More than 100 people from the Central Queensland University Foundation Program conquered the Shoalwater Bay Training Area this week.

The group toured a large portion of the training facility on Tuesday June 17 with permission from the Department of Defence.

This is the second year the group has entered the mock war zone and is one of a select few who are given access to the area.

Entering the training area via the Stanage Bay route, they visited the pristine Sabina Point beach, checked out Williamsons airfield, viewed the Polygon mountain range, had lunch at Camp Growl and then marvelled at the Mechanical Target Range.

The participants made comment about how beautiful and untouched the area was and how pleased they were to see inside this usually restricted facility.

Competitions throughout the day tested the general knowledge of those in attendance and an ‘exam’ was given at the end of the day on the information learned from Michael Stoddart from the Department of Defence Corporate Services and Infrastructure Office, who accompanied the tour.

People either ‘graduated’ or ‘failed’ from CQU or were issued with their own unique CQU SWB Tour-of-duty medal depending on their level of skill.

CQU Foundation Program is already planning next year’s trip to Shoalwater Bay, earmarking locations yet to visit in the area.

Photo above: Bob Gray and Barry Bryant conquered the general knowledge competition played during the day and were proud “graduates” from CQU for a day.

Photo left: Part of the more than 100-strong CQU Foundation group who toured Shoalwater Bay this week.