After boarding at Barrack Street Jetty, the Year 3 classes met their indigenous guide Greg Nannup. The Whadjuk man gave the boys an insight into the significance of the river to Aborigines and how they lived before the establishment of the Swan River Colony.

Year 3 teacher Grace Humphrey said the boat stopped at various points along the river where Greg explained the historical and cultural relevance. He also shared dreamtime stories with the group along the way. Mrs Humphrey said the excursion was a significant learning experience outside the classroom, which tied into the Australian History Curriculum.

“The boys had a wonderful time onboard the speedboat, learning about the river and seeing it from a different perspective,” she said. “Obviously, another highlight was the speedboat tricks, including the occasional river doughnut, on the ride back to the jetty.”