CRADLE MOUNTAIN CAMP 2025
SENIOR HOMESTEAD
SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP
27 FEBRUARY - 6 MARCH 2025
CRADLE MOUNTAIN
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Cradle Mountain Camp is an 8-day bushwalking adventure which will take place from Thursday 27 February to Thursday 6 March 2025.
The adventure will comprise an extended bushwalk in the Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park in Central Tasmania.
Lying at the heart of the island’s mountainous interior, Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park represents some of the finest bushwalking country in Australia. Here it is possible to experience the isolation and splendour of the mountains, the challenge of the elements, and to encounter first hand why this park was nominated as part of Tasmania’s World Heritage Area.
The bushwalk will begin at Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre at the northern end of the Park. Over the 6-day hiking period, our group will make its way southward from Cradle Valley to Lake St Clair along the Overland Track. This approximately 82km walk encompasses mountain scenery unlike any found elsewhere in Australia. The walk itself can be arduous but is well within the capabilities of a fit person who is prepared to rough it for a few days (most days involve 5-6 hours of walking with heavy packs).
The Overland Track is marked and well-graded through its entire length, although some of the secondary tracks are steep and rough. Our group will need to be self-sufficient for the duration of the bushwalk and we will be required to stay in tents.
Weather permitting, we will climb Mt Ossa (the highest mountain in Tasmania) and Cradle Mountain.
The alpine environment is subject to inclement, cold and often unpredictable weather conditions. Consequently, it is essential that all students must have appropriate clothing for the experience. To this end, it is paramount that students adhere to the personal equipment list and ensure that they have waterproof rain jackets and overpants, woollen or fibrepile clothing for insulation and warmth, and thermal undergarments. A comprehensive equipment list is attached.
Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
In this booklet you will find further information regarding the camp so please read through this carefully.
If there are any further queries you may have in relation to this camp, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week!
Yours sincerely,
Mr Alasdair Ross
Cradle Mountain
Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the traditional and original owners, and continuing custodians of this land on which we gather today and acknowledge Elders - past and present.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Homestead Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
SUNSMART POLICY
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of swimming activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
NUT POLICY
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CONTACT
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022
RESPOND TO OPEROO E-FORM
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian (at your own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, ie. 3 or more hours from school.
EXTREME WEATHER POLICY
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
FIRE SEASON SAFETY
Please be aware with the unpredictability of weather patterns within Australia, this camp will be held during fire season times. In the case of a dry season, it is important that students should:
• Plan at least one no-cook meal for an event of a Total Fire Ban day/s.
• Bring fire ready clothes (longs made of natural fibres).
CRADLE MOUNTAIN CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Thursday 27 February until Thursday 6 March 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
Any students taking medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Tuesday 18 February 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
COST
The cost of this Senior Homestead Camp is approximately $1,200, which will be charged to student accounts. This cost includes airfares to and from Tasmania, coach transportation from Launceston to Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre and return to Launceston from Lake St Clair, National Park camping and track fees, ferry transportation across Lake St Clair, fuel (collected in Tasmania), as well as the camp staffing levy. This price does not include food and any clothing/equipment which may need to be purchased or hired.
TRANSPORT
Forward Journey: Students to meet at Tullamarine Airport on Thursday 27 February, 2025.
Melbourne - Launceston, Virgin (VA1362)
Check in location: Virgin Departures, Terminal 3, Tullamarine Airport.
Check in time: Meet our group at 8:00am and please be on time
Flight Departure Time: 9:40am.
Arrival in Launceston: 10:50am.
Essential reminders:
• Photo ID required - Driver’s Licence, Learner’s Permit, or Travel Concession card (Staff must have a photocopy of this too).
• No sharps to be stored on person or in hand luggage - e.g. no penknives, nail files, etc.
• Fuel bottles and stoves to be carried empty and clean, with tops off, and at the top of your back pack. Matches should not be in your pack - they can be carried in hand luggage.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables cannot be taken into Tasmania.
• A small amount of money will be required to purchase dinner on Thursday 27 February.
Return Journey: Students to be at the Virgin counter in Launceston Airport by 5:30pm on Thursday 6 March, 2025.
Launceston - Melbourne, Virgin (VA1373)
Flight Departure Time: 4:05pm.
Arrival at Tullamarine: 5:15pm.
Parent Collection Point: Virgin arrivals Terminal 3 (this is where the camp concludes).
