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FAQ’s

ACCOMMODATION

What is the accommodation like at The Great Aussie Bush Camp?

Student accommodation

All our camps offer a variety of clean, comfy, and well-maintained accommodation options to fit your group’s needs.

At Lake Macquaire, you’ll find dormitory-style rooms for students, while Kincumber has bunkhouses and en-suite dormitory style cabins. Tea Gardens gives you the choice between cabin-style tents and regular cabins.

Each accommodation option features bunk beds, mattresses, and protectors, you’ll just have to bring your own sheets, sleeping bag, and pillow for a cosy night’s sleep.

To find out more about each locations accommodation please see individual location pages.

Teacher accommodation

Teachers enjoy their own self-contained cabins, featuring either en-suite or shared bathrooms. They also have access to a private common room filled with snacks, drinks, tea, coffee, and a TV. These comfortable cabins give the teachers plenty of privacy and space for well-deserved relaxation.

Who determines the room allocations?
The organising teacher assigns students to their rooms before arriving at camp. If you want to make a request, please talk to your teacher directly.

ACTIVITIES

How many activities does each camp have?

Each camp offers an abundance of activities, ranging from adrenaline-pumping adventures to more laid-back experiences on the ground.

Lake Macquarie has 30 action-packed activities, including two giant swings, two archery stations, and one epic flying fox.

Kincumber has 33 activities to choose including raft building and canoeing, plus heart-pounding fun on two giant swings and the rock-climbing wall.

Tea Gardens has 64 on and off-site activities including the dual flying fox where you can zip over Lake Ivan, staple climb, abseiling and fossiling. It also has a range of off-site activities like sea kayaking, beach and rainforest walks, and swimming with sharks and rays.

To check out all the activities offered at our Great Aussie Bush Camps head over to our activities page.

Who determines the activities the students participate in?
The organising teacher receives a list of available activities and then requests the ones they feel are best suited to the age and experience of the children. Our programming team then formulate the program based on this information.
Do the children have to participate in all the activities?
We encourage students to dive into each activity to make the most of their camp experience, but participation is always optional. With our ‘Challenge by Choice’ philosophy, students can set and achieve their personal goals at their own pace.

SAFETY

Are the employees of The Great Aussie Bush Camp screened for their suitability to work with Children?
All team members paid or unpaid, are screened through The Office of The Children’s Guardian as to their suitability to work with children. This is done as per the Child Protection (Working with Children) Regulation 2013. We also conduct our own references.
Are the instructors qualified to run the activities?
Our instructors are fully equipped to lead all activities, having completed the necessary assessments and undergone a rigorous 6 week training program during their induction to camp. Each instructor holds a Senior First Aid certificate and a Royal Life Saving Bronze Medallion for aquatic rescues, ensuring safety is always our top priority.
Is there an ambulance service nearby?
The closest ambulance service at our Tea Gardens location is the Tea Gardens and Karuah depot which are both approximately 10 minutes from the camp. The closest ambulance service on the central coast is Terrigal and Ettalong Beach which are both approximately 10 minutes from camp. Lake Macquarie has an ambulance station located at Morisset which is 6 minutes away.
How far is the closest hospital?

The closest hospitals and medical centres to our Great Aussie Bush Camp locations are:

Tea Gardens

Maitland Hospital and John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle are both approximately 45 minutes from camp. For any accidents or illnesses that require general treatment, we use the Medical Centre in Tea Gardens.

Kincumber

The Gosford Hospital is approximately a 20 minute drive from camp.

For accidents or students that are ill and require general treatment we use the Medical Centre in Wyoming which is approximately 25 minutes drive from camp.

Lake Macquarie

The Wyong Public Hospital is approximately a 26 minute drive from camp.

For accidents or students that are ill and require general treatment we use the Medical Centre in Morisset which is approximately 5 minutes drive from camp.

Does The Great Aussie Bush Camp have public liability insurance?
The Great Aussie Bush Camp has current public liability insurance. Our certificate of currency is available upon request.
Is the equipment checked regularly?
All activities and equipment are inspected both internally and externally at regular intervals throughout the year to ensure our high safety standards are maintained.
Is there a first aid room?
We have a first aid room and supplies on site with qualified Occupational or Advanced First Aid team members. We also carry Oxygen and a Defibrillator on site for emergencies. All instructors carry a full first aid kit with them.

