Global Utilities

Short Courses

Edge of the Outback: A photographic journey through rural Australia

Program dates: July 2008

This course consists of a photographic journey, exploring a regional Australian outback landscape using the medium of traditional and digital photography. The workshop is designed to develop the student's visual thinking related to the media investigated, within a regional Australian context.

Workshops and a major 5 day field trip will provide the platform for exploration of imagery, based on the region's ancient landscape and sociological layering created by pre and post-colonial influences. A local Aboriginal guide will accompany the field trip, to assist in the transition into the cultural specifics of space and place. The participants will exhibit their work in a major regional art gallery at the conclusion of the program.

The program includes breakfast and dinner on most days. Students will be advised when they will need to make their own meal arrangements - supermarkets / grocery stores will be accessible to students to purchase food.

See below for program itinerary.

Student Projects
View students' projects from the 2007 program.
Bradford
(pdf 544kb)
Christopher
(pdf 359kb)
Elizabeth
(pdf 399kb)
Emily
(pdf 466kb)
Ethan
(pdf 579kb)
Jason
(pdf 381kb)
Jennifer
(pdf 422kb)
Lauren
(pdf 403kb)
Max
(pdf 465kb)
Michael F
(pdf 265kb)
Michael H
(pdf 407kb)
Michelle
(pdf 650kb)
Simon
(pdf 382kb)
     

 

FAQs

 

Where will I be traveling to during the program?

The itinerary for 2008 is as follows:

  • Sun 6 July - Sightseeing in Melbourne
  • Mon 7 July - Travel to Mildura
  • Tues 8 July - Tour of Mildura; Introduction to the course; Welcome dinner
  • Wed 9 July - Basic camera operation and functions
  • Thu 10 July - Excursion to Lake Victoria, Hattah Kulkine, Sunset Murray NPs
  • Fri 11 July - Film processing (printing and digita)l
  • Sat 12 July - Depart for field trip – Broken Hill and Silverton
  • Sun 13 July - Depart for Mutawintje National Park – visit old Mutawintje gorge
  • Mon 14 July - Homestead Gorge photographic walk
  • Tue 15 July - Historic site tour. Sunset visit to Split Rock
  • Wed 16 July - Leave for Mungo National park; Sunset at the walls of China
  • Thur 17 July - Mungo walk; Return to Mildura
  • Fri 18 July - Film processing; Digital image downloading
  • Sat 19 July - Darkroom and computer lab processing
  • Sun 20 July - Darkroom and computer lab processing
  • Mon 21 July - Darkroom and computer lab processing
  • Tue 22 July - Selection of work, presentation, mounting, framing & catalogue
  • Wed 23 July - Exhibition installation
  • Thur 24 July - Free; Opening of exhibition
  • Fri 25 July - Travel to Melbourne
  • Sat 26 July - Sightseeing in Melbourne


How many students are enrolled in the course?

Anywhere from 12-20.

 

Do you offer free airport pick up as part of the program fee?

Yes, you will be requested to provide your arrival details once you have been accepted into this program so that this can be arranged. The airport pick up service will take you from Melbourne Airport to your accommodation.

 

Will accommodation be pre-arranged for me in Melbourne?

Yes, accommodation can be arranged if you would like. Students should note that accommodation in Melbourne before and after the program is not included in the overall fee.

 

What is the accommodation like?

Riverboat Backpackers (Mildura) is a discrete house with dormitory sleeping arrangements. One night will be spent at Mario’s Palace Hotel in Broken Hill (one of the venues featured in the movie ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’). Three nights will be spent at shearer’s quarters at Mutawintj - 3-4 students to a room with kitchen, bathroom and shower facilities inc. One night will be spent in shearer’s quarters accommodation at Mungo National Park (facilities as above). All accommodation is modest but clean.

 

Do I have to bring my own equipment?

Though it is not essential to bring your own equipment as all equipment is provided you are most welcome to bring your own.  We can provide both an analogue and digital camera for each participant plus accessories including tripods, lens, etc.

 

Are there extra costs associated with the production of the photos?

No, production costs are inclusive and cover photography materials as well as costs associated with the presentation/exhibition.

 

What’s the weather like?

It will be winter during the program. Winter in the Australian desert can be very cold 0%C, particularly at night. The days however are generally sunny and warm. It's not the extreme winter that occurs in the US, but you need to pack for 3 seasons of climate. Stout walking boots are recommended as you will be in some wildness terrain.

 

Where is Mildura?

Mildura is located on the Murray River in Victoria’s northwest. It is at the centre of an extensive agricultural and irrigated horticultural region encompassing Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. It is an 8-hour journey (including stopover times) via train and coach from Melbourne City. There are also daily flights from Melbourne to Mildura.

 

What clothing should I pack?

Sleeping bag, raincoat, hiking boots, clothes for all seasons, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.

 

Should I bring a bath towel?

Yes, it is recommended that you bring a towel. Some accommodations will supply a towel, however others do not. It is useful to have your own.

 

How bad are the bugs/mosquitoes at this time of year?

Mosquitoes/bugs are not a problem this time of the year. However, we will provide protection against insects just in case.

 

Will there be internet access available during the course?

You will have access on the Mildura campus during the day. An internet café is also available within walking distance of the campus. Wireless internet access is available at the Riverboat Bungalow backpackers, however students have experienced interruptions to this service in the past.

 

Quality Endorsed CompanyContent Approved by: Director, La Trobe International
Page maintained by: Communications Coordinator (Web)
Last Updated: 3 July, 2008