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Post Tour Meeting This Thursday

Morning all,

We understand that this is short notice, however trying to find a date across both campuses with camps and other commitments has proved difficult. We would like to meet on Thursday this week (23rd) for a post tour de-brief. These meetings are beneficial for us to plan for future tours and your feedback is valuable.

Duncraig students will shortly receive a Consent 2 Go. Mr Verran will transport you to Carramar straight after school and return you to Duncraig at the conclusion of the meeting. Please meet him at Student Services promptly at 3.20.

Carramar students, please meet in the Library Lounge at 3.30.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

LMK ’25 Tour Team

This entry was posted on October 20, 2025. 2 Comments

*No Delay* Flight Update

Good afternoon all,

Just thought I’d inform any worriers that we have arrived to Broome Airport on time. From all indications there is currently (as of 12.35pm) no delay for our arrival in Perth.

I will be sure to post an update if there is any delay.

For those unaware, we are on flight VA1486, scheduled to depart Broome at 2.35pm, and arrive in Perth at 5.20pm.

Kind Regards,

Day 7, 8, and 9 Update

Day 7 – Creative Expression in Mowanjum and a Sunset Swim at Barn Hill

Today was all about colour, creativity, and connection. After a hearty breakfast (and a quick snack break), we arrived at the Mowanjum Community Art Centre. The welcome? Kids already joyfully covered in paint, working on vibrant murals and artworks. Our group rolled up their sleeves and got involved right away.

The morning was spent sketching and painting local native flora and fauna which allowed the group to slow down and truly observe the natural world around them. The experience not only sparked creativity, but also deepened appreciation for Indigenous art and culture.

After lunch, we packed up and made our way to Barn Hill, our next campsite. This station stay offered a complete change of pace, and we capped off the day with a sunset swim at the beach, followed by a relaxed dinner and chats under the stars. Simple, wholesome, and unforgettable.

 

Day 8 – Sunrise Strolls, Country Conversations, and Cable Beach

Day 8 started early, a few brave early risers joined a sunrise walk along the beach, soaking in the peaceful morning glow. Afterwards, we enjoyed some downtime on the playground and had the rare chance to chat with the owner of Barn Hill, who shared stories about station life, running cattle, and living in remote Western Australia. It was an eye-opener, offering a glimpse into a completely different lifestyle.

From Barn Hill, we hit the road and headed north to Broome, our final stop. Once we arrived, swags were unrolled and set up quickly (the group have become pros by now!), and the group made a beeline for the campsite pool.

But the highlight? Walking to Cable Beach, where we spent several blissful hours splashing in the waves and watching the sun melt into the Indian Ocean. We wrapped up the night with an outdoor movie and a curried sausages dinner before heading off to bed, tired and happy.

 

Day 9 – Community Spirit and Dinosaur Tracks in Broome

Another early start, but for a great reason, Parkrun at Broome Town Beach! Some of our group laced up their running shoes and joined the locals for the 5K, while others walked along the Town Beach Sculpture Trail, learning about Broome’s multicultural history along the way.

Post-run, we headed to the Saturday markets, where the group enjoyed wandering through the stalls, trying local snacks, and picking up a few souvenirs. The morning was full of music, colour, and community.

Next stop: the Japanese Cemetery, one of the oldest in Broome and a culturally important visit. It provided an opportunity for reflection and learning about the town’s pearling past and the lives lost at sea.

The afternoon was all about cooling off in the campsite pool, followed by one of the most anticipated adventures of the trip: a visit to Gantheaume Point to explore the ancient dinosaur footprints!

The day ended with a beachside sausage sizzle, our tour truck rolled right onto the sand as the sun set.

Sunday 21st

Hello all,

I am flying to Sumba Indonesia early hours of Sunday morning. Obviously I will not be available should you need to contact me. The tour staff do have a school contact should it be required, and I doubt that. The only possible change could be Virgin flight delay. If that is the case, the staff will post a Blog to advise all parents. I know you will probably check online the flight status anyway.

Can I take this opportunity to thank all parents for supporting your children in their fundraising efforts, and preparation for the tour. I would also like to thank the students for being such a wonderful group of young people to work alongside. I would like to acknowledge Glenn and his team at Kimberley Safari Tours for their outstanding expertise and flexibility when it comes to making things work. Lastly, a huge thank you to the staff! Without them the tour would be not be able to happen.

I hope you have enjoyed this journey along with your children.

Regards

Donna

Tour Update Days 5 and 6:

Day 5: Giving Back and Galvins Gorge Fun

We began Day 5 with heartfelt goodbyes to Manjali, leaving behind donations of shirts and footy boots for the local students which was met with joy.

