Year 9 NT Camp

In Term 2, our Year 9 students embarked on an unforgettable 26-day journey to the Northern Territory, with Darwin as our primary destination. Travelling by bus, we shared games, laughter and plenty of bonding moments along the way.

One of the highlights of our trip was soaking in the Mataranka thermal pools, a perfect place to relax and recharge. We had the privilege of attending the vibrant Barunga Festival 2024, where we immersed ourselves in indigenous culture, music, and art. At Kakadu, we woke up before sunrise and went on a sunrise cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong and wetlands. Here, we saw numerous saltwater crocodiles, water buffalo, wild horses, and many beautiful birds. We also went for an afternoon walk at Ubirr, a sacred aboriginal site with UNESCO world heritage status, where we saw rich aboriginal rock art.
We finished the day with a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view over Arnhem Land and the flood plains of Kakadu, watching the sun set over the horizon.

On our first evening in Darwin, we were treated to the vibrant sunset market. The students went exploring in groups, enjoying the wide variety of yummy food stalls and the arts and crafts of the NT, as well as sitting on the beach admiring the beautiful sunset. The following two days were dedicated to enriching the city experience by visiting museums and learning about the history of Darwin and the NT during WW2.

Then it was time to pack up our tents, swags and kitchen to travel to our next destination – Litchfield National Park. On our first day, we immersed ourselves in the clear water of Burley Rockhole, a popular swimming spot with a series of shallow and deep holes. Taking advantage of the 32-degree daily temperatures, the students used the time back at camp to catch up on their hand washing and play card games and football, as well as fishing and journaling. At night, we all enjoyed sitting around the fire, socialising, and having our evening sharing circles.

On our first day in Katherine Gorge, we took a scenic tour of the renowned Nitmiluk National Park, which boasts dramatic cliffs that plunge down to Katherine River. We experienced the quietude of river life, canoeing through the diverse and stunning natural world.

Thank you to Kat Hope and her connections with the Banatjarl Stongbala Wimum Community in Katherine, with whom our students enjoyed a unique half-day Homeland immersion. There, we gathered bush medicine and even had the opportunity to make our own lip balm. On our final evening in Katherine Gorge, we immersed ourselves in our Winter Festival celebration. Sitting in the delights of the circle of lights and the murmuring of the Katherine
Gorge’s wildlife, we each shared a potent event that we had experienced over the previous year. We completed our Winter Festival in silence with an intention for the coming year.

This camp was an incredibly unique opportunity for our students to experience a 26-day adventure. Beyond the destinations, it was about building relationships, supporting each other and gaining lifelong lessons. The challenges we faced along the way helped students realise just how resilient they are, and many of these lessons will guide them well beyond their school years. A huge thank you to the entire staff at Shearwater for supporting our journey and helping make this incredible experience possible. The Year 9 camp was indeed a remarkable journey of adventure, connection, and growth.

Praba Manning
Year 9 Guardian