Car-pooling:
COMPULSORY MEETINGS
We will discuss car-pooling to and from the airport during camp meetings.
In order to prepare thoroughly for this expedition, all students must attend a number of meetings. During these meetings, we will cover essential safety material, low-impact camping procedures, review and inspect essential gear (jacket, sleeping bag, boots, tent, pack, overpants, stove), discuss meal planning and inspect menu plans.
These meetings are:
1. Tuesday 4 February (Week 2, Lunchtime) in Science Project Room. Discuss travel arrangements, booklet, boots, organise tent/food groups.
Discuss gear requirements (including hire requirements - you will have to organise your own hire), safety issues, distribute booklet.
Review medical records, review safety issues.
Students will need to bring their boots, wet weather gear, pack and sleeping bag for checking.
2. Tuesday 11 February (Week 3, Lesson 4) in P2 (Outdoor Ed classroom) next to Cruden Oval. Check food arrangements and menu plans.
Checking tents (putting them up), trangia test, gear checks with Mr Ross.
3. Tuesday 18 February (Week 4, Lunchtime) in the Science Project Room.
Safety and environmental awareness issues, maps, emergency case study, final gear checks and medical information, car-pooling for airport, and any other checks with Mr Ross.
4 Tuesday 25 February (Week 5, Lunchtime) in the Science Project Room.
Final checks to make sure students have correct food, any final questions, etc. with Mr Ross.
LOCATION / ACTIVITIES
The bushwalk will begin at Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre at the northern end of the Park. Over the 6-day period, our group will make its way southward from Cradle Valley to Lake St Clair along the Overland Track. This approximately 82km walk encompasses mountain scenery unlike any found elsewhere in Australia. The walk itself can be arduous but is well within the capabilities of a fit person who is prepared to rough it for a few days (most days involve 5-6 hours of walking with heavy packs).
The Overland Track is marked and well-graded through its entire length, although some of the secondary tracks are steep and rough. Our group will need to be self-sufficient for the duration of the bushwalk and we will be required to stay in tents.
Weather permitting, we will climb Mt Ossa (the highest mountain in Tasmania) and Cradle Mountain.
ACCOMMODATION
Thursday 27 February
Virgin Flight to Launceston at 9.40am - Bus transfer for Cradle Mountain - Camping at Cradle Mountain Discovery Park, Cradle Mountain.
Friday 28 February
Shuttle bus to the start of the Overland Walk. Walk from Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley – Camp Waterfall Valley.
Saturday 1 March
Walk from Waterfall Valley to Windermere Hut - Camp at Windermere.
Sunday 2 March
Walk from Windermere Hut to New Pelion Hut – Camp at New Pelion Hut.
Monday 3 March
Walk from New Pelion Hut to Kia Ora Hut – Camp at Kia Ora.
Tuesday 4 March
Walk from Kia Ora Hut to Windy Ridge (Bert Nichols Hut) - Camp at Windy Ridge.
Wednesday 5 March
Walk from Windy Ridge Hut to Narcissus Hut – Ferry to Lake St Clair Visitors Centre – Free camping at Fergys Paddock, Lake St Clair.
Thursday 6 March
Bus transfer from Lake St Claire to Launceston Airport – Virgin Flight to Melbourne leaving at 4.05pm.
MEALS
When organising the catering for this expedition, it is necessary to put considerable thought and preparation into planning the menu and packaging the food. The emphasis should be on foods which supply the body with energy and heat. Remember that this environment can
be cold, and you will be doing a lot of physical activity. Important reminder that NO NUTS or NUT PRODUCTS are to be brought on camp, due to the risk of allergic reactions. Check packaging ingredient labels for evidence of nuts.
You will be required to take sufficient food for 7 days. You are also required to bring money for dinner on the first day and lunch on the last day.
• 7 breakfasts - For example, cereal, nut free muesli, porridge, dried fruit, cereal ‘bars’, tea, coffee, Milo.
• 7 lunches - For example, wholemeal/Lebanese bread, pita bread, dry biscuits, fruit, boiled eggs, cheese, nut free muesli bars, soup, spreads, salami.
• 6 cooked evening meals - For example, pasta dishes, rice dishes, soup, savoury pancakes, pizza (use Lebanese bread), curry dishes, etc.
A great way to include variety and still be lightweight is to make ‘sauces’ and dehydrate. A dehydrator is available in the Woodleigh kitchen. You can dehydrate almost anything – if using meat make sure that it is ‘minced’ (do not try to dehydrate diced meat – it remains inedible!) Chicken does not rehydrate very well but beef and tuna are fine.
