The Lajamanu Wanta crew have recently returned from an incredible trip to Perth, and we’re still buzzing from all the excitement! Twelve of our amazing students, along with leaders Liam Patrick, Blake Romaker, and Simon Blake, swapped the vast landscapes of the Northern Territory for the vibrant sights and sounds of Western Australia. From exhilarating outdoor adventures to unforgettable cultural experiences, this trip had it all—and it’s one we’ll never forget!
Check out some of the awesome things we got up to:
Deep-Sea Fishing: A Catch to Remember
Our adventure kicked off with an early rise for a deep-sea fishing trip that had everyone eager to get out on the water. As the sun came up over the horizon, we boarded our boat, excited to try our luck at catching some fresh fish. The waters off the coast of Perth were teeming with marine life, and before long, we were all reeling in fish of all shapes and sizes.
Lancelin National Park: Sandboarding on the Dunes
Next, we headed to Lancelin National Park, a place famous for its stunning white sand dunes. After a quick lesson on sandboarding, we hit the slopes, and the excitement was palpable. Zooming down the dunes at high speed was nothing short of exhilarating! Some of us mastered the art of sandboarding right away, while others took a few spills along the way (but that just added to the fun!). Whether we were racing each other or just rolling down the dunes, we all had a blast. The views were absolutely stunning, and it was the perfect place for adventure.
High Ropes Course: Facing Our Fears
For those who love a challenge, we spent a day conquering the high ropes course! Suspended high above the ground, we faced our fears and pushed ourselves to new heights. The obstacles were tricky, and some of us had to muster up a lot of courage to get through them, but everyone made it through with a sense of accomplishment. It was a great opportunity to bond as a team, cheer each other on, and face challenges head-on.
Waterfall Hikes: Nature at Its Best
We also explored the stunning natural beauty of Western Australia by hiking to some of its breathtaking waterfalls. The hikes were filled with lush greenery, beautiful wildlife, and, of course, the refreshing sound of rushing water. At the end of each trail, we were rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the waterfalls—truly a perfect way to experience the unspoiled beauty of WA.
Rock Climbing: Reaching New Heights
For those looking for even more adventure, we tested our limits with rock climbing. Scaling the cliffs was no easy feat, but with some guidance and a lot of determination, we all made it to the top. There were plenty of high-fives and cheers as each person conquered their own climb. It was an amazing feeling to look down from the top and realize how far we had come—both physically and as a team.
Perth Wildcats Game: The Thrill of Live Sports
We got to experience the excitement of a live NBL game when we cheered on the Perth Wildcats! The atmosphere was electric as the crowd roared with every point, and the students were all caught up in the excitement. For many of us, it was the first time attending a professional basketball game, and it didn’t disappoint!
Wildcats Hangout: Meeting the Players
As if the game wasn’t enough, we also had the unique opportunity to meet the Perth Wildcats team during one of their practice sessions! Getting to chat with the players, ask questions, and learn about their training routines was a highlight for everyone. It was an inspiring experience to see what goes into becoming a professional athlete—and the students loved the chance to get up close to their sports idols.
AFL Grand Final: Electric Atmosphere
We joined thousands of passionate fans in the city’s CBD, soaking in the energy and excitement as we watched the teams take to the field. The crowd’s enthusiasm was contagious!
Beach Days: Sun and Sand.
Of course, no trip to Perth would be complete without some time spent on its beautiful beaches. We spent hours relaxing on the sand, soaking up the sun. Whether we were swimming, playing beach volleyball, or just enjoying the view, it was the perfect way to unwind after a busy few days of adventure.
Crystal Cave: A Glimpse Into the Earth
For a truly unique experience, we ventured into the fascinating underground world of Crystal Cave. The cave’s incredible formations—glittering crystals, stunning stalactites, and stalagmites—left everyone in awe. It was a completely different kind of adventure, and the students loved learning about the history and geology of the cave.
Koala Spotting: Cuteness Overload
We were lucky enough to spot some adorable koalas in their natural habitat! Watching these iconic Australian creatures up close was a special moment for the whole crew. The students loved seeing the koalas in the wild, and it was a perfect reminder of the incredible wildlife that makes Australia so unique.
Cooking Up a Storm: Culinary Fun
Throughout the trip, we also put our culinary skills to the test. From preparing fresh fish we caught ourselves to cooking up delicious meals with local ingredients, everyone had a chance to try their hand at cooking. There were plenty of tasty meals shared around the table, and the group had a blast trying new recipes and flavors.
Adventure World: Thrills and Spills
One of the most fun-filled days was spent at Adventure World, a theme park packed with thrilling rides and exciting attractions. We braved roller coasters, water slides, and everything in between. There were lots of screams and laughter as we raced from ride to ride, trying to take on as much fun as we could before the day ended.
Sand Volleyball: Competitive Spirit on the Beach
When we weren’t surfing or soaking up the sun, we challenged each other to some epic sand volleyball matches. The competition was fierce, but the spirit of fun and teamwork was even stronger. There were plenty of close calls and incredible saves, but in the end, everyone had a great time getting involved and showing off their skills.
This trip was packed with adventure, laughter, and new experiences. We created memories that will last a lifetime, and we’re already planning our next one! A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this journey possible—from the generous sponsors to the dedicated staff, and of course, the amazing students who made the trip so special.
Written by Blake Romaker, Director Lajamanu Brighter Futures Program.
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