2022 HSC Geography Great Barrier Reef Tour

As part of their HSC course, Fortian Geographers undertake a detailed study of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) as a case study ecosystems at risk. Fortunately, Geography students at Fort Street are able to participate in a four day learning tour to enhance their understanding of this iconic Australian ecosystem. Fieldwork experience lies at the core of the discipline of Geography and as such, immersive and interactive elements of learning are a mandatory part of the Geography Syllabus and bring great depth of understanding.

In the Ecosystems at Risk unit students are learning about the biophysical interactions, resilience processes and management practices used in relation to the reef. The depth of understanding and perspectives students developed on these issues were greatly enhanced on our trip by talks from James Cook University marine biologists, Cairns tourism operators and a local Gimuy-walubarra yidi indigenous ranger. Throughout our trip the impact of the GBR on the Australian economy and global biosphere was evident. The complexity of ecosystem management challenges and the interwoven nature of the GBR ecosystem was evident throughout all our experiences in Far North Queensland. 

In addition to the local Cairns tourist attractions, such as the night markets, we were able to experience a broad range of reef based activities. We snorkelled at Fitzroy Island and visited the turtle sanctuary to see how the endangered turtles are protected. Throughout the trip students participated in citizen science programs and collected data to be used in assessing the ecological health of the reef. We were also guided through Australia’s second largest  Barramundi aquaculture operation at Innisfail which provided a detailed link between reef management and the various agricultural and aquaculture practices of the region.  

However, the highlight of the tour, by far, was the outer reef snorkelling experience at Moore Reef. After a bumpy 2 hour ride to outskirts of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park we visited a recreational pontoon. Stationary reef tourism plays a crucial role in reef management through environmental management levies and minimisation of damage to other zoned protection sites. However, for students, the enjoyment of interacting with Anemone fish and Green Sea Turtles in the wild was unbeatable! 

The Great Barrier Reef tour provided students with an invaluable learning experience reinforcing prior learning and enhancing the detail they are able to offer. In addition to the many links to the curriculum, it was simply fantastic to take students away after such a long break from fieldwork due to Covid. We can’t wait to run this trip again in 2023!