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Stage 2 Outdoor Pursuits Kayak Trip – South Para Reservoir

In 2023, Year 11 students have been given the opportunity to study a new subject with “Outdoor Pursuits” replacing “Outdoor Education”.  This subject still enables students to attend camps, however a new curriculum means assessment tasks can be more flexible and tailored to student interests.

The recent flooding of the Murray River meant that campsites along the river were out of bounds for school groups.  Therefore, some flexibility in planning was required.

South Para Reservoir lies in the Adelaide Hills, near the town of Williamstown and the Barossa Valley.  With several of the state’s reservoirs now open to the public for recreational use, South Para seemed to be a perfect location for a new adventure.

After a 2-hour drive we found ourselves on the reservoir bank, with kayaks loaded, safety checks complete and rain jackets packed.  Riley Beech ran us through a fishing workshop whereby we were taught how to rig up a tracer, in an effort to catch some of the many fish that inhabit these waters.  The hills provided a spectacular back drop as we meandered around the shoreline, discovering hidden bays suitable for a break to take in the tranquility.  The most challenging part of the day was getting the group to move on as catching the biggest Perch proved one of the main class goals.

Group work and decision making were focuses for the students as they navigated to a small island to set up for lunch and participate in more fishing.   Winding our way back, the fish started biting as Rex Monger pulled in 3 Perch within 20mins, comfortably winning the competition.

Camp for the night was on private property in a picturesque paddock backing onto the Warren Reservoir.  With a fire set and some dinner cooked, the class engaged in some games of spotlight before retiring for the night.

This term sees students competing in a “Master Chef” camp cooking competition and working together to plan and participate in a multi-day bushwalk.

Thanks to Mr Wood for his assistance during the trip.

Mr Glen Williams, Teacher