Coastal

Dive into adventure to discover wild water wonderlands

Optimum Experiences’ Coastal programs include water sports, beach games, camping and more. As your students get onto the water in a kayak or SUP – or safely into the water to swim or snorkel – they’ll learn about ocean life and gain essential life skills with real-world value. Coastal programs usually run over four days, customised to suit the needs of your group.

Beach, bay and beyond… let’s go

FAQs

Are Coastal programs for business groups as well?
You bet. All our programs are designed to suit the needs of your group, whether you’re from a school, business, community organisation, sports team or something else entirely.

Will we be roasting marshmallows?
Naturally – as long as conditions are safe for a fire. In general, we might have small campfires for groups, as well as a bigger bonfire.

What other types of programs do you run?
As well as our Coastal program, Optimum Experiences runs a range of customised outdoor education programs for school groups and more: Centre Based, Base Camp, Expeditions, Leadership. On our Adventure programs, we take participants abseiling, canyoning, mountain biking, skiing and more.

How do I book?
First, get in touch with Optimum Experiences so we can design a program just for you. We’ll then set you up with a profile on VenueLife, where you can register and provide important information like group allocations, dietary requirements, emergency contacts and medical plans.

Do I need my own sleeping bag?
Yes, and please also bring a sleeping mat and pillow. You’ll find a full list of what you need to bring under our Resources section below.

What are the bathroom facilities like?
Learning how to take care of business in the bush is an important life skill! Toilets and bathrooms are part of the facilities at the Optimum Experiences Centre at Fitzroy Falls, at Base Camp at Coolendel and at campgrounds in National Parks and NSW Parks. On Expedition, participants will have the full outdoor bathroom experience – privately, safely, hygienically and in a way that protects our environment.

What should I bring to an Optimum Experiences program?
Great question! You’ll find a list of what to bring under the Resources section of this page. After we’ve designed a bespoke Coastal program just for your group, we’ll also provide a handy packing list.

What’s the food like?
We think the food is great! Optimum Experiences provides three meals a day, as well as morning and afternoon tea. Thanks to our incredible Logistics Coordinators, meals are cooked fresh at the campground. As we design the program for your group, we’ll collect information about dietary requirements and allergies, via our easy-to-use booking system, Venuelife.

Do all staff members have Working With Children Checks?
Absolutely. Our qualified, experienced outdoor educators are our greatest asset. Meet the team.

Will I need to carry my own pack?
With help, yes. However, each Optimum Experiences program is custom designed, especially for your group. Get in touch to learn how we cater to groups of all ages, numbers and abilities.

How challenging will it be?
Every individual has their own challenges. We take great pride in tailoring our experiences to suit each group, so that our programs exceed expectations. Our experienced, professional outdoor educators ensure participants feel safe and secure, while also helping to build a non-judgemental, supportive community of peers.

Will you come to us?
Absolutely! Optimum Experiences is a fully mobile company. We can bring our gear and our team members to your premises for an adventure day, a mini camping experience or an Expedition to a nearby natural wonder.

Does Optimum Experiences run the Duke of Edinburgh program?
We facilitate the Duke of Edinburgh program at Bronze, Silver, Gold and International levels. Check out our Adventures for some awesome photos.

Accommodation

Catering

Risk management

Swim and snorkel

Our outdoor education programs share the joy and wonder of an ocean swim and seeing the underwater world through a snorkel mask, while also teaching water safety and ecology, and fostering all-important self-confidence.

Surf

Under the guidance of expert instructors, students at Optimum Experiences’ surf schools come away with a deeper respect for the ocean and further motivation to lead active lives.

SUP

Our giant stand-up paddleboards are the perfect gateway to water sports and learning to navigate watercraft. Teamwork, communication, leadership, safety and more - all with a healthy dose of fun!

Sea kayak

Nothing beats getting out on the water for wellbeing and the opportunity to develop skills in communication, teamwork, resilience and safety. Enjoy picturesque scenery, under the guidance of our expert facilitators.

Overnight

Build students’ personal and social capability with a mini expedition led by our experienced and passionate group facilitators. Pack, carry and set up a tent and everything you need for 24 hours in the bush.

Resources

What you need to bring

Risk assessment

Coastal Camps

A few days by the water is good for the soul – especially when it includes rich learning experiences led by expert outdoor education facilitators. Optimum Experiences run camps at spectacular sites in and around the Shoalhaven (about three hours south of Sydney), like Booderee National Park and Minnamurra.

At each location, we set up double-walled, waterproof, dome-style tents with room for two. Students work in groups to cook on trangias and manage the campsite, supported by an Optimum Experiences team member and a teacher.

What our clients say

“The expeditions pushed our students out of their comfort zones in a challenging yet safe and rewarding environment.”

Jackson Zhou, North Sydney Boys High School

“The leaders create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. The leaders go above and beyond to accommodate different needs.”

Trent Brown, Head Teacher Welfare, Kellyville High School

“Optimum's staff are second to none. Their consistency and quality have developed strong relationships and trust. Students always look forward to seeing familiar faces."

Shannon Cameron, Head of PDHPE, Northholm Grammar

Culture and environment

Optimum Experiences celebrates Aboriginal culture and grows students’ cultural awareness, thanks to our relationship with Raymond Timbery, lead cultural teacher of Gadhungal Marring. We ensure the safety of our participants. From rigorous risk assessments to carefully planned programs, we make sure all our adventures are safely guided.

Our unique learning experiences centre on the benefits of outdoor education for creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, wellbeing and life skills – but our programs are completely customisable. If you can dream it, we can do it.

programs & courses