Expeditions

Challenge yourself and maximise your potential

Invite your students on a unique outdoor education adventure, crafted just for your group. Hike, paddle and ride on a multi-day journey, with the promise of a spectacular reward at your final destination. Stunning scenery is guaranteed, as is the satisfaction that comes from using and building on skills learned on previous camps.

Life-changing expeditions

canoeing
fitzroy falls outdoor education
outdoor education
riverside bushwalking
team building campfire and outdoor education
mountain bike trail

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.

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FAQs
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Are Expeditions 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.

Can we really go on an Expedition anywhere?
Just about, yes. Send us your dream destination, and we’ll tailor a trip. We take groups to the snow, and we explore mountains, rivers, oceans, canyons and more. We can even take your group on an international adventure. Check out our Adventure page for inspiration.

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 the Amphitheatre at our Fitzroy Falls Centre, or a communal area at Base Camp at Coolendel.

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. 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 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. If your Expedition takes in time at our Fitzroy Falls Centre or Base Camp at Coolendel, we’ll also use our commercial kitchen and BBQs. 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.

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

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. An important part of being on Expedition is taking responsibility for your own gear, and caring for the group in general. 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 and start an Expedition from there - to a nearby natural wonder or further abroad.

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
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Accommodation on Expedition is waterproof, double-walled tents that are well ventilated. In the warmer months, students are invited to see more of the night sky by sleeping in hoochies - 2-person tarp shelters. Both set-ups have plenty of room for gear.
Catering
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Participants will prepare their own meals using compact fuel stoves. These stoves are extremely safe, and we provide clear instructions on their operation. Under close supervision during meal times, we work together in small groups, fostering teamwork while enhancing participants’ outdoor culinary skills.
Risk management
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At Optimum Experiences, your safety always comes first. Our team leaders are comprehensively trained, with certifications in first aid and emergency medical care, including in remote areas - essential when we are on Expedition. We ensure you have the best gear for your adventure, all provided by our reliable partner, Equipped Outdoors.
optimum experiences activity icon expeditions

Camp

On Expedition, students take ownership of their camp gear over a multi-day hike, camping in two-person tents, cooking for the group, building community and leaving no trace, to protect our environment.
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Mountain bike

On Expedition, students might hike, canoe or mountain bike - or any combination. After all, it’s the journey that matters. Whatever your skill level on a bike, our expert guides will be ready with advice and encouragement.
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Hike

On Expedition, a bushwalk is also an exercise in preparation, packing and taking responsibility for your gear - which can impact on the whole group. Connect with nature, enjoy the stunning scenery and build resilience.
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Canoe

Building on the skills learned at earlier outdoor education programs, students on Expedition paddle on the river to challenge themselves in a safe, rewarding and fun group adventure.
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Navigate

Students see the value of their orienteering skills as we put them to practical use. We read maps, interpret terrain and monitor conditions for safety and success - skills they’ll use for life.
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Outdoor education - Expeditions

Cook

Meal preparation is essential for independence. Cooking for a group builds skills in teamwork, self-management, responsibility and, ultimately, leadership. With curriculum ties to PDHPE, English and more, we discuss the impact of our food choices.
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Expedition

On Expedition, students apply the knowledge and skills they learned on previous adventures. We push them out of their comfort zones - safely, with support.

Expeditions are typically 5-day trips with a clear destination, into Morton National Park, along the Shoalhaven River, around Kangaroo Valley and Tallowa Dam, or in the wilds of Jervis Bay. We hike, canoe or mountain bike. After all, it’s about how you get there. This rewarding trip can be life-changing.

Expedition programs for outdoor education

The Optimum Experiences difference

Every great journey begins with a single step. And every Expedition with Optimum Experiences begins with a meticulously designed outdoor education program tied to both the Australian Curriculum and the unique goals of the group.

For an enriching cultural experience, we consult our local Indigenous education specialists. For a safe trip, we engage our fully qualified staff, who build rapport with each individual, debrief after activities, assess progress and differentiate for each student.
Outdoor expedition group canoeing

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