First waves, big smiles
February 15, 2026
The Lancaster Cluster visits the coast for Cottage’s Take a Break program.
This week, four small schools from the Shepparton area of northern Victoria jumped on the train for a week of fun in sunny Queenscliff at Cottage by the Sea.
It was a welcome change of scenery for these participants, as some had never stepped foot on the beach before and couldn’t wait to feel the sand on their feet and salt water in their hair!
Despite being from different schools, the children interacted wonderfully with one another and excelled in the team-building activities.
For some children, simply standing on the sand and seeing the ocean stretching to the horizon was a moment they won’t soon forget.
For some children, simply standing on the sand and seeing the ocean stretching to the horizon was a moment they won’t soon forget.
Over the next few days, the participants threw themselves into a variety of coastal adventures. Boogie-boarding and sandcastle-building on the beach quickly became favourite activities, with the children building confidence in the water and cheering each other on.
Trips to the Queenscliff Marina gave the children the opportunity to go shrimping and spot the famous local stingrays gliding through the water. Meanwhile, visits to Point Lonsdale allowed the participants to explore rockpools, walk along the pier and take in the scenic views from the lighthouse precinct.
What an amazing coastal adventure for these children from the country!