What to bring

Yourself! Once enrolled you will receive a comprehensive list of requirements tailored to your course. Mainly you will need to bring personal clothing including some supportive, broken-in hiking boots and a rain jacket. Most importantly you will need your sense of adventure and a willingness to learn and do your best.

What is supplied / the course fee covers

Almost everything. Course fees cover an extensive safety network, food, tuition, use of camping and activity equipment and transportation within the program. Each course includes the services of our highly trained and experienced instructors and support staff. We take away the logistical hassles of spending long periods of time in the wilderness, from arranging permission for access to land to providing food and water drops to providing equipment and support for technical activities.

Unmatched Reputation for Safety

The nature of activities in the outdoors will always have an element of risk, inconvenience and uncertainty. However, everything Outward Bound Australia does is carefully planned and operated by our professional staff to minimise real risk without diminishing the excitement of an active, adventurous challenge. At Outward Bound Australia safety is a fundamental priority - we wouldn't be as successful as we are today without the highest standards of personnel, equipment and risk management.

Environment

Outward Bound Australia conducts activities in the outdoors, therefore courses and locations may be affected by adverse environmental conditions. Planned activities, courses and locations may need to be changed for safety or environmental reasons.

Our Commitment to the Environment

Outward Bound relies on the beautiful and inspiring wilderness as an 'outdoor classroom' and as such we are very conscious of the need for environmental protection. Operating over vast areas involves a close relationship with National Parks and local landowners, we often carry out service projects in appreciation of permission to enter properties.

Medical Information

Pre-course information will include a medical form. It is vital that we have as much information as possible about your medical history so that we can provide the best care possible. All participants aged fourty and above are required to undertake a medical examination prior to course.

Smoking, Alcohol and Nonprescription Drugs

All Outward Bound courses are strictly nonsmoking. We also do not allow any alcohol or nonprescription drugs. This is not a value judgment, we ask this for your safety and for the protection of the environment.

Outward Bound works! - The Research

Since 1969, we have been inviting, initiating and compiling scientific research on the processes and effects of our programs. The aim has been to gather the knowledge necessary to design and deliver the most effective experiential-based personal development programs possible. That independent research has proven that Outward Bound experiences will profoundly affect the participant and that the resultant dramatic changes will continue long after the initial positive experience. For more information visit our Research page.

Code of Conduct

Outward Bound Australia expects all participants to come physically prepared, participate voluntarily, try their best, try new activities, work as part of a group and follow instructions, especially where safety is concerned. Participants who, through misconduct or unsafe practices, pose a danger to themselves or others may be removed from course. Participants who use alcohol, nonprescription drugs or tobacco on a course may be required to leave without completing the course. Removal from a course in progress for any of the above reasons will result in forfeiture of fees and charge of evacuation costs from the field.

How an Outward Bound Australia course can increase your employment-related skills

Whether you wish to further your career or are looking to improve your employability, an Outward Bound Australia course can help you achieve your goals. The aims and outcomes of every course include improving and developing life skills appropriate to the work place. Academic research shows sustained development of these skills. They include leadership, teamwork, problem solving, increased self-confidence and self-esteem, time management, conflict resolution and communication skills.

Expert Instructors and Staff

Our instructors are dedicated women and men who will support you through your course. They are carefully selected for their personality, general wilderness and adventure experience and enthusiasm for our style of experiential education.  We conduct our own Nationally Recognised Training program for our instructional staff. For more information on staff qualifications, visit our Safety page.

'Outward Bound provides an opportunity to learn about life and people in a place apart.'