2025 BAW BAW HIKE
FINAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
We now have only a couple of days before the much anticipated Year 8 Mt Baw Baw Hike. During Preparation lessons we planned menus, pitched tents and reviewed appropriate equipment for the trip. In addition to the Baw Baw information you previously received via Operoo, the following is a final reminder of information for this upcoming hike. Should you have any questions, please to not hesitate to contact me via phone 03 5971 6100 or email: lclapham@woodleigh.vic.edu.au
Lucy Clapham
Baw Baw Hike Coordinator
DEPARTURE/RETURN INFORMATION
Departure: Wednesday 3 December – We aim to depart by 8.00am so please arrive by 7.30am at the latest to allow time to check key gear and pack bus. Staff will be at school from 7.15am
Return: Thursday 4 December – Arrive back at school at approximately 2.30pm.
Please note: Students will be required to assist staff unload the bus and return items to Homestead. We will have a final debrief in Homesteads before students can return to the main driveway at approximately 3:30pm to go home/be collected by parents.
GEAR DISTRIBUTION AND COLLECTION
Hire gear will be distributed on Tuesday 2 December after lunchtime. Please note that all hired gear will be collected from students at the end of the trip, in their Homesteads. It is important that all hire gear comes along on the trip, even if you decide you don’t need to use it. If you have hired a pack you must provide a strong garbage bag for students to pack their personal gear into to take home.
IMPORTANT: Please discuss with your child the importance of being responsible for their hired gear, and to check behind them before walking off whilst on camp. An additional cost will be charged for any lost gear that was hired for your child, as this is to cover any replacement fees that the hire company charge. Please also note if any hired gear is taken home and returned to school after camp concludes, there will be an additional non-refundable processing fee added to student accounts. This is to cover the hire company’s additional fee to come back to school to collect any late returns. We appreciate your understanding of this matter.
LONGS REMINDER
As is the case for the Year 9 Outward Bound Expedition next year, it is a requirement that all students wear long, loose fitting trousers on the Baw Baw Hike. Loose fitting long trousers and shirts provide protection from the sun, scratches and snakebite. Skins or thermals for walking do not satisfy this requirement.
ON THE TRIP
Students will walk in Homestead groups. Homestead 1, 2 and 3 will travel on Bus 1 to Mt St Gwinear car park. Homestead 4 and 6 will travel to Mt Baw Baw Resort car park. The travel time is approximately 2½ hours. All Homestead groups walk across the Baw Baw Plateau to return on the alternate bus. Students may bring a snack and a drink for the journey, to be consumed at the Yarragon toilet break. All snack containers/bags must be disposable. It is important that everyone comes dressed ready to walk and that all equipment is packed in your backpack. Please make sure water bottles are filled before leaving home. There is no provision for getting changed at the start of the trip or to leave personal belongings on the bus. Even if it is clear, bright weather when we depart Woodleigh, it is a good idea to take beanies and jackets onto the bus in case it is cold on arrival at the mountain. Personal music devices are inappropriate for this trip. Mobile phones are not to be brought on the hike. Staff will be carrying emergency communication phones. Bring a dedicated camera for photos (not a smart phone).
FINAL ADVICE TO STUDENTS
On arrival at school on Wednesday morning, place your pack with the rest of your Tutor Group’s packs. Staff will be conducting a pack check, so don’t be surprised if you have to take items out for checking. They will want to see:
• All the parts of your tent
• Your sleeping bag & liner
• Your jacket, over pants, beanie, gloves
• Water bottles (filled)
• SUNHAT
There will be a toilet stop on the way to the mountain and on the way home. There will be no opportunity to purchase food at these breaks so please ensure meals are fully catered for. Following, is a copy of the equipment list. Remember, at Baw Baw any weather is possible, therefore all the items on the list are required to be carried. Remember: no cotton jumpers (hoodies) or jeans. Students will be ready to be collected by parents at approximately 3:30pm on Thursday. Students do not need mobile phones to let parents know how we are progressing. Parents: please do all checking through Reception.
ALTERNATE PLAN
A back up location for this camp is in place should the weather be unsafe for travel to the Mt Baw Baw region. The alternate location will be locally on the Mornington Peninsula, walking between Flinders and Somers and camping at Balnarring or Pt Leo camp grounds. However, you will be notified as soon as practical if the alternate location is required. If you have any queries prior to camp, please contact Lucy Clapham at school on 03 5971 6100. During the camp program the emergency contact person can be contactable after hours on 0482 888 022. If necessary, please contact them through Reception (03 5971 6100) during school hours.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
No Personal Items Check Packed
1 Back Pack (hired from Outsports)
1 Back Pack waterproof liner (strong garden bag)
1 Sleeping bag: down or synthetic. Must be small enough to fit in back pack. Minimum temperature rating: at least 0° Celsius comfort level and -5° Celsius limit level (hired from Outsports)
1 Closed cell foam sleeping mat (hired from Outsports)
1 Waterproof jacket: must have a hood, be durable and waterproof: shell only - not lined (hired from Outsports)
1 Pair waterproof overpants (hired from Outsports)
1 Pair of Gaiters (hired from Outsports)
1 Jumper – woollen
1 Jumper – polar fleece or woollen (not cotton)
1 Long sleeve collared shirt (lightweight and quick drying)
1 Set of thermal underwear / long johns (polypropylene or wool)
1 Pair long pants - loose fitting, comfortable, lightweight, quick drying pants to walk in
3 Pair woollen socks – Explorer type
2 Pair underwear
1 Pair of walking boots or sturdy outdoor runners. Must be durable, good condition, well broken in. (it will be wet underfoot)
1 Woollen hat (beanie or balaclava)
1 Pair wool gloves or mittens (or waterproof/snow gloves if snow is expected)
1 Torch with spare batteries (reverse batteries)
1 Small amount of toothpaste, toothbrush
¼ Roll toilet paper
1 Sanitary items zip lock bag - to bring back out and dispose of back at school/home)
1 Tea Towel (1 between cooking group)
1 Mug, plate or bowl (plastic) knife, fork and spoon (lightweight)
2-3 Water bottles (to hold a total of 3 litres)
1 Small notebook and pencil in plastic bag
1 Whistle
2 Spare garbage bags (garden waste bags are the strongest) to waterproof items
1 Personal first aid kit (to include safety pins, roller bandage, strapping tape, Fixomole/moleskin, band aids, sunscreen 50+, lip balm)
1 Sunglasses
1 Sun Hat (wide brim)
Optional Items:
• Compass
• Camera (not a smart phone)
• A very small musical instrument
• Washing up gloves as back up waterproof gloves
• Please note fuel for stoves and washing up needs will be supplied, however a tea towel is required for each cooking group.
PLEASE NOTE: It all has to fit in the backpack and students have to carry it. Don’t take anything unnecessary, or leave out any item listed item.
Woodleigh School - Baw Baw Walk
