end of tomorrow.

Many thanks,

Mr Lewis.

Day 8 (Sunday)

After another warm night sleeping under the stars, we had a long drive through from the Bungle Bungle caravan park to Lake Argyle, which is just under one hour out of Kununurra.

We had a few stops along the way, for morning tea and to stretch our legs. We arrived at the very picturesque Lake Argyle and paddled on the water in canoes. This huge dam has very spectacular rock walls. Some campers saw a rock wallaby on the side of the lake. Being on the water and cooling down was a very nice way to end the day. We then got changed for dinner, which we had at the restaurant which is in the caravan park. We turned heads when we arrived and settled at our two long tables. After enjoying a lovely meal, accompanied by live music, we got on the dance floor and showed off our dance moves. We were joined by other people who were staying at the caravan park, including some younger children.

Day 9 (Monday)

We woke up early once again at around 5:30 and packed up our swags for last time. We certainly have become efficient with setting up the swags and packing them away! Then it was time for breakfast followed by a swim in the infinity pool overlooking Lake Argyle. We took 9 campers at a time, with the rest of the group chilling under some shady trees and some kicking the football while they patiently waited their turn. We then enjoyed a boat cruise around the lake, on which we learn some of Lake Argyle’s history and when and how the dam was constructed. We checked out where the estimated 20,000 fresh water crocs reside, but only saw a couple as the water was quite warm and they had no need to warm up in the sun. We also learnt about some of the fish that inhabit the lake, the most intriguing being a fish that spits water at its prey (insects sitting on leaves near the shore), knocking them into the water. We then did some rock jumping into the water. Upon returning to shore we drove to Kununurra and hit the souvenir shops, before eating our final lunch in a park and being entertained by Mr Lewis, who had written a ballad about our journey. We thanked our two wonderful guides, Joel and Grace, to taking such good care of us and headed to the airport. Then it was a three hour flight back to Perth, where campers were welcomed into the open arms of their waiting families.

We shared a wonderful time together; the teachers were all impressed with the way that all campers conducted themselves. Everyone we came across was keen to know which school we came from, and all commented on how polite and well behaved the group was. I am sure we are all richer for this experience and amazed at the beauty and diversity of our country.

Day 6 (Friday) started in the usual way, with packing up our swags and eating breakfast. Our day starts when the birds start chirping and the sun rises, so we are often up and about well before 6 a.m. We spent the morning enjoying a boat cruise along the mighty Fitzroy River, which we learnt is the second fastest flowing river when it floods, second only to the Amazon. The cruise was at Danngu, or Geikie Gorge. Our guide provided us with a very informative commentary. We were on the lookout for fresh water crocodiles, but only spotted one small croc sunning itself on the bank. We learnt that only 1 in 100 hatchlings survive to adulthood. We were told that the cane toad is causing havoc with native animals, including the fresh water crocodile. We then drove to a place called China Wall, a naturally occurring granite wall that looks like it has been man made! We then searched for what turned out to be an elusive swimming hole. It was a long bus ride today and everyone enjoyed arriving at the Purnululu Bungles campsite, on the way into the Bungle Bungles, where we set up camp and enjoyed dinner. We fell asleep to a few raindrops, which helped to cool things down a little.

Day 7 (Saturday) was a full day exploring the iconic Bungle Bungles. After a bumpy drive in, we were greeted by Paul from Frog Hollow School who would be our guide for the day.  Our first walk was into Cathedral Gorge where we tested out the acoustics when Joel, our driver sang us a song. The trek back to the bus was long, challenging and hot and the air conditioning of the bus was a welcome relief. After  lunch we had a relaxing walk into the shade of Echidna Chasm. Our adventure got interesting when one of us buses broke down whilst leaving the park. Thankfully help was not far away and we made it back to the camp ground safely in time for dinner and a much needed shower. Our day ended celebrating Maahi’s 12th birthday with a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and a piece of birthday cake. It will be a birthday that Maahi will always remember!

We are all excited to be heading to Lake Argyle today for a canoe this afternoon and celebratory dinner tonight. We look forward to seeing you all late tomorrow. Our flight is due to land in Perth at 7.55 p.m

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Day 2 of our tour (Monday) was spent in and around Broome, after some minor mechanical difficulties necessitated some repairs of one of the vehicles. In the morning we spent time at Ganthean Point looking for dinosaur footprints; we eventually found some, which was amazing. We then ate lunch on the grass overlooking Cable Beach and enjoyed a cooling dip. This was followed by mini golf, then it was back to the caravan park for dinner and bed.

Day 3 (Tuesday) took us ‘off the grid’. We were all up early (well before 6), we packed up our swags, ate breakfast and headed to Derby, where we spent the morning at the Mowanjum Art Centre. This amazing building, which looks from the air like the Wanjina creative spirit, is both an art centre and a museum. As well as learning about the culture of the Aboriginal people from the north west, students created some pieces of art using traditional ochre from the land. After eating lunch at the art centre, we stopped by the Boab Prison tree just outside of Derby then drove on the Gibb River Road to our destination which was a bush campsite at Silent Grove camp. This was quite a long drive so we were very pleased to arrive, disembark and set up camp. We ‘hit the hay’ quite early, so we could get a good night’s sleep and recharge our batteries ready for Day 4.

