VCE Outdoor Environmental Students Unit 3 students explored Victoria’s Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula to examine different ways the environment is valued by society for recreation, economic and conservation activities.

Students surfed at Ocean Grove beach, played beach cricket, snorkelled in Port Phillip Bay with an eco-tourism company, stand up paddle boarded at Anglesea River, toured the Queenscliff Fort and conducted a litter clean up along the Barwon River to improve the health of the environment they were experiencing.

Camping at the Barwon Heads Caravan Park ensured that our camping fees went to Barwon Coast, the land managers who preserve the coastal environment for future generations to enjoy. Land management strategies implemented by Barwon Coast to help sustain the area were identified throughout the camp to make students aware of the importance of caring for places that are so heavily used for recreation and tourism.

The work of the Wudduwurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation was also evident throughout the environment (Indigenous place names on signage and revegetation of sand dunes), showing their ongoing custodianship of their country.

This was an awesome experience to begin our exploration of outdoor environments throughout 2026.

Exploring Surf Coast and Bellarine