BOOKINGS

How do I make a booking?

To make a booking, simply fill out our booking form here, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you. Alternatively, you can call our office on 1800 887 717 to book in your required dates.

DISABILITY

Does the camp have access for students with disabilities?
Our camp is equipped with wheelchair-accessible accommodation facilities. Plus, many activities can be adapted to ensure all students can join in on the fun. Just give us a call to chat about the options available.
Are there toilets for students with disabilities?
Our amenities blocks include accessible toilet and bathroom facilities specifically designed for students with disabilities.

FACILITIES

What facilities does each camp have?

Each camp is packed with facilities to ensure your stay is comfortable and enjoyable. You’ll find campfire circles perfect for nighttime stories and roasting marshmallows, creating that authentic bush camp vibe. There are spacious indoor and outdoor recreational areas for activities, movie nights, and group gatherings. And some camps even feature full-sized sports ovals, basketball sheds, and beach volleyball courts to amp up the fun. To see the full list of facilities at each location visit the locations page.

MEALS AND DIETARIES

What is the food like at Great Aussie Bush Camp?

All our meals are freshly prepared onsite by our qualified chefs in our commercial kitchen, and are not only tasty and nutritious, but also filling to keep students energised throughout the day. Our menu caters to a variety of tastes and includes options like juicy hamburgers, hearty spaghetti bolognese, and classic barbecues with sausages, rissoles, and a fresh salad bar.

Breakfast features a delightful mix of hot and cold options, including pancakes, scrambled eggs, cereals, and more. Fresh fruit is served at every meal, along with refreshments to keep everyone hydrated. Check out a sample menu of our delicious offerings here.

If you have specific dietary requirements, please check in with your school or give us a call to discuss options. For more details on dietaries, head over to our dining page.

Can I bring my own food to camp?
Campers are encouraged to leave food at home, as it can attract wildlife to the student accommodation. However, if you have specific dietary requirements, you can bring your own food, but please make sure to organise this with us before your arrival at camp.
Can the kitchen cater for specific dietary needs?

Absolutely! At The Great Aussie Bush Camp, we understand that some students may have food allergies or specific dietary needs. We catering to a wide range of requirements, including coeliac, vegetarian, halal, lactose intolerance, anaphylaxis, and severe allergies.

In certain cases, students may be allowed to bring their own food, but it’s essential to speak with your school’s organising teacher to discuss this beforehand.

We take food safety seriously, operating an allergy-aware, HACCP-controlled kitchen that undergoes regular inspections by health and safety officers. To read more about our food and how we handled allergies please visit our Dining page.

What is a mess kit?
Children will use the mess kit for BBQ and their cups for snow cones.

MEDICATION

Who takes care of student’s medication?
The attending teachers have sole responsibility for the administering of any medication to students.
Asthma
It is vital that parents / guardians of children who suffer from Asthma provide sufficient information or an Asthma Management Plan. This will enable team members and teachers to take appropriate action in the event of an Asthma attack.

PROGRAMS

Who determines the programs while at camp?
Upon booking, we’ll send all teachers a camp pack that includes the camp activity list. Teachers will fill this out and return it at least 12 weeks before the camp dates, giving us plenty of time to craft an awesome program. Our programming team will also reach out to the organising teacher a few weeks before camp to ensure everything aligns perfectly with your school’s expectations and learning outcomes.

TRANSPORT

Can the camp organise our transport?
Absolutely! We can help organise your transport to and from camp. Just let us know, and we’ll provide a competitive quote to make sure the journey is smooth and hassle-free!
What time can we arrive at camp?

On Mondays you can arrive any time from 10.30am onwards. On Wednesdays, due to changeover and cleaning, your arrival time will be from 11am onwards. 

WHAT TO BRING

What do I pack for the Great Aussie Camp?

Even though we’re all about that bush camp vibe, make sure to pack your sleeping kit. You don’t want to end up on a mattress without a pillow or sleeping bag. And if you’re joining us in winter, throw in an extra blanket for those chilly nights.