Day 4 (Wednesday) started with another early morning. The stars are amazing up here, and the noises at night are very different to what we are used to in Perth, particularly the bird life. We had our usual breakfast then packed up and headed off to Bell Gorge. Bell Gorge is a short walk from where we parked the buses, and is a picturesque gorge that is a superb swimming spot. We enjoyed the lovely, refreshing water after coming across a very confident water monitor lizard along the way. Then it was time for lunch before we headed to our next stop, Winjana Gorge campsite. This too was ‘off the grid’ and we arrived and set up our swags. This took over an hour the first time we did this in Broome, but we are getting much more efficient as the tour progresses. While our dinner was being prepared, campers chilled by the fire, chatted with new friends and kicked the footy.  Campers are involved in helping to prepare the meal, and with cleaning up afterwards.

Day 5 (Thursday) involved a sleep in until just before 6 a.m. After breakfast we headed into Winjana Gorge, another majestic gorge that was the home of a number of fresh water crocodiles. We went on a short hike through part of the Gorge and heard the story of Jandamara, also known as Pigeon, the famous Aboriginal man from this region who organised armed insurrections against the colonisation of the north west of Australia by Europeans. Jandamara was from this part of the country and a battle he was involved in was held at the gorge. We then had some morning tea and hit the road to Fitzroy Crossing, where we set up camp and had a most welcome refreshing swim in the pool before having dinner and hitting the hay.

Campers are working very well together, cooperating with each other and helping out where needed. We can’t wait to see what the next few days brings!

The 6/7 Kimberley Tour has just ended day 1 and what a day it has been!

We had a smooth flight to Broome this morning before being greeted by Joel and Grace who are our fantastic tour leaders for the week ahead.

We headed out to the picturesque Cable Beach for lunch and relaxed on the grass over looking the water, soaking in the warm weather,  a beautiful 30 degrees. 😎

After lunch our next stop was the Cable Beach caravan park to set up camp for night one. It was great to see everyone helping each other with setting up the swags. 61 minutes and 51 seconds is out time to beat with the set up of camp on day 2.

After working up a sweat, we jumped on the bus and made our way onto the beach where we enjoyed a sunset swim followed by a delicious dinner and dessert cooked by our awesome tour leaders on the beach.

We have had an awesome first day and can’t wait to see what tomorrow has to offer!

It’s hard to believe that this is what the countdown clock on our blog looks like today! In the last few days, we just wanted to remind you of a few things.

Just in case you missed it on the previous blog, here is our itinerary: 2021 Itinerary Year 6 and Year 7 Kimberley Tour[86]

Our flight (VA1483) departs at 11:10am. Please meet us in Terminal 2 by no later than 9:30am. Mr Lewis will be standing at the Virgin Check In desk and will direct you to where everyone is meeting. He will be wearing his navy tour shirt. We all move to the check-in point as a group and ask that parents say their good-byes from that point.

Masks are mandatory at the Airport. This includes both students and parents. Please bring your own mask. 

Here is a link to some information from the Perth Airport regarding Covid Safe Procedures, however some FAQ are answered below: https://www.perthairport.com.au/passenger-guide/covid-19

Do I need to wear a mask?

It is mandatory to wear a mask at Perth Airport. This includes in the car park, terminal buses, forecourts and terminals.

• You need to bring your own mask to the airport.
• On departure, please put on your mask when you exit your vehicle and throughout your journey, unless required for security screening or an applicable exemption.
• On arrival into Perth, please keep your mask on after you disembark the aircraft until you have returned to your vehicle, or if you are required to quarantine, until you return to your quarantine accommodation. Don’t forget to let your driver know if you are required to quarantine as they will need to wear a mask as well.
• You can still enjoy a coffee, drink or bite to eat provided you are seated and put your mask back on as soon as you’ve finished.

For more information, visit the WA Government website:

• FAQs: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/face-masks-frequently-asked-questions
• Directions (includes exceptions): https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/airport-transportation-face-mask-directions
  
• Department of Health face mask information: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/Face-masks

Please ensure that you have checked the packing list What to Bring 2021 SSS[30].

Don’t forget your gardening gloves as we will be doing some rubbish collection as community service, at one point in the tour.

We would like to remind parents to please allow their child to pack their own bags. This helps to ensure that students know that they have everything, and also that they know where it is located in their bag. Do not overpack, as the bus has limited loading capacity. It would be great if you could wear one of your tour shirts as this makes the group easy to identify and to keep track of in the airport. 

All medication needs to be handed in to tour staff two working days prior to the departure of the tour, but at the latest, Friday. It must be in the package, inside of a snap-lock bag with clear instructions labelled on the bag. 

We are going to have a great time and make some amazing memories! Parents, we will blog as often as we can. Whilst on tour, should you need to contact us in an emergency, please contact the school and they will relay a message to us. We will have a satellite phone with us.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of the tour leaders, Mr Ted Lewis (ted.lewis@ststephens.wa.edu.au), Miss Hannah Uglow (hannah.uglow@ststephens.wa.edu.au), Mr Matthew Sloan (matthew.sloan@ststephens.wa.edu.au), or Mrs Kim Luinstra (kimberley.luinstra@ststephens.wa.edu.au)

See you at the airport!