OUTDOOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Students begin their OEE journey close to home, spending time on and around the Derbal Yaragan (Swan River) and in local bush land. These day programs introduce cultural learning with Traditional Custodians, paddling, nature exploration and creative bush-based activities. Students learn to feel comfortable outdoors while beginning to appreciate the significance of local Country.

Students enjoy their first two-night camp under the canopy of jarrah and marri trees in Dwellingup. With gentle guidance, they learn foundational camping and cooking skills, explore the river by paddle, spend time with Traditional Owners and build familiarity with being away from home in a supportive environment.

Over three days in Wooditjup, students move between forest, river and coastline as they walk sections of the Cape to Cape Track, explore Ngilgi Cave, canoe Margaret River and snorkel the lagoon at Yallingup. Sleeping in expedition tents for the first time and learning Trangia cooking prepares them for the adventures of Senior Years OEE.

Students return to Margaret River for a four-day expedition-style camp. Carrying their own packs, they walk coastal tracks, paddle the Blackwood River and spend time among towering karri forests. A cultural experience with a Wadandi Elder helps deepen their connection to Country and builds confidence for future expeditions. 

Based in the Walpole Wilderness Area, students take part in a five-day journey that alternates between paddling and short walks as they move to a new campsite each day. Bush art, nature photography and an educational inlet tour add layers of creativity and environmental learning, while students refine their camping and teamwork skills. 

The culminating OEE experience takes students to the remote landscape of Wooleen Station on Wajarri Country. Over six days, they walk through ancient terrain, visit cultural sites, spend time with Traditional Owners and sleep under vast outback night skies. With short walking days and time for art, weaving and river swims, this journey emphasises connection, reflection and appreciation for the natural world. 

Beyond the annual year-level camps, students from Years 9 to 12 can take part in a range of optional OEE Extension Programs that deepen their outdoor skills, broaden their cultural understanding and open up some of Western Australia’s most remarkable landscapes. These small-group journeys allow students to step further into remote environments, connect with Traditional Custodians, and explore niche interests such as photography, sea kayaking, environmental conservation and community service. 

Each program is designed to continue the OEE philosophy of consistent, positive time in nature — encouraging students to explore with purpose, develop confidence in the outdoors and appreciate the stories and histories of the places we visit. 

An experience that appeals to both the adventurous and creative, we are proud to offer such a unique program that helps redefine the word ‘camp’. The eight-day workshop encapsulates the essence of OEE at MLC by allowing students to engage with nature in a fun, creative and positive way. It is offered to students in Years 9 to 11 and takes place over the School Holidays, touring across the WA Outback and stopping in at places of cultural and natural importance. Students are encouraged to explore both the technical aspects of photography whilst being immersed in the expansive and mesmerising Australian landscape. 

Offered to Years 10 to 12 students, this is an eight-day trip to the UNESCO listed Gutharruguda Shark Bay World Heritage area. One of the more adventurous trips we offer, this Sea Kayaking expedition sees the group paddle over 100km through the wildlife rich waters of the Shark Bay coastline. In preparation for the trip, the group spend a Term planning and practicing their sea kayaking skills along the Perth coast. Once in Shark Bay the group paddle along the coast camping on the beach each night, encountering amazing marine life including dugongs, sharks, rays, dolphins, turtles and more. The rich cultural history of the area is another highlight, with many stories of First Nations people and European explorers to be told and talked about while sitting around the fire each night. 

In partnership with Christ Church Grammar School, this immersion experience takes students to the remote Martu community of Nullagine. Over a week, students support learning in the local school, participate in afterschool activities and spend time with Elders who share cultural knowledge and stories of life on Country. It is a meaningful opportunity for service, personal growth and connection with one of WA’s most remote communities.