Tasmania

All students will be involved in three planning meetings, which will be conducted during school time in the lead up to their allocated trip. 

During these meetings, topics will be covered including menu planning and food selection (we supply all food for meals and some snacks), expedition planning, packing, travel logistics, and risk management. Appropriate gear will also be provided to students.

It is essential that students attend these meetings to ensure they are adequately prepared for their expedition. Should a student not be in attendance for a meeting, they will be relying on a partner to plan and pack their food and collect their gear.   

Upon arrival to Launceston, students will have time to shop for any additional snacks they require, and staff will shop for fresh food supplies to be handed out to students. Students will need enough money to cover dinner on the first and last nights and additional snacks for the expedition. A budget of $150 is recommended on a physical credit/debit card. 

It is essential that students are well equipped for this expedition. 

Students will be provided with wetsuits for the rafting adventure but will need footwear.

Hiking: 

• 2 x long sleeve shirts for walking - lightweight & breathable
• 2 x long sleeve thermal tops - marino or polypropylene
• 1 x pair long thermal pants
• Underwear
• 1 x pair walking shorts or leggings
• 3 x pairs marino (or equivalent) hiking socks
• 1 x mid layer - thin polar fleece or thin woolen jumper
• 1 x outer layer - thick fleet (200-300) or down puffer jacket
• 1 x broad brimmed hat with strap
• 1 x beanie & gloves
• 1 x pair hiking boots or shoes
• 1 x pair lightweight sandals, e.g. Crocs
• Shoes suitable for rafting (e.g. old sneakers, crocs, wetsuit booties, TEVA style sandals)
• Students will be provided with high quality school waterproof rain jackets and over pants

Strictly NO cotton based outer layers will be allowed on the walk. This includes fleece track pants and hooded style jumpers. Once wet, these items remain wet, are heavy to carry and do not offer appropriate levels of warmth. 

Students will be able to leave a small backpack of items that they do not take on the walk in the trailer whilst hiking. 

Sleeping: 

• 1 x quality sleeping bag with hood and compression bag - rated comfort -5 to -10 degrees
• 1 x foam sleeping mat or inflatable thermarest style mat
• 1 x inflatable pillow or pillow slip to stuff clothes into

Toiletries: 

• Hand sanitiser
• Toothbrush and small toothpaste
• Toilet roll in snap lock bag
• Roll on deoderant
• Sunscreen 50+ 
• Blistex
• Personal first aid
• Small towel - travel or quick dry

Eating & Cooking: 

• Bowl and mug
• Eating utensils
• Small chopping board, mat and covered knife
• Tea towel - fabric napkin or half tea towel
• Scourer

Miscellaneous: 

• Head torch and spare batteries
• Kindle or small book
• Pack of cards
• 2 x garden style garbage bags - used to line rucksack
• 1 x 1 litre water bottles

Provided by Westminster:

• 70L rucksack
• Rain jacket and overpants
• First aid kit
• Hygiene and kitchen kit
• Tent and trangia 

During the walk you are expected to carry everything that you take, including shelter, clothing, food and water.

These items will be on your back for four days, so it is vital to pack remembering:

• Consider each piece of equipment carefully, choosing only the essential items and wherever possible those which serve a double purpose. Remember, the less you pack, the less you carry. 
• Know which clothes will be warm and comfortable, yet light and easily packed. For example, thermals are excellent because they are very warm and very light. A large, hooded parka would be warm but is not going to pack well. Lots of thin layers are better than one big bulky one. 
• Select food that weighs little and provides a healthy diet. Pasta, rice and couscous all weigh hardly anything and absorb water when cooked to increase their size. Dried fruits and vegetables are great. Anything in a can or carton should be provided - do not bring long life milk, or any milk or juice boxes. 
• Know how much your items weigh. Combined, your belongings must weigh no more than 25% of your body weight, maximum. 

Your belongings should be divided and packed into your rucksack in a few distinct areas: light items should be packed into the bottom, medium on the outside, and heavy items close to your back and at the top of the bag. Keep in mind to pack your emergency and frequently used items in the top of your rucksack.