This term, our Year 6 students swapped classroom walls for wide open skies as they embarked on the 2025 Outback Safari. Over nine unforgettable days, they explored the landscapes, culture, and stories that make regional Queensland so unique.

The adventure kicked off with a long journey to Emerald, where students rolled out their swags for the first of many communal overnight stays. From there, the group travelled through Rubyvale, Longreach and Winton, immersing themselves in history, science, and Aussie bush life along the way.

Along the journey, students:

• Ventured underground at Rubyvale’s Miner’s Heritage Walk-In Mine and fossicked for their own sapphires
• Stood beneath the iconic Tree of Knowledge in Barcaldine
• Rode aboard the Great Darr River Rail Run for billy tea, damper and bush tales
• Explored aviation history at the Qantas Founders Museum and stepped into the past at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame
• Fed pigs, cracked whips and toured Camden Park Station with Outback Dan and the Walker family
• Took in the spectacular night sky at the Gondwana Observatory
• Discovered prehistoric giants at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs
• Walked in Banjo Paterson’s footsteps at the Waltzing Matilda Centre
• Made music at Winton’s famous Musical Fence, posed at the Winton sign and admired Arno’s Wall
• Connected with the community at Barty’s Place Open Day, performing proudly for locals and enjoying poetry from Gregory North
• Relaxed with friends at Winton’s outdoor cinema under the stars watching Paper Planes.

Whether they were pitching tents, preparing meals at sunrise, or strolling through outback town centres, our students embraced each moment with curiosity, resilience, and teamwork. Even when some students were resting due to illness, their spirit and positivity shone through, while the rest of the group continued with enthusiasm and energy.

The journey wrapped up with a shared evening of reflection under the outback sky – a fitting end to an adventure filled with laughter, discovery, and personal growth.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff, parent volunteers and community members who helped make this outback experience possible.

Tiffany Henry, Alyssa Arenson, Diane Harris, Sarah Finch and Christel Radisavlyevic | Year 6 Team