THREE CAPES WALK CAMP 2025
SENIOR HOMESTEAD
SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP
3-7 MARCH 2025
THREE CAPES WALK
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Three Capes walk is a 4-night 4-day bushwalk that will take place from Monday 3 until Friday 7 March 2025.
The adventure comprises the iconic 4-day Three Capes bushwalk in South East Tasmania, on the Tasman Peninsula.
You, a pack, and 48 kilometres of cliff-hugging wilderness in Australia's far south-east. The next stop is Antarctica. Tasmania's Three Capes Track is not about getting from point A to point B. It’s about the journey. Few places on Earth remain that feel so remote, so raw, so removed from the ordinary.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service’s ambitious track is an artwork rivalled only by the landscape.
World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is your start point and the beautiful Fortescue Bay is where you will end. A purpose-built Pennicott Wilderness Journeys' boat delivers you to the track start. Any migratory whales, dolphins or fur seals are complimentary. Pack light; the overnight stops are equipped with gas cooktops, comfy mattresses and generous dining tables where new friendships may forge.
They say walking can be transformative and this is Tasmania's natural pathway. Four days and four nights on a track so meticulously crafted you're free to enjoy your experience rather than watching every step. Look up, look out, look within.
Walk side by side up mosaic stone steps and let nature’s drama unfold. Here, your senses will be refreshed and your heart will skip a beat (regularly). Stand on nature’s edge. Hear the silence and be overcome with awe. Move through shadows of tall eucalypt forest and colourful coastal heath. The Tasman Sea is your constant.
As part of this journey we will fly to Hobart airport on Monday 3 March, be transferred to Port Arthur to begin our journey, finishing with an overnight camp at Fortescue Bay and a final shuttle for our return to Hobart airport on Friday 7 March.
This hike is an intermediate hike and requires students to be fit, comfortable carrying a pack and capable of cooking for themselves each night in the amazing Three Capes Huts. Students will need to carry a tent and Trangia’s for our last night camping in Fortescue Bay.
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 David Baker
Three Capes Walk Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the traditional and original owners, and continuing custodians of the land on which we will gather and acknowledge Elders - past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
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:
• 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).
THREE CAPES WALK CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Monday 3 - Friday 7 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 8.00am-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 activities, admissions, accommodation and airfares.
It is recommended that students bring a small amount of money for snacks on the first and last days.
TRANSPORT
Forward Journey: Students to meet at Tullamarine Airport on Monday 3 March 2025.
Melbourne - Hobart Qantas QF1291
Check in location: Qantas Terminal 1, Tullamarine Airport.
Check in time: Meet our group at 7.00am and please be on time.
Flight Departure Time: 8.20am.
Arrival in Hobart: 9.40am.
Charter Bus: 10.00am (from Hobart Airport to Port Arthur).
Essential reminders:
• Photo ID required - Driver’s License, 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.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables cannot be taken into Tasmania.
Return Journey: Students to be at the Qantas counter in Hobart Airport by 1.00pm on Friday 7 March 2025.
Hobart - Melbourne, Qantas QF1294
Charter Bus: 11.00am (from Fortescue Bay Camp Ground to Hobart Aiport)
Check in location: Terminal D Hobart Airport
Flight Departure Time: 2.25pm
Arrival at Tullamarine: 3.50pm
Parent Collection Point: Arrange to be collected at the end of camp at Tullamarine, at 4.00pm on Friday 7 Marchthis is where the camp concludes.
Car-pooling: It makes a lot of sense to carpool to and from the airport. We will discuss this in our meetings.
LOCATION & ACCOMMODATION
Overnight stops are within environmentally-sensitive cabins. Mattresses in the sleeping quarters are a welcome surprise. Shared dining hubs are equipped with heating, gas cooktops, tables and seating. Outside, relax on the panoramic decks and enjoy the staggering views. Students will camp on the fourth night at Fortescue Bay Camp Ground. They will need to carry tents, sleeping mattress and cooking equipment for this night.
