Students from Bega, Bombala and Eden high schools were joined by the Sapphire Coast Anglican College, and a combined team from Lumen Christi Catholic College and St Patrick's Parish School who won the day's challenge at the Sapphire Coast Turf Club.

Local companies and organisations including Bega Rotary, Bega Cheese, GHD and Wollongong University were also involved in the day.

Bega student Tuesday Lawrence-O'Leary said she signed up for the event because she thought it would be "a really fun experience".

The challenge's organiser Abby Hodges said the day is more than science and engineering. "It inspires them [students] to believe in themselves," she said.