Our Tea Gardens site, about two hours north of Sydney, places you right in the heart of Australia’s wild beauty. Kangaroos hop across the camp, while the vibrant birdlife and occasional possum add to the lively atmosphere. This site, our original and largest Aussie Bush Camp, began as a theme park and movie studio founded by the legendary Mike and Mal Leyland, two pioneering filmmakers and entrepreneurs. Now, it’s the ultimate outdoor education playground.
Bordered by the tranquil Bundabah Creek, our Tea Gardens location offers private access to peaceful kayaking adventures and endless opportunities for exploration. Activities are spread across the expansive property, offering a mix of thrilling high-altitude adventures like leaping from the 10-metre power fan and scaling the towering rock-climbing wall. You’ll also find exciting water escapades, and lots of ground-based fun.
Lake Ivan dominates the middle of camp, where you can dive into all the water- based activities like canoeing, raft building and flying overhead on the dual flying fox. And with the charming coastal towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest just around the corner, you’ll not only be surrounded by pristine beaches, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest moving sand dunes, and the stunning Myall Lakes, but also have access to epic off-site adventures. From sea kayaking and exploring rainforests, to the thrilling experience of swimming with sharks and stingrays.
At Tea Gardens, we don’t just focus on fun – we build custom programs that meet curriculum outcomes across all stages of learning. From Life Ready, HSIE, Rainforest and Marine programs, and even specialised courses like Rock and Water and Anti-Bullying – we’ve got it all covered. Plus, with seven campsites, there’s plenty of room for even the largest schools to experience camp together.
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
Tea Gardens boasts an epic lineup of 64 engaging activities, including the 16m drop on the giant swing, leap of faith, abseiling and flying fox.
We know every school has its own goals, so we build custom programs to hit key learning outcomes for all stages and offer dedicated syllabus programs which cover subjects like HSIE, Marine and Life Ready. You can read more about our dedicated Syllabus programs here. Whether you’re building confidence, conquering heights, or sharpening life skills, our expert instructors have you covered.
Cabin style tents
Our cabin-style tents are permanent, weatherproof PVC structures with robust steel frames, set on a concrete pad for durability. They’re conveniently located near the amenities block, which provides separate showers and toilets for both males and females. Each tent contains bunk beds with mattress and protector. Situated in a semicircle around a campfire, they create an authentic camping experience where your group can bond around the fire and enjoy the great outdoors.
Ensuite cabins
Our ensuite cabins offer the perfect blend of privacy and community. Each cabin features its own in-cabin shower and toilet along with separate bedrooms for added comfort. Conveniently located near our dining hall, these cabins are arranged with communal tables to foster group interaction and include a dedicated campfire area for relaxed evenings together. The ensuite cabins feature:
- Bunk beds with mattress and protector
- Toilet and shower
- Close to teacher/leader accommodation
- Fire circle
Dormitory Cabins
Our dormitory-style cabins offer a warm, communal atmosphere where guests can enjoy a true sense of togetherness. Just a short stroll from our amenities block with separate male and female showers and toilets, these cabins ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Each cabin area also features its own fire circle, perfect for group gatherings. Our cabins feature:
- Bunk beds with mattress and protector
- Air conditioning for year-round comfort
- Wheelchair-friendly rooms
- Accessible toilet and shower
- Close to teacher/leader accommodation and fire circle
Teacher / Leader Cabins
Each campsite has separate cabins for the teachers or leaders. Our cabins feature a dormitory-style layout with the added luxury of a private shower and toilet in each unit. Guests also enjoy a comfortable common room equipped with cosy lounges, TV, fridge, kitchen bench and basin. Depending on what campsite you are in, the cabins have a capacity ranging from 12 – 15 people with most containing a relaxing common room equipped with lounges, TV, fridge, kitchen bench and basin.
- Common room to fit 6 people with lounge, TV and fridge
- Variation of bunk and double beds with sheets and blanket
- Air conditioning for year-round comfort
Facilities and services
Tea Gardens offers a fantastic range of facilities to make your camp unforgettable, including:
- 64 on and off-site activities
- Seven separate camp sites
- Private access to Bundabah creek
- Our own private Lake Ivan
- Indoor rock climbing
- Beach volleyball
- Tiered-seated movie theatre
- Large indoor dining hall
- Indoor sports hall
- Seven campfire circles
- Three large recreational halls
- Offsite activities
- Large industrial kitchen
- First Aid room
- Separate teacher accommodation
- Assisted night-time supervision
Dining – food and dietaries
At The Great Aussie Bush Camp, we serve fresh, tasty, and nutritious meals daily to keep you energised for all your adventures.
Our menu covers a wide range of tastes, offering meals like hamburgers, spaghetti Bolognese, and BBQs with sausages and salad. Breakfast serves up hot and cold options, from pancakes and scrambled eggs to spaghetti and cereals. Fresh fruit and drinks are always on hand to keep you fuelled and hydrated.
We take dietary needs seriously, catering to coeliac, vegetarian, halal, lactose intolerance, and severe allergies. If you have specific dietary requirements, please coordinate with your school or give us a call to discuss the options. We are allergy-aware, with a HACCP-controlled kitchen and regular health inspections to ensure safety for everyone. For more information on our food, you can head over to our dining page.