There are commercial companies that offer a wide range of nutritious and affordable dehydrated meals. www.strivefood.com.au is an Australian online company that staff, and students have used in the past.
We will discuss menu planning and inspect your menu (see samples following). It is also essential to package your food into daily rations, clearly labelled.
Food Essentials
• Plan your menu well in advance, sampling foods beforehand (remembering the flavouring-enhancing effect of cold and fatigue).
• Buy your food well in advance – buy and package the supermarket food the weekend before camp and the fresh food the day before we leave.
• Measure out the food and package it up separately, with each meal bundled up together. For example, how much rice/pasta per person per meal? Have you mixed your milk powder into your nut free muesli already? Eat your heaviest food first. Discard any unnecessary packaging.
• You MUST have warm food that is easy and quick to cook, based on using one trangia between 2 people.
Sample food list
Breakfast (for one person)
Instant porridge x 2, plus dried milk x2
Nut free Muesli x 3, plus dried milk x 3
Weetbix and sultanas, plus dried milk x 2
Ryvitas x 14
Honey, jam in tubes (carefully!)
Hot chocolate sachets x 7
Lunch (for one person)
Mountain bread x 24 slices
Cheese - some long life, but fresh is fine (blue, cheddar, havarti, brie, tasty)
Salami - (not sliced), keeps fresher
Sun-dried tomatoes
Olives
Dips
Tuna sachets (no tins)
Snacks (for one person)
Nut-free Muesli bars x 3
Chocolate
Dried fruit x 6
De-hydrated yoghurt straps
Drinks
Hot chocolate sachets - morning and night
Coffee
Tea
Dinner (for two people) - all main meals de-hydrated at school
Soups x 12
Curried veggies and quick rice, banana custard (de-hydrated bananas and instant custard)
Pasta and veggie sauce, fruit cake (warmed) with instant custard
Chilli and burritos (heated in foil), apple crumble (warmed dried fruit with nut free muesli)
Curried lamb and rice, rice pudding (boiled rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon)
Curried tuna, veggies and pasta, rice pudding
Laksa and noodles, stewed fruit
Explore your supermarket for quick food - for example, fancy soups, Oat Temptations, hot choc custard (custard + Milo), tuna in sealed packs.
De-hydrating is great, cook, and bring to school to de-hydrate in the school kitchen. Takes at least 24 hours - veggies dehydrate well. Soak for 15 - 20 minutes in hot water to re-hydrate (not too much, only enough to wet) - quick heat and eat. No preparation and tastes much better than ‘Pasta Plus’.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
The weather conditions in the park are highly variable. We may have very hot days, driving rain or snow. To reduce the risk of hypothermia you must be adequately clothed for the conditions that may be encountered. In selecting clothing remember that:
• In cold weather the most important items of clothing are those which provide insulation. Layers of clothing keep you warm by trapping air between them.
• Wool retains most of its insulation value when wet. Wool or fibrepile type clothing is essential for this experience.
• Jeans and other cotton clothing absorb water easily and are very cold when wet. These must NOT be brought.
Personal Equipment
• Goretex waterproof jacket with a hood (essential). Must be Goretex and have a good hood and be completely waterproof and windproof.
• Overpants. These must be waterproof and made from durable fabric. Nylon is OK and cheap.
• Quick dry hike pants. ‘Zip-off’ versions of these are quite useful. Do NOT bring cotton tracksuit pants or jeans.
• Two light woollen or fibrepile jumpers. Two light jumpers are warmer than one heavy jumper.
• Quick dry t-shirt and shorts. Whilst bushwalking you are likely to get quite hot, 2 t-shirts and shorts would be appropriate clothing.
• Gloves. A light pair of woollen or thermal gloves.
• Peaked cap/brimmed hat. Keeps the sun, wind, sleet and possibly snow from your face.
• Woollen/fleece beanie. Nights are likely to be cool. Wool or fleece are essential for warmth.
• Boots. Comfortable, well-worn, sturdy walking boots that cover the ankle. Despite the many duck boarded sections, there are many ankle-breaking tracks with rocks and tree roots, not to mention perhaps walking through snow. Good boots are essential.
• Socks (woollen/nylon mix-80% wool). 3-4 pairs of trekking socks - do NOT bring cotton.
