Centre based

Outdoor education your way, for your school

Our Centre Based programs run primarily out of our Optimum Experiences centre in Fitzroy Falls, as well as our other centres across NSW. Give your students and team the chance to challenge themselves in the wilderness, with action and adventure in a stunning temperate rainforest. Programs are designed to suit your group, with cultural and nature-based learning, supported by expert facilitators. Connect and share around the campfire, cook damper, get creative, and enjoy the activities.

Nature-based learning

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Program design

01
Define
To deliver a program that meets your school’s specific requirements, we begin with a consultation to understand your expectations and goals, as well as your students and teachers. We’ll uncover the challenges and opportunities unique to your organisation.
02
Design
We scope what’s needed to ensure a safe, engaging environment. We assess potential locations and risks, plan contingencies and create a personalised curriculum. Each program is unique, with bespoke learning that aligns with your vision.
03
Deliver
Our experienced facilitators implement our programs, ensuring each participant is engaged, inspired and empowered. Drawing on their wealth of expertise, they guide and mentor students to foster a safe, challenging and supportive learning environment.
04
Demonstrate
The ultimate value of our outdoor education programs lies in how students can apply what they’ve learned to their everyday lives. We lead debriefing and reflection sessions to help students and teachers recognise personal insights and transfer their learnings.
FAQs
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Are Centre Based 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 in our Amphitheatre. If the conditions aren’t suitable for a fire, we get creative with our camp kitchen.

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 pillow. If you’re in a tent, you’ll need a sleeping mat too (but not if you’re in a cabin based program). 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. 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 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, using our commercial kitchen or on the BBQ or campfire. 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.

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

Accommodation
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Accommodation at Centre Base is dorm style, with tribes sharing a room. All rooms have an en suite. Boys and girls sleep in separate areas, and teachers sleep nearby. If your program includes a campout night, students will share a tent with one other student.
Catering
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Everyone gathers in the communal dining hall to eat together and share stories about our day. Tribes will be seated together to keep that teamwork going.
Risk management
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Safety is our number 1 priority at Optimum Experiences. Whether you’re climbing high ropes or taking a gentle bushwalk, feel confident that you are in safe hands. Our leaders are fully qualified, including in first aid and emergency medical responses. We source our high-quality equipment from our trusted partner, Equipped Outdoors.
Outdoor education - High ropes course

High wires

High rope adventures include the Giant Leap, Flying Fox and Transporter. See students change their perspectives as they abseil down cliff faces. We safely tailor challenges to individuals.
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Archery

All our outdoor education activities are based on outcomes aligned with the Australian Curriculum, in consultation with Outdoor Education Australia. Watch as students develop their coordination, focus and determination.
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Bush discovery

A walk in the bush is transformed into a learning experience, where students open their eyes to humans’ connection with nature. Join them as they develop their ecological literacy and learn about sustainability and conservation.
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Canoe

Getting out on the water is a wonderful way for students to learn the importance of communication, teamwork, resilience and safety - as well as being a lot of fun. We also talk about water as it relates to students’ Geography units.
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Mountain bike

Outdoor education equips students’ toolboxes by allowing access to adventures that are fun, challenging and safe. Optimum Experiences encourages new types of exploration: even experienced mountain bikers will love our purpose-built trails.
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Team initiatives

Engage in practical problem-solving and effective communication challenges that will strengthen group dynamics and foster cooperation. Our program empowers participants to collaborate, communicate, and overcome obstacles together, creating a cohesive and resilient team.
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Centre Based: Fitzroy Falls

On the land of the Yuin people, about 90 minutes south of Sydney, our Fitzroy Falls campground is named Yarrunga, for the stunning eucalypt trees that surround the site. In this beautiful temperate rainforest, you’ll feel days away from an urban lifestyle. The site is split into two areas, Belmore and Carrington; we form ‘tribes’ to match, always supported by an instructor and a teacher.

Accommodation is dorm style, with the option to camp in tents. For meals, everyone gathers in the communal dining hall, where we share stories about our day.
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Culture and environment

At our Fitzroy Falls campground, we invite local Indigenous education specialists Gadhungal Marring to share their knowledge and stories of the surrounding environment - the forest and its river, waterfalls, rock formations, flora and fauna. Night activities could include a campfire, corroboree or starlit walk.

Like all our school camp programs, activities are tailored to your group, depending on age, ability and school goals, based on our sequential learning design for outdoor education.

optimum experiences programs centre based

What our clients say

"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
“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