Frequently asked questions
Costs
How much should I budget for food and other things?
La Trobe University provides food for approximately 5 days during the field trip.
For all other days, we recommend you budget A$25-30 a day (or A$400-480 for the trip) for food, snacks and other items. This is based on buying food at grocery stores for morning and evening meals, and purchasing lunch on or close to campus. If you plan to do further sightseeing or social activities you should adjust your budget.
Are there extra costs for photo production?
No, all production costs are included in the fees.
What to expect
How many students are enrolled in the course?
Between 12 and 20 students are enrolled in the course each year.
What’s the accommodation like?
All accommodation is modest but clean. Riverboat Backpackers (Mildura) offers 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 shearers’ accommodation at Mutawintje and one night will be spent in shearers’ accommodation at Mungo National Park.
What will the weather be like?
It will be winter. In the Australian desert it can be very cold, particularly at night. However, the days are generally sunny and warm. It's not the extreme winter that occurs in the US, but you need to be prepared for all seasons.
How bad are the bugs/mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes/bugs are not a problem this time of the year. We will provide protection against insects just in case.
Will Internet access be available?
You will have access to the Internet on the Mildura campus during the day. An Internet café is also within walking distance of the campus.
What to bring
Do I have to bring my own equipment?
All equipment is provided, but you are most welcome to bring your own if you like. We can provide both a digital and analogue camera for each participant plus accessories including tripods, lenses, etc. The course emphasis is on digital photography.
What should I pack?
Sleeping bag, raincoat, hiking boots, clothes for all seasons, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Should I bring a bath towel?
Yes, we recommend that you bring a towel. Some accommodations supply a towel, but others do not.
Getting there
Do you offer free airport pick-up as part of the course fee?
Yes, we can pick you up from Melbourne airport and take you to your accommodation. You will need to tell us your arrival details once you have been accepted into the program.
Where is Mildura?
Mildura is on the Murray River in Victoria's north-west. It is at the centre of a large agricultural region that spreads over parts of 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.