• Thermal Underwear. Try the local op shop for woollen long-johns and singlets. Specialist thermal underwear made from polypropylene or chlorofibre is readily available and effective but is relatively expensive, e.g. Holeproof, Thermalite and Peter Storm. Cotton thermal underwear should NOT be taken.
• Water bottle (camelback optional). You need to be able to carry 2 litres of water.
• Whistle on a string. To be carried at all times.
• Matches. Two boxes to be kept in waterproof containers (e.g. Greenlight matches in old film case).
• Pocket Knife (useful). Must be collapsible blade, i.e. Swiss army knife. No sheath knives.
• Compass (optional).
• First Aid Kit (essential). Personal needs such as safety pins, blister treatment, elastoplast, elastic bandage, triangular bandage, sunscreen and lip balm/moisturiser (essential) and knee/ankle bandages. Staff will not carry sufficient items for all of the group - we will only carry emergency first aid.
• Sunglasses (essential).
• Spare Clothes. A set of clothing should be kept dry at all times. For example spare thermals, jumper and socks.
• Pack. Must be durable and large enough to carry everything including your share of group items such as the tent – you cannot plan to hand carry items. You must practise packing everything in before we leave. The standard measure of weight is 1/4 – 1/3 (max) of your body weight. Pack must have a waist strap that takes two-thirds of your pack weight on your hips. Should have an internal frame.
• Sleeping Bag. Down is best for warmth. A compressor stuff sack, available from bushwalking shops, will help minimise the bulk. Must be carried in a waterproof bag inside pack.
• Sleeping bag liner (optional). Increases the warmth of your bag.
• Sleeping Mat. Insulates against the cold. Closed cell mat or thermarest is suitable.
• Torch. A small, lightweight torch is essential. Carry spare batteries and reverse batteries inside torch when not in use to prevent wastage. Headlamps are preferred.
• Utensils. Mug, plate, knife, fork and spoon.
• Camera. Optional - use plastic bags to keep dry or bring disposable camera.
• Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, etc. Number ‘ones’ and ‘twos’ must be done 100 metres from any watercourse. NO SOAP! Hiking towel useful.
• Nylon cord (Blind cord). For tent guys, laces, clothes line, etc.
• Pack liner. Plastic bags to keep your gear dry. The orange garbage bags are very good. Carry spares. Your pack must be lined.
Group Equipment
• Two/three person tent. A waterproof tent is essential. Huts can only be used in an emergency. Dome or tunnel are best but not essential. Check pegs and poles before you leave (we will practise erecting the tents).
• Stove. Trangia essential. Fuel for the stoves cannot be carried on the plane. We will purchase fuel in Tasmania.
• Fuel Bottle. Sigg type bottles are the best - must be leakproof. Carry empty for plane. (We will collect 1 litre of metho per group at Cradle Mountain).
• Plastic pot scourer and tea towel that should fit inside Trangia.
• Food. Sufficient amount for the trip plus one reserve. (More about this later).
FIRST AID AND HYPOTHERMIA
HYPOTHERMIA
A lowering of the body core temperature due to a combination of wind, wet and cold conditions, fatigue, inadequate clothing, hunger and anxiety. Signs and symptoms include exhaustion, cold, numb skin (particularly toes and fingers), shivering, slurred speech, irrational and violent behaviour, lethargy, stumbling, dizzy spells, muscle cramps and violent outbursts of energy. If the problem is not recognised and treated promptly, then unconsciousness and death may follow.
Prevention
• Be prepared for cold, wet and windy conditions.
• Wear warm and waterproof clothing to protect all parts of the body, including hands, feet, neck and head.
• Be physically fit and do not overtax yourself.
• Eat a good meal before the trip and high energy snacks during it.
• Never walk alone - always remain with the group.
• Stop and take shelter if early signs of hypothermia appear.
Treatment
• Erect a shelter (e.g. tent) over the patient to insulate and prevent further heat loss.
• Remove wet, outer (but not inner) clothing layer and replace with warm dry clothes.
• Place patient in a sleeping bag with another group member if possible, or place others either side in separate sleeping bags. Insulate patient’s bag from the ground.
• If conscious, give warm drinks and quick energy foods.
• If unconscious, do not give food or drinks, send for medical aid urgently. If breathing fails, give mouth to mouth resuscitation.
• The patient should not be moved until either fully recovered or medical aid arrives.
• All handling of the patient should be kept to an absolute minimum and performed very gently.
• Do not rub patient’s skin, place near a fire or remove clothing whilst still exposed to the wind.
