The 2026 Year 11 Sea Trek Expedition in Shark Bay
Tents to set up, meals to cook, and boats to rig were the reality of the Year 11 Outdoor Education Shark Bay Sea Trek Expedition. A six-night trip that gave students the chance to step well beyond the classroom and into one of Western Australia’s most unforgettable outdoor settings.
From Sunday 19 April to Saturday 25 April 2026, the group took part in a camp divided into two parts. For two and a half days, students were out on the sea, guided by highly experienced Marine Education Boatshed staff member Rod Marton. The second half of the trip was spent in Denham and Monkey Mia, where the focus shifted to fishing, camping, and making the most of life outdoors.
From Classroom to Coastline
Over the week, the girls developed their sailing and boating skills, tried their hands at fishing (and caught lots of squid!), went snorkelling, enjoyed power boating, and took part in a dolphin experience that will be hard to forget. They’ve also been treated to some amazing wildlife encounters, spotting turtles, dolphins, stingrays, sea snakes and even a tiger shark!
The Sea Trek component gave students the chance to learn on the water in a completely hands-on way. With Rod accompanying the sailing expedition, the girls built practical boating skills while also learning how much teamwork and clear communication matter when everyone is working together in a shared environment.
Student Reflections
For many students, the highlight of the trip was the unforgettable experience at Monkey Mia. As Alica shared,
“The day trip to Monkey Mia was a definite highlight. We really enjoyed taking part in fishing and stand-up paddle boarding as these were activities we learnt in class time and were able to show what we learnt throughout camp. We were lucky to view the unique dolphin-feeding experience and swim with other marine life. Watching the way our class-built connection was truly remarkable and definitely won’t be forgotten.”
The trip also presented challenges that helped build resilience. One such challenge was night watch, which required students to wake during the night to monitor the boats. Claire reflected,
“Having to get up in the middle of the night to watch the boats in the cold was hard, but we kept ourselves entertained while watching the boats by playing team bonding games and of course having a sneaky midnight snack. We were tired, but managed to pull through until we made it back to Denham. We knew we only had two nights of night watch on camp so we did our best to make the most of it and have fun!”
Fishing, Campfires and Life in Denham
The second half of the trip brought a different kind of adventure. Based in Denham and Monkey Mia, students experienced fishing camp life with all the practical challenges and fun that come with it. There was camp cooking, tent set up, beach time, and the kind of problem solving that naturally happens when you are living outdoors.
Learning by Doing
One of the best things about Outdoor Education is how quickly learning becomes real. Dinner tastes even better when it is made with fish caught that day, and every part of camp life asks students to step up. When conditions change, they need to think on their feet, work together, and stay organised. That is where the real growth happens.
Across the week, the girls built confidence, showed initiative, and learned what it means to be part of a team. From life on the water to cooking at camp, every part of the experience called on them to be capable, adaptable, and ready to give something new a go.
A Week to Remember
What made the camp special was not just the location, although Shark Bay certainly did plenty of heavy lifting. It was the way the girls embraced the experience. Whether they were out on the the water, preparing meals at camp, or taking part in beach activities, they were learning to be capable, adaptable, and engaged in the world around them.
- camping skills, Experiential Learning, Featured, Monkey Mia camp, outdoor education, sailing skills, Santa Maria College, Shark Bay Sea Trek, Student Leadership, Western Australia school camp, Year 11 camp
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
