Students from Wallaroo and Hastings Primary Schools Grade five and six classes recently took part in a wildlife cruise – a first-time experience on the water for many, and a valuable opportunity to connect learning across subjects.
The cruise was part of the Western Port Biosphere Foundation’s Flagship Schools Program, which supports place-based environmental education across the region.
Fourteen students and two staff joined from Wallaroo. For most, there was no clear reference point for what to expect from a marine excursion — the open water, the movement of the boat, and the sights and sounds were entirely new.
When asked whether the excursion would be used for anything beyond the day itself, one staff member replied, “Absolutely — I’ll milk it for all it’s worth. Hopefully we see a whale, then I can tie it into migration patterns, use it in maths for measuring distance, and get the kids moving in PE by having them walk or run the whale’s migration over the term.”
Thirty-eight students and four staff participated from Hastings. For many of these students, it was their first time on a boat. Within minutes of departure, dolphins were spotted near the vessel — a lucky sighting, according to the crew, as not all trips include them. Some students wondered if the dolphins were feeding.
The cruise sparked plenty of curiosity and conversation:
- “Have you ever seen a boat sink?”
- “How cold is the water?” asked one. (“Freezing!” was the response.)
- “I’ve been on a boat on the Murray,” another added.
One student talked at length about his experiences fishing — sharing stories and comparing the day’s sightings with what he’d seen on the water before. Others commented on the motion of the boat, the salty air, and the unusual feel of being offshore.
Most students had eaten their lunches before midday — a sign of the excitement and break from routine. With so much to see and take in, few wanted to be distracted once the cruise was properly underway.
As the day went on, many students grew more confident in the unfamiliar environment — asking questions, pointing things out, and sharing what they noticed. Some students from the two schools even began to interact more with each other, swapping stories and sitting together on the return journey.
A handful of students felt a little queasy during the trip and took some time out at the back of the boat where the ride was calmest. Luckily, the sunny weather and fresh sea breeze helped, and they all coped admirably — a little pale at times, but in good spirits and keen not to miss out.
Later in the trip, the group spotted a whale and observed the circular “footprints” it left on the surface. It was a particularly special sighting — whales are not often seen in that part of the bay, on the landward side of Seal Rocks. Staff explained that the whale was likely following a migration route along the coast, and its presence offered a rare glimpse of these massive creatures in motion. The group spoke about how far whales travel and how they stay underwater for three to eight minutes between breaths.
Seal Rocks was another highlight — the playful seal activity drew lots of attention, and the smell was described by students as simply “stinky.” They also commented on seaweed, wave movement, and the behaviour of marine animals throughout the trip.
When asked what they liked best, students shared:
“The seals.”
“The whale.”
“Everything.”
“Dolphins — I’ve never seen them before.”
“It was mad.”
The day offered a memorable entry point into Western Port’s marine environment and set the scene for further learning back at school.