BLISTERS
Caused by a constant rubbing of different layers of skin which eventually separate to form a bubble or even raw, exposed skin. Usual problem areas are the feet through badly fitting shoes. Blisters are easy to acquire and can be very debilitating – you cannot ignore them as the whole group will be affected if you cannot walk.
Prevention
You must attend to blisters at the first sign of trouble.
• Wear a light, thin pair of socks (not stretch nylon) under a thick, heavy pair of woollen socks.
• Wear snug fitting boots and keep feet clean and dry.
• Apply “Leukoplast” tape over potential blister areas or at the first sign of ‘hot’ spots.
Treatment
• Wash and dry affected area.
• Apply tape directly over blister.
• If blister has burst, then cover with dressing and protect from further rubbing.
• There are blister packs available from pharmacies and outdoor shops which students have found very useful in the past.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
This condition is usually caused by physical exertion during prolonged exposure to heat – your body simply overheats. Signs and symptoms include: exhaustion, headache, dizziness, nausea and restlessness. Face will be pale, skin cold and clammy, breathing fast and shallow, pulse is rapid and weak. If untreated, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke (hyperthermia). Symptoms include: dry, flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, muscle spasms and unconsciousness. Treat as for hypothermia but include rapid cooling such as immersion in water – seek medical aid urgently.
Prevention
• Take it easy in hot weather and drink plenty of water, keep cool by wetting clothes and wearing a wide brimmed hat.
Treatment
• Stop, rest, cool (shelter and cool quickly using water and fanning, re-hydrate fully).
SNAKES
There are three varieties, all are venomous but rarely attack unless provoked. Most bites occur when people try to kill snakes (this is illegal in national parks where all wildlife is protected) or when they are accidentally stepped on. Snakes are particularly active during mating season (Feb – March). If you see a snake, give it a wide berth.
Treatment
If someone in your party is bitten, treatment is:
• Keep them at rest lying down. Do not permit them to move. Don’t wash or cut the bitten area. The majority of the venom is likely to be on the surface of the skin. Cutting or washing may allow more venom to enter the wound.
• Immediately apply a firm pressure bandage to the site all the way down the limb to the fingers or toes and back up to cover the entire limb if possible. The bandage should be firm but not tight; a pulse should be discernible beyond the bandaged area. Immobilise the affected limb by splinting. Do not apply a tourniquet as these can cause tissue damage at the site and lead to the loss of the limb.
• Reassure the patient - death from snakebite is very uncommon. Observe the airway and breathing during treatment. If breathing stops apply emergency resuscitation. Leave the bandage on and either transport the patient to the nearest medical facility (only if nearby) or send a maximum of two people out to raise the alarm. When sending people to get help, make sure they have written details on the patient and the party (name, sex, age, condition, treatment, time of bite, party’s resources etc.).
IMPORTANT: Do not kill the snake for identification - the same anti-venom is used for all snakes in Tasmania.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
What to do if you are lost or separated from the group:
• As soon as you realise that you are lost, follow the three rules:
1. STAY WHERE YOU ARE
2.STAY WHERE YOU ARE
3. STAY WHERE YOU ARE
• Seek shelter - set up your tent if you are carrying it or shelter behind trees or rocks.
• Distress signals: three signals together, regularly spaced or anything that will attract attention, e.g. smoke, whistles, flashing of mirror or torch, or by distinctive waving of clothing.
• The best place for your survival camp is on the edge of a clearing, where you can easily move out from the shelter to attract attention.
• Wait for rescue. Helicopters may be called in to rescue you in extreme conditions. Keep well clear of the helicopter’s landing area and await instructions from the pilot.
• DO NOT PANIC!!
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
• Use of Huts - Only to be used in an emergency.
• Rubbish - this should never be buried in the bush. All rubbish will be taken out of the park.
• Toilets - the pit toilets provided at the huts should always be used. Where toilets are not provided, human waste should preferably be buried in the ground, well away from huts and water sources. If such a disposal is a problem (as it often is) toilet areas should be clearly defined and located away from walking areas and among vegetation that will screen the wastes.
The group will view a number of videos as preparation for the camp. These deal with both safety and correct use of the National Park.
DO NOT BRING
Valuables, cameras or any articles that you don't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, electronic devices, laptops or iPads.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones may be brought for the purposes of contacting parents regarding arrival times back at school. They will not be required for any other purpose during the week. A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone policy will be in effect throughout the week.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this remote alpine hiking camp, and while safety ratios and requirements will be strictly followed, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions, including cold temperatures, snow, and high winds.