As we made our way to the next stop, we paused at a few scenic viewpoints to admire the landscape, explore some ancient rock art, and (safely!) leave our mark on the journey.

The highlight of the day was a visit to Galvins Gorge, where a short, picturesque walk led us to a stunning rockpool—complete with a rope swing! It was the perfect spot for a refreshing swim and plenty of laughter.

That evening, we settled into Imintji Campground, enjoying a classic outback experience: sitting around the campfire, sharing stories, and chatting long into the night under the stars.

 

Day 6: Bell Gorge Beauty and Birthday Fun

We packed up early from Imintji and set off for Bell Gorge, a true gem of the Kimberley. After a bit of a challenging hike, we were rewarded with crystal-clear waters, tumbling waterfalls, and smiling faces everywhere as we splashed around in the stunning natural pools.

With a fair drive ahead, we made our way back to Birdwood Downs, a familiar home for the night. The evening was extra special as we celebrated a birthday in the group. Happy Birthday, Alyce! 🎉

Everyone turned in early to rest up for the exciting Mowanjum Art Day tomorrow!

Tour Update Day Four: Culture, Connection, and Campfires

Our final full day at Manjali Studio School was packed with memorable moments. We started in the classroom, learning about the powerful story of resistance that is the Bunuba legend of Jandamarra, and then rolled up our sleeves to make traditional damper alongside the Manjali students.

Later, we visited the ruins of an old police station from the pastoral era, gaining insight into the region’s complex history.

In the afternoon, each SSS student paired with a Manjali buddy to explore Windjana Gorge. Together, they climbed over rocks and tried fishing with lines and nets, a real adventure!

We ended the day gathered around a campfire, sharing marshmallows and stories under the stars. A fitting end to a special experience filled with learning, laughter, and new friendships.

Tour Update: Day Two and Three adventures

Day Two – Gorge Walks, Crocodile Sightings & Tunnel Creek Treks

We kicked off the day leaving Birdwood Downs and made our way toward the Manjali Studio School, with some incredible stops along the way. Our first adventure took us to Windjana Gorge, where we were lucky enough to spot a freshwater crocodile in its natural habitat! From there, we journeyed to the stunning Tunnel Creek, where students waded through chest-high water in an underground cave system, an unforgettable experience.

Our arrival at Manjali Studio School was warmly welcomed with hot showers, air conditioned rooms, and a generous dinner. The evening was filled with basketball and games shared with the Manjali students, ending with lights out and a well earned night’s rest.

 

Day Three – Cultural Connections & Cave Explorations

We woke up feeling refreshed and started the day with a hearty breakfast, followed by some morning basketball, football, and foursquare with the Manjali students.

The highlight of the day was a trip to Mimbi Caves which was reached by travelling through Fitzroy Crossing. We were guided through the caves by Rose, a Bunuba Traditional Owner, who shared stories and insights into the area’s Aboriginal history and culture. At the end of the cave walk a hidden spring swim was enjoyed by many, with laughs and splashes echoing around us.

After the long drive back, everyone was more than ready for a classic Sunday roast dinner, followed by a relaxed evening of free time and fun, a perfect way to end our third day on tour.

 

This entry was posted on September 15, 2025. 1 Comment

Day 1 update

Hello parents,

We’re off to a wonderful start, and I’m happy to report that everyone is doing really well!

After arriving 20 minutes early into Broome Airport, we were met by our friendly tour guides, Glen and Dean, who whisked us away to our first adventure at Coconut Wells. What a magical place! With pool noodles in hand, we strolled along the white sandy beach to the mouth of a tidal inlet. Right on schedule, as the clock struck midday, the tide began to rise and the ocean poured into the inlet. The kids had a blast floating all the way back down the river to the carpark, laughing, play-fighting with their noodles, and collecting beautiful shells along the way.

From there, we stopped at a local roadhouse for lunch — fresh ham and salad sandwiches, plus a chance to top up on snacks before the next leg of the journey. Our bus then took us onwards, with a quick stop at the Derby Wharf, before arriving at our camp for the night: Birdwood Downs.

Dinner was a hearty Birdwood burger, followed by a few spirited games of “Spotlight” and a fun Q&A session. Tired but happy, we rolled out our swags and drifted off under a blanket of stars. The morning wake-up call was courtesy of Birdwood’s resident chickens, chicks, and even some stunning peacocks scratching around our camp — a unique Kimberley alarm clock!

Now we’re back on the bus and excited for the day ahead, with Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge on the itinerary. Stay tuned for more updates (when we have reception 😉)

Miss Emery & Mr Verran

This entry was posted on September 13, 2025. 1 Comment