Lesson Plan: Mornington Peninsula Experience Designer

Materials Needed:

• Computer with internet access
• Notebook and pen or a digital document (e.g., Google Docs)
• Access to online map tools (e.g., Google Maps)
• Optional: Access to free design software (e.g., Canva) or art supplies (paper, markers, colored pencils) for brochure creation
• Optional: Smartphone or camera for creating a promotional video

1. Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, Madison will be able to:

• Analyze and synthesize information from various sources to understand the geography, attractions, and culture of the Mornington Peninsula.
• Design a creative and logical multi-day travel itinerary for a specific target audience, considering budget, logistics, and timing.
• Create a persuasive promotional piece (e.g., a digital brochure, a short video pitch) that effectively communicates the value of her designed travel experience.
• Apply basic budgeting skills to plan a realistic and cost-effective trip.

2. Alignment with Standards (Australian Curriculum - Year 9/10)

• Geography: Investigating the economic, cultural, and environmental effects of travel and tourism on a specific region (ACHGK069).
• English: Creating sustained, persuasive texts for a range of audiences and purposes, including digital texts (ACELY1756).
• Media Arts: Planning and designing media artworks for a specific audience and purpose (ACAMAM075).
• Economics and Business: Applying economic and business reasoning to make informed choices (ACHES054).

Lesson Activities

Part 1: The Mission Brief & Client Profile (Approx. 1.5 hours)

Your Role: You are a freelance "Experience Designer." A travel company has hired you to create a unique, themed 3-day travel package for the Mornington Peninsula. Your first step is to choose your client.

1. Choose Your "Client Persona": Who are you designing this trip for? Pick one from the list below, or create your own!
   • The Adventurer: A thrill-seeker who loves hiking, water sports, and exploring off the beaten path.
   • The Foodie & Wine Connoisseur: Someone whose perfect vacation revolves around gourmet meals, winery tours, and local produce.
   • The Artist & History Buff: A creative soul interested in galleries, historical sites, unique architecture, and scenic landscapes for inspiration.
   • The Wellness Seeker: A person looking to relax and rejuvenate with spa days, gentle walks, yoga, and healthy food.
2. Conduct "Client Research": Now that you know your client, start your research. Use the internet to find at least 5-7 locations, activities, or restaurants on the Mornington Peninsula that would perfectly suit your chosen persona.
   • Helpful Search Terms: "Mornington Peninsula hiking trails," "Best wineries Mornington Peninsula," "Sorrento historical sites," "Day spas Red Hill."
   • Task: In your notebook or document, list the places you find. For each one, write one sentence explaining why it is a perfect fit for your client. Note down key details like opening hours and approximate costs.

Part 2: The Itinerary & Budget (Approx. 2 hours)

Your Role: Now you will turn your research into a detailed, practical plan. Your client needs to know exactly what they will be doing, when, and how much it will cost.

1. Map Your Journey: Use an online map tool to plot your chosen locations. Does the order make sense geographically? You don't want your client zigzagging across the peninsula! Adjust the order of activities for a smooth, logical flow from one place to the next.
2. Create the Day-by-Day Itinerary: Structure your plan for a 3-day, 2-night trip. Be detailed!
   • Example Day 1 for "The Adventurer":
     • 9:00 AM: Arrive in Arthur's Seat, take the Eagle Skylift for panoramic views (get your bearings!).
     • 11:00 AM: Hike the Bushrangers Bay Trail (2-hour return). Pack water and snacks.
     • 1:30 PM: Lunch at a casual cafe in Flinders.
     • 3:00 PM: Afternoon sea kayaking tour from Sorrento.
     • 6:00 PM: Check into accommodation.
     • 7:30 PM: Dinner at the Portsea Hotel pub for a hearty meal.
3. Develop the Budget: Create a simple spreadsheet or table estimating the costs for one person. Include categories for:
   • Accommodation (find an average price for 2 nights in the area)
   • Food (estimate per day)
   • Activities & Entry Fees
   • Transportation (estimate fuel or other travel costs)
   • Challenge: Try to keep the total cost under a specific amount, like $850. This forces you to make choices, just like a real designer!

Part 3: The Pitch (Approx. 1.5 hours)

Your Role: You have a fantastic package, but now you need to sell it! Create a promotional piece to present to the travel company (and your client).

1. Choose Your Format: How will you best persuade your audience?
   • Option A: Digital Brochure. Use a free tool like Canva to design a visually appealing 2-page brochure. Include enticing photos (you can find royalty-free ones on sites like Unsplash or Pexels), a catchy title for your package (e.g., "The Peninsula Culinary Journey"), your detailed itinerary, and the final price.
   • Option B: Video Pitch. Film a 60-90 second "advertisement" for your travel package. You can talk to the camera, use a voiceover with images or video clips of the peninsula, and use text to highlight the key activities. Focus on using exciting, persuasive language.
2. Focus on the "Why": Your pitch shouldn't just list activities. It should sell an experience. Use descriptive words. Instead of saying "Go to a winery," say "Sip award-winning Pinot Noir while overlooking rolling vine-covered hills."

Extension & Reflection (Optional)

• Sustainable Tourism: Research one way that tourism impacts the Mornington Peninsula's environment (e.g., coastal erosion, water usage). Propose one change you could make to your itinerary to make it more eco-friendly.
• Reflection Questions:
  • What was the most challenging part of this project?
  • What is one new thing you learned about the Mornington Peninsula that surprised you?
  • If you were to take this trip yourself, which activity would you be most excited about?

Assessment

Your project will be evaluated based on the creativity and practicality of your ideas. Here is a simple guide:

• Itinerary & Budget (Excellent): The plan is detailed, logical, and geographically sound. The budget is realistic and well-researched.
• Client Focus (Excellent): All chosen activities and the overall tone of the trip are perfectly matched to the selected "Client Persona."
• Promotional Pitch (Excellent): The brochure/video is creative, visually engaging, and uses persuasive language effectively to sell the experience. It is polished and professional.
• Overall Effort (Excellent): The project shows a high level of thought, creativity, and attention to detail.