• Soft tissue injuries, sprains, or fractures due to uneven terrain and elevation changes.
• Limited access to immediate medical support due to remote location.
• Students becoming lost or disoriented.
Woodleigh
• Communication delays in emergency situations due to limited network coverage.
• Complications arising from a pre-existing medical condition.
To mitigate these risks, we will:
• Require students to bring appropriate alpine safety clothing and equipment (a detailed list will be provided).
• Use experienced guides familiar with the alpine environment and emergency protocols.
• Monitor weather conditions closely, adjusting the program as needed for safety.
• Conduct route planning and provide orientation to ensure students are prepared for remote conditions.
• Maintain strict supervision and group management to minimise the chance of students becoming lost.
• Check student medical records prior to the camp and ask parents to update health information on Operoo. Parents will be contacted before camp if there are any questions or concerns.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• As a Senior Student at Woodleigh School participating in the Homestead Camps program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount.
Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• Particular adherence to the advice of staff, airline staff and specialist providers is required. This is especially important in relation to accommodation security.
• Adherence to meeting times is very important.
• It is courteous to be respectful and positive at all events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• The safety of all participants is paramount.
• Never leave the campsite without the permission of a staff member.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• No-one is to enter anyone else's tent before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's tent if the people in that group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
• Students will be required to maintain individual and group equipment.
CRADLE MOUNTAIN PROGRAM
Note: All times may be subject to change. Proposed itinerary is dependent on suitable weather conditions. Walking times are a very general guide only, they will vary according to fitness, pace, weather and track conditions, they do not include any time for stops.
DAY Time Program
8.00am
Meet our group at Virgin Departures, Terminal 3, Tullamarine Airport.
9.30am Depart Melbourne - Launceston, Virgin Flight VA1362.
Thursday
10.35am Arrival in Launceston. Collect baggage and depart airport.
11.00am
Friday
Saturday
Approx 9.00am
Travel to Cradle Mountain Discovery Park, Cradle Mountain. Collect cooking fuel at Cradle Mountain. Accommodation in tents.
Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley, (3 ½ - 5 hours, 11 km), possible sidewalk up Cradle Mountain (1 - 1 ½ hours, 340m ascent).
Approx 9.00am
Sunday Approx 9.00am
Waterfall Valley to Windermere Hut (3 hours, 8km), possible sidewalk up Barn Bluff.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Approx 9.00am
Approx 9.00am
Windermere Hut to New Pelion Hut (5 hours, 16km).
Thursday
New Pelion Hut to Kia Ora Hut (3 hours, 8km), possible sidewalk up Mt Ossa (4 hours, 307m ascent).
Kia Ora Hut to Windy Ridge Hut (4 hours, 10km), possible sidewalk to Fergusson Falls (1 hour, 1km).
Approx 7.30am Windy Ridge Hut to Narcissus Hut (3 hours, 9.5 km).
11.30am
Meet Ferry at Narcissus Hut and travel to Cynthia Bay – Free camping at Fergy’s Paddock near the Lake St Clair Visitors Centre.
10.30am Bus departs Cynthia Bay for Launceston.
1.30pm Arrive Launceston Airport.
4.05pm Depart Launceston - Melbourne, Virgin Flight (VA1373).
5.10pm Arrival at Tullamarine. Collected from airport (own transport required).
Note: All times may be subject to change.
MEAL SAMPLE
Meal/Day Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs
Breakfast Breakfast at home Instant oats & dried fruit
Ryvitas & spreads (honey, jam, Vegemite – in tubes) Oat Temptations Nut-free muesli Weetbix Oats Ryvitas & spreads
Lunch Mountain bread / pita bread & fillings – cheese (fresh or long-life), salami, dips, sun dried tomatoes, olives, veggies (carrot, celery), oranges, dried fruit.
Dinner
Drinks / Snacks
Dinner at Cradle Mountain Discovery Park
Soup / curried veg & rice / banana custard
Soup / pasta & sauce / fruit cake & custard
Chilli & burritos / apple crumble Curried lamb & rice / stewed fruit
Curried tuna, veg & pasta / rice pudding Vegetable pasta / chocolate mousse Arrive back in Melbourne
Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, Tang, nut free muesli bars, dehydrated yoghurt straps, etc.
Notes
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
