OES gets to know the Yarra River

During the last two weeks of February, our VCE Unit 3 & 4 Outdoor and Environmental Studies students have been busy on a trip exploring Melbourne and the Yarra River.

The trip focuses on considering human relationships with the landscape throughout history. As a part of this, students investigate historical gold mining sites near Warrandyte before jumping on river sleds to explore the Yarra River and Pound Bend Tunnel.

The next part of the trip involves cycling as students follow the Main Yarra River Trail into the city staying overnight at the Collingwood Children’s Farm.

As well as mining history, the students investigate Indigenous relationships with the river as a contrast to attitudes held during colonisation and industrialisation. Part of this includes a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria and lunch at Melbourne’s Southbank to finish off a busy three days.

Both groups continued through mixed weather conditions for an enjoyable experience and a different perspective of Melbourne.