Dryandra Camp

There was much excitement in the air as Class 4 boarded the bus for our very first camp away from school!  We were off on an adventure to the Dryandra eucalypt woodland near Narrogin to deepen our understanding of native flora and fauna, Noongar culture and our own place in the wider world.  Pencils and clip boards were out to note down the names of the towns we passed through, so that we could accurately map the extent of our travels upon return.

After a rainy recess in Kojonup and lunch stop in Narrogin we finally began to see the rolling farmland give way to the remnant forest of the largest remaining eucalypt woodland in the wheat belt.  We were amazed to think that this was what this land used to look like.  It was like a precious time capsule!

After our arrival at the Lion’s Village and settling into our Nissan hut dorms, we set off on a 5km bush walk through the wandoo and powder bark trees.  The aptly named ‘Ochre Trail’ led us through a stunningly beautiful landscape that culminated in an ochre mine used by Noongar people.  There was lots of interpretive signage along the way that gave a rich indigenous perspective to what we were experiencing.  We took care to tread lightly and be as quiet as 16 children and 4 adults can be, and were rewarded with sightings of a native marsupial mouse, a wallaby and a Rufus treecreeper!

After a delicious dinner prepared by our intrepid caterers Haikam and Steve, Class 4 had a fairly good night’s rest that night (possum parties aside).  The next day after a hearty breakfast and an early morning exploration around the camp, we once again placed ourselves in the reliable hands of our bus driver and navigator Hendy.  He led us on a pilgrimage to the Noongar sacred site of Boyagin Rock.  It is hard to put the sheer presence of this extraordinary place into words.  We had read the stories and heard the tales of the local Elders, but being there and walking on that boodja was a profound experience.  We were so impressed and proud of the reverence that the children held for the whole time we were there.

After a big day we had an even bigger night with the final highlight of our trip.  A nocturnal tour of the ‘Barna Mia’ wildlife sanctuary.  After a quick introductory talk we ventured out into one of the two huge wildlife enclosures, hoping to be lucky enough to see something special if we kept our eyes peeled.  As it turned out, we were immediately surrounded by woylies, malas, possums and a quenda!  What a show they put on!  Hearts were won and an appreciation for the importance of conservation was gently gifted to the children.  The guides were impressed with Class 4’s knowledge of native fauna and we received a lovely compliment from the other tour group that was there that night about our behaviour and engagement with the topic.

Needless to say, we slept well* that night.  The next morning it was time to pack up and say goodbye to the family of tawny frog-mouths in the tree and the partying possums in the roof.  As a reward for their fabulous behaviour we had lunch at the giant, all ages playground in Katanning.  No children broke any bones but breakthroughs in courage most certainly were made.  No adults actually had a real heart attack either, it just felt like it when we saw the height of the slides!

Finally, we all arrived back safe and sound, from what was an incredible journey.  We can’t thank our parent helpers enough for going above and beyond in their efforts to make this a special experience for our children.  Kimberly for her calm and loving presence, keeping us all sane.  Hendy for his excellent driving and navigation, keeping us all safe.  Haikam and Steve for putting on the best camp food ever!

Well done Class 4!  Where to next?

Renee and Ashley