Mildura campus

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Day 1	Arrive in Melbourne.
Day 2	Travel to Mildura.
Day 3	Orientation, introduction and welcome dinner.
Day 4	Basic photo/camera operations/lectures.
Day 5	Mungo National Park field trip
Day 6	Photographic image download and evaluation.
Day 7	Image selection and Photoshop tutorial.
Day 8	Depart on Day 8 field trip. Drive to Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Stay at Willow Springs Homestead.
Day 9	Split group: Group A to St Mary's Summit, Group B to Wilpena Pound.
Day 10	Branchina Gorge circuit, Flinders Ranges.
Day 11	Drive to Broken Hill, Western New South Wales. Stay at the Palace Hotel.
Day 12	Drive to Mutawinjii National Park. Historic site tour/old Mutawinjii Gorge walk.
Day 13	Homestead Gorge loop walk, Mutawinjii National Park.
Day 14	Broken Hill Mine, Silverton.
Day 15	Return to Mildura.
Day 16	Free.
Day 17	Digital download.
Day 18	Photographic image reviews.
Day 19	Select/Photoshop/blog.
Day 20	Select/Photoshop/blog/print.
Day 21	Print.
Day 22	Exhibition installation and opening.
Day 23	Drive to Melbourne. Australian Football league game during afternoon.
Day 24	Depart.

What is Mildura like?

The course will be based in the city of Mildura, which is situated on the major arterial routes between the capital cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. Mildura is a charming oasis by the Murray River. The area is often referred to as the Mediterranean in the outback, with its picturesque citrus groves and vineyards, endless sunshine and the cosmopolitan feel of a larger city.

Where will we visit?

While on the program, students will visit unique and beautiful locations including Mungo National Park which is the focal point of the Willandra Lakes World heritage area. The park is famous because now dry lake shore preserves evidence of Indigenous camp fires, middens and burials, dating back to nearly 50,000 years ago when the lakes were often filled with fresh water. Once, this was home to giant kangaroos, wombats and other mega fauna. Mutawintji National Park is dominated by the rugged, fiery-red Byngnano Ranges, and characterised by beautiful gorges lined with majestic river gums and punctuated with dark and mysterious rock pools. 

The park is home to kangaroos, emus and goannas as well as the endangered Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. Dotted throughout the overhangs and rock faces is an array of Aboriginal rock art, evidence of continuous occupation of the area for more than 8000 years. What is now called the Mutawintji Historic site was once the place where initiation, rain-making and other ceremonies were conducted.

Since 1883, the mining town of Broken Hill has generated over one hundred billion dollars of wealth from its mines. The town’s seven kilometre long strip, known as the 'Line of Lode', is the largest single source of lead, silver and zinc ore ever discovered on earth. Although this brought wealth to many, Broken Hill is a place of contrast. The architecture of civic buildings and hotels in grand boom-town style dwarf the simple corrugated iron miners’ cottages.

Other considerations

Weather: This is the Australian 'winter' which means average high temperatures are in the low to mid 60s usually. Nights can be quite chilly – 30s and 40s.

Changes to itinerary: The field trip involves travelling over largely unsealed roads. In case of rain, these roads can become impassable. The stated itinerary may change due to these unforeseen circumstances. Alternatively, in dry conditions dust can be pervasive.

Accommodation: We'll stay in a combination of shared hotel, backpacker and homestead/shearer quarter rooms.

What to bring: Participants will need their own sleeping bag/bedding. It is recommended that all students have an SLR digital camera for personal use during the course. They should bring any accessories (additional lenses, filters, tripods, battery re-charge kits, etc). The University has external drive file storage for temporary storage of student files during the field trips, however it is recommended that students either bring their own storage such as external drive mechanisms, additional memory cards, or a laptop.