Maclean HS Year 9 geography students recently returned from a 19 day tour of Central Australia. The group travelled just over 8,000km in 19 days through western NSW, South Australia, Northern Territory and western QLD. The excursion has been running at the school since 2008 with the support staff and Simes Bros Coaches Lismore.

This year was a contrast of weather and unusual climatic conditions. The Centre was unusually cool which proved to be advantageous for the Uluru base walk and the 3½ hour walk through Kings Canyon.

Some highlights of the tour were sleeping underground and fossicking for opals at Coober Pedy, riding camels at Alice Springs and a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Uluru, Kings Canyon, the Devils Marbles NT, Dinosaur Canyon at Winton QLD and Carnarvon Gorge.

A big thank you to the Year 9 tour group, their manners, ability to take on new challenges and understanding of sometimes complicated instructions was fantastic. Like all previous tour groups they have been tremendous ambassadors for our school and the Lower Clarence. Well done. Mrs  Hamilton