MEALS
When organising meals for this Camp, it is necessary to put considerable preparation and planning into the menu and packaging. The emphasis should be on foods which supply the body with energy. Remember that 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 and ingredient labels for evidence of nuts.
You will be required to take sufficient food for 5 days. It is also suggested that you bring money for snacks on the first and last days.
• 4 breakfasts – for example, cereal, nut free muesli, porridge, dried fruit, cereal bars, tea, coffee, milo.
• 5 lunches – for example, wraps, biscuits, Lebanese bread, fruit, boiled eggs, cheese, nut free museli bars, soup, spreads, salami.
• 4 cooked evening meals – for example dehydrated pasta, rice dishes, soup, savoury pancakes, pizza, curry 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.
Check out www.strivefood.com.au
We will discuss menu planning during our camp meetings.
Food Essentials:
• Plan your menu well in advance, sampling foods beforehand.
• 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 before we go.
• You must have warm food that is easy and quick to cook, based on using one trangia between two people.
Explore your supermarket for quick food. For example, fancy soups, oat temptations, hot choc custard, tuna in sealed sachets.
Dehydrating is great for dinners.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
The weather conditions in the park are highly variable. We may have very hot days, driving rain and wind. 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 (or similar) 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 (it can be cold in the evenings or during extreme weather).
• 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. 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.
• Plastic pot scourer and tea towel that should fit inside Trangia.
• Food. Sufficient amount for the trip plus one reserve. (More about this later).
GEAR CHECK
You will need to bring to school the following gear to check with us on Tuesday 11 February (Lesson 4) in the Science Project Room:
• Boots.
• Sleeping Bag.
• Wet weather gear (overpants and jacket).
• Pack.
• Tent.
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.
ACTIVITIES
Track Notes: https://www.threecapestrack.com.au/index.html
The Three Capes Track can be admired walking in one direction. You can expect under foot many surfaces including timber boardwalk, gravel and stone steps, with creative story-seats along the way to enrich your journey. When you check-in, you'll receive your complimentary Encounters on the Edge guidebook, which includes daily walk notes, maps and 40 extraordinary stories to match your story-seats. Walkers are required to stay one night in each overnight stop – cabins and quarters are architecturally conceived to capture nature’s best side.
Overnight stops are within environmentally-sensitive cabins. Mattresses in the sleeping quarters are a welcome surprise. Shared dining hubs are equipped with heating, gas cooktops, tables and seating. Outside, relax on the panoramic decks and enjoy the staggering views.
The Three Capes Track cabins are designed to be simple and elegant with minimal environmental impact.
More information:
Day 1: Leave it all behind… 4km, 1.5 – 2 hrs
Your Three Capes Track Pass includes complimentary entry to the Port Arthur Historic Site (winner of Australia's Best Cultural Tourism and Major Tourist Attraction) for 2 years. If time permits, we will explore the historic site prior to boarding our boat.
Eco-cruise aboard The Blade
Your walk begins with an eco-cruise aboard a purpose-built vessel. Explore coves and the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere en route to Denmans Cove for a 75-minute journey.
The salty air is a taste of what's to come.
Denmans cove is a stunning natural bay with shifting sands and water flows running from the creek. On some occasions you will need to step down into water with a short wade ashore. On day one, it’s a good idea to pack your towel at the top of your bag and/or wear shorts, zip-off walking pants or trousers that can be rolled above your knees.
During September through to December you may encounter knee-high waters, depending on where sandbanks have formed, it’s all part of the adventure!
Your two-hour walk leads through Eucalypt woodland and coastal heath to Surveyors cabin. This is the part where you stop, unlace and breathe it all in. Upon arrival take a seat on the panoramic deck and take in the magnificent view out to Cape Raoul.
