2024-25: GEOG4001 - Australia

30 JUN - 12 JUL 2025

From June 30 to July 12, 2025, 16 undergraduate students from the Department of Geography at the University of Hong Kong, led by Professor Benjamin Iaquinto, participated in the 14-day field studies to Australia. Students visited various locations in Melbourne and its suburbs, as well as take a day trip to the Great Ocean Road and a winery tour in the Yarra Valley.

Exploring Down Under: Student Stories from Our Melbourne Field Trip

Kick off a journey with us as we dive into the enriching experiences by our students who recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Melbourne, Australia. Exploring streets and lanes within the city and venturing into nature reserves outside town, our students have returned brimming with newfound discovery and meaningful learning experiences!

Where Learning Meets Lifelong Memories — Wong Ka Hing, Kady

For me, this Melbourne field trip organized by HKU's Geography Department was not just an academic journey, but a heartwarming experience of personal growth. Under the thoughtful arrangements and guidance of Professor Ben and TA Jenny, our days were spent exploring so many wonderful places such as urban lanes, nature reserves, and art venues. I still remember our thought-provoking discussions in Hosier Lane about whether graffiti constitutes vandalism or art, and our reflections on sustainable tourism development while surveying the Great Ocean Road. What made the trip truly special were the meaningful friendships forged with like-minded classmates—posing for photos in front of Brighton Beach's colorful bathing boxes, cooking dinner together in the evenings, enjoying authentic Australian barbecues, exploring Victoria Night Market, and even going for night runs to experience Melbourne's vibrant nightlife. These vivid moments added warmth and depth to our academic fieldwork. Melbourne, with its multiculturalism and inclusiveness, taught us that geography exists not just in textbooks, but in the aroma of coffee shops, the laughter of night markets, and every encounter between humanity and nature. This journey gave knowledge warmth and friendship depth.

Just Cherish Every Moment—Chan Nok Yin, Louie

Participating in the Australia Geographical Field Trip stands out as one of my best memories from university. Before joining the program, I was worried about being alone since no friends were attending with me. However, the arrangement of group activities and projects encouraged us to engage and connect, even though it was my first time meeting my peers. After each day, we had plenty of time to hang out in Melbourne, enjoying dinners and jogging around town. If I had to sum up this 14-day experience in one sentence, it would be: “Just Cherish Every Moment.” I gained valuable insights into human and physical geography through various attractions, such as walking tours, visits to the zoo, and even watching matches. It was essential to summarize and reflect each night. Lastly, being with my classmates and professor made time fly. Those enjoyable moments passed quickly, reminding me to cherish every moment during those 14 days. So much thanks to HKU and Department of Geography, and also Professor Iaquinto and tutor Jenny who arranged our wonderful trip and cared us so much.

Melbourne is more than a metropolis, with an elongated backyard for you to discover the mystery of Australian nature —Chu Sing Yiu, Samyuel

I love drinking long blacks, so I love Melbourne too. Melbourne is a city of coffee, where you will be drunk if you are a coffee lover as well. Melbourne CBD is a box of salad bowls. A box that has elements around the world. Yarra trams that have driven Melbourne for over 100 years of prosperity; State Victoria Library, Marvel Stadium, and the surrounding suburbs in fulfilling your imagination to Australian society and well-being; Chinatown as an ethnoburb in discovering a model of mini-Asia in Australia.