A small day pack is essential for your water and sunscreen, and don’t forget your toiletries (yes, that includes your toothbrush), and shower wash – we’re a bush camp, but that doesn’t mean we’re okay with bad smells!

For your camp days, bring a mix of clothes: T-shirts (leave the singlets and midriff tops at home for safety), shorts, and track pants if it’s looking cold. You’ll definitely want jumpers or windcheaters for warmth and plenty of socks.

Don’t forget your bath towel, beach towel, and swimmers for some aquatic fun.

Download the full printable list for teachers and students below.

Teacher’s packing list Student’s packing list

Hear from
our happy campers

  • Kingsgrove North High School
    Tea Gardens

    Hannah Reid

    Thank you for an unforgettable three days. It was a wonderful camp and our students were buzzing with excitement the entire time. I am deeply grateful for your support and professionalism throughout the process, especially in the planning stages. Your understanding and dedication are greatly appreciated, and you clearly understand the nuances and complexities of schools. I genuinely look forward to collaborating with you again and have already been singing your praises to anyone who will listen. Thank you once again - you are all amazing.

  • Canley Vale High School
    Kincumber

    Sarah

    I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and your team for the amazing experience you provided during our recent excursion. From your valuable advice and assistance with bookings to catering and activities, your support was instrumental. I also want to extend my gratitude to all the instructors who were not only professional but also approachable, motivating, and dedicated. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it was wonderful to see students who usually remain inactive fully engaged and smiling throughout the activities. Your flexibility and commitment to making everything run smoothly were greatly appreciated. Thank you once again for everything.
  • Tea Gardens

    Mrs Cruiser

    We went here on a school camp. Absolutely brilliant. The staff went above and beyond making the trip special for the students. The activities are amazing, giving the students lots of different things to try. The staff explained everything in great detail making it humorous so the students were always engaged. The staff amenities were great, our room, the meals and general experiences were fantastic just adding to an already great experience. Absolutely highly recommend.
  • Kincumber

    Greg Friend

    First rate. The activities are challenging, fun and well designed. The staff are tremendous, displaying a passion for what they do along with a great rapport with the students. The food for the staff was top shelf. Thanks guys.
  • Tea Gardens

    jodi davison

    We have had the best 3 days, our very high needs girl didn’t stop almost every activity could be modified for her. Great wheelchair access. Extra staff to help with the giant swing. The staff were next level amazing, thank you for a wonderful experience
  • Kingswood High School
    Tea Gardens

    Danielle Remaili

    Thank you for everything. By far the best camp and most organised in every aspect. A well-oiled machine.
  • St Andrew's College
    Kincumber

    Nathan Weaver

    We are very impressed with the quality of experience that was provided. Also, we are thankful to the staff who were all outstanding in their care and management of our students.
  • Central coast Sports Public School
    Tea Gardens

    Sophie Dryden

    The service provided to us was fantastic. We appreciated how kind and organised our instructors were to the kids to help them have fun and build/strengthen their relationships with their peers.
  • Kincumber

    Liz Whiteley

    We went as a small school group and it was so great. The instructors were amazing. They all had great energy and delivery. As teachers, we all loved the night guard aspect and the food was top notch for staff and students. All of my kids had a great time too!
  • Kincumber

    Tanya Sundfeld

    Amazing camp. The instructors are fantastic with the kids. The teachers are really like after. Nothing is too difficult and they are always checking in to make sure everything was going well and to see if there was anything that we needed or they could do for us. The activities were so much fun. Their challenge by choice philosophy is great. It allows the children to feel safe enough to try new things but without the pressure. Such a brilliant camp.
  • Kincumber

    Year 7 Domremy Catholic College

    On behalf of year 7, we want to say a huge thank you for giving us such an incredible camp experience! Your guidance, patience, and encouragement made all the difference and we truly appreciate everything you did to support us. You pushed us beyond our comfort zones, challenged us to try new things, and helped us discover strengths we never knew we had. These are the experiences we would never have had without you and we will carry these memories with us for a long time. Thank yor for making camp so much fun, exciting and unforgettable.

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