In the early hours of 4 July, 36 enthusiastic Year 9 students and six staff members departed Perth for the annual Melbourne, Canberra and Snow Tour.
Upon arrival in Melbourne, students headed to Federation Square and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. A stroll through Melbourne’s iconic laneways followed before dinner at Vapiano’s Italian Restaurant. The following day included visits to the Block and Royal Arcades, Queen Victoria Market, the Melbourne Museum, and a guided tour of the MCG and Australian Sports Museum. Students also visited the Melbourne Aquarium and enjoyed dinner at Southbank. The final day in Melbourne featured Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral and a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol, concluding with a final lunch and shopping stop before the flight to Canberra.
The tour of Australia’s capital began at the Royal Australian Mint, followed by tours of both Old and New Parliament Houses, including the Nation Electoral Education Centre, where students participated in mock parliamentary sessions and participated in a mock election. Visits to the Australian Institute of Sport, Australian War Memorial (including the Last Post ceremony), Government House, High Court, National Museum, and Questacon followed. Students were fortunate to meet Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Sam Mostyn AC and explore national institutions such as the National Gallery, Library, Archives, and the National Capital Exhibition.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed funding in the amount of $510 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
After three days exploring the nation’s capital, an early start saw the group travel to Smiggin Holes via Jindabyne for skiing and snowboarding lessons in picturesque snowy conditions—an unforgettable highlight for all. On the last day in Canberra, we visited the National Arboretum, the National Portrait Gallery, and Mt Ainslie lookout before the journey to Sydney Airport for the return flight to Perth.
The 2025 Melbourne-Canberra tour was an unforgettable educational and cultural experience for all involved.
Kind regards,
Albert Borrello
Principal
Holy Cross College, Ellenbrook
