DEVONPORT TAS, DEC 1974-JAN 1975 (1,000+ Campers)

This Camp was set up in the middle of a racecourse with the advance party contending with heavy rain and thick mud. One of the first groups to attempt the Cradle Mountain Expedition had to turn back owing to a snow blizzard making conditions unsafe (In December!)

Tours included a two-day visit to Hobart and Port Arthur with one group crossing the Derwent River Bridge in Hobart, the day before it was hit by a ship, causing total collapse. Since the 3rd PA Camp, Seniors were able to do abseiling as a separate activity. However, the 5th PA Camp provided the opportunity for a separate Senior Cradle Mountain Expedition and Junior Mount Roland climb, each with their own distinct badges. As one of the local Officers had an interest in the Devonport Speedway, this was THE spot to be on New Years’ Eve.