Day 2: Colour and contrast… 11km, 4 – 4.5 hrs
Today is a day of contrasts. Revel in the fragrant eucalypt forests, be captivated by the colourful heathlands, and stride across bronzed moorlands. Your short climb to Arthur's Peak gives staggering views across sparkling Crescent Bay and beyond to Cape Raoul. Feel the space around you expand as you descend from the forested slopes of Crescent Mountain to cross the broad, windswept Ellarwey Valley. Retreat to the shelter of the forest to finally wander into your Munro cabin haven. On nature's big screen this evening - the drama of Munro Bight and Cape Hauy.
Day 3: Take your breath away 19km, 6 hrs
Day three, sea cliffs plunge beneath your feet. The same way they've done for eons. Front row seats to their epic vista are worthy of today's longer kilometres. Look across to Tasman Island as you take on the challenge of scaling The Blade at Cape Pillar. The track returns to Munro, allowing you to leave your pack at the cabin and walk out and back with a light day pack. Continue on through fragrant forest and heathland to Retakunna cabin. Restorative views of Mount Fortescue – tomorrow’s climb – fade into your final nightfall.
Day 4: Up, over, out and back 14km, 6 – 7 hrs
Rise early for the final climb, Mount Fortescue, before venturing out to the tip of Cape Hauy. Here, you may catch a glimpse of brave rock climbers tackling the Totem Pole and other dolerite columns, while islands rise up from the sea. It's mostly downhill from this point, where the white sands of Fortescue Bay await. Set up camp and enjoy a warm shower and rest before departure the next day.
Day 5:
Pick up by bus from Fortescue Bay Camping Ground and transfer to Hobart Airport for the return trip to Melbourne.
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 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 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.
• 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 safety clothing and equipment (a detailed list will be provided).
• Use experienced staff familiar with the 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 is required. This is especially important in relation to safety and accommodation security.
• Meeting times must be strictly observed. (Students must meet staff at each venue before the scheduled meeting time.)
• During set periods of unsupervised time, you must remain in a group of 3 (inform staff of the members of your group).
• 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.
• When travelling to and from venues, you must be in groups of at least 3.
• Never leave the accommodation/venue 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 sleeping areas before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's sleeping area if the people in that group are there, and invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
We encourage every student to bring cards, etc. to play with their peers during these down times.
Some students may wish to go to sleep earlier, we are living in a close group with peers and staff. Respecting each other’s privacy and being quiet is of the utmost importance.
UNSUPERVISED TIMES
At times you will be unsupervised when walking. At these times the following will apply:
• Students will be in groups of at least 3.
• Students are to remain on the designated tracks at all times.
• Students are to ensure they wait at designated rest points.
• In the event a student becomes lost, they should remain where they are and blow their whistle intermittently until help arrives. Do not try to find your way back to the track.
THREE CAPES WALK CAMP PROGRAM
TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Morning
8.20am Depart Melbourne Airport.
9.40am Arrive Hobart.
10.00am Bus to Port Arthur.
9.00am Depart for 11km 4-4.5 hour walk.
8.00am Depart for Cape Pillar leaving packs behind.
8.00am Depart for the final climb – Mount Fortescue.
Pack up camp! 11.00am bus to Hobart Airport.
Afternoon
2.00pm Boat to Denmans Cove. 3.00pm 4km walk to Surveyors Cabin. Arrive Munro Cabin. Explore the drama of Munro Bight and Cape Hauy.
Return to Munro hut to collect packs and walk on to Retakunna cabin. Set up camp.
2.25pm Depart Hobart Airport.
3.50pm Arrive Melbourne Airport. Parents to collect students.
Evening
4.30pm Arrive Surveyors Cabin and explore.
Dinner. Dinner. Explore. Make new friends. Restorative views of Mount Fortescue. Dinner. Rest. Enjoy a warm shower.
Dinner & rest for departure the next day. Home.
Note: All times or activities may be subject to change.
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
