Family Adventure
Create unforgettable memories together on a 5-day school holiday adventure for young people (12–16 years) and their parent or guardian. Join like-minded families from across Australia and share in the challenge, connection, and joy of authentic Outward Bound adventure. Together you'll tackle high ropes, summit Mt Tennent, and enjoy an overnight family camp-out under the stars. Strengthen your bond, discover new sides of yourselves, and return home with shared memories and practical skills that will last a lifetime.
Scroll down for full itinerary details.
Duration
5 days
Upcoming Dates
Ages
12-16 with an adult
The details
This is a generic route and is subject to change
What to expect on your Family Adventure ACT (indicative program)
Day 1
Arrive at Tharwa Campus for a 10.30am start. Meet your group and your Group Leaders, who you will be with for the duration of your program. We will issue your equipment and check you have everything you need for the week before getting straight into some games and activities.
You will arrive at your first campsite, conveniently on our campus. Learn how to set up your bivvy and cook your first group dinner.
Day 2
Wake up, make breakfast, then pack down your campsite. You will then walk to the high ropes area for your next challenge: Giant Ladder. In your family unit, help each other climb as high as you can on an epic ladder, whilst relying on your group to belay you on the ropes.
After lunch you will depart Tharwa Campus to prepare for your expedition (overnight hike). You will begin with some introductory lessons and skill-building to read topographic maps and use a compass. Once the group has the fundamental concepts secured it’s time to go. Expedition is an exciting opportunity to truly build your own adventure. With your Group Leaders, discuss and decide on the best route to reach your next campsite. Will you meander around every hill, or tackle a more direct route going up and down summits?
Day 3
In the morning, continue your expedition through lush Australis forests surrounded by kangaroos and wallabies. The intention is to summit Mt. Tennent (elevation 1375 metres), which makes a breathtaking spot for lunch, before coming downhill towards Namadgi Visitor Centre.
For your final group-camp, you’ll celebrate your achievements so far by getting the firepits going for a roast dinner cooked in Dutch ovens.
Day 4
This morning it is your time to give back, with an Environmental Service activity that will contribute to the ongoing restoration of the Murrumbidgee River ecosystem.
The afternoon is filled with a ‘duo walk’, where each pair walks alone to experience the bush just the two of you. You’ll discuss some thought-provoking questions to keep you talking and listening to one another. As you reach the end of the trail, you will arrive at your personal campsite for an overnight solo campout. This is your time to connect together on a night alone in the wilderness.
Day 5
It’s the final day! Wake up early for a sunrise breakfast, then pack down your campsite. You’ll be guided to rejoin the group, and you’ll reflect together on the full range of experiences from across the week. We can discuss your key learnings and personal discoveries and plan on some strategies you can adopt to continue these new strengths back at home.
Return to base for one final epic activity: the Giant Ladder. Work as a pair to climb a huge ladder where the runs are over 1m apart. You’ll need to put everything you learnt this week to the test to help each other get to the top.
It’s time for your only shower during the week, and then a celebration BBQ lunch. Your family and friends are welcome to arrive at Tharwa Campus at 1.30pm to be a part of your Blue Peter Ceremony, where you will receive a certificate of completion and an Outward Bound Australia t-shirt. Everything is finished at 2pm, and it is time to return home.
Program Details and FAQs
Arrival Day 1: Please arrive at Tharwa Campus at 10:30am
Departure Final day: The program concludes at Tharwa Campus at 2:00pm.
A Certificate Ceremony will be held at 1:30pm, and families are warmly invited to attend.
Transport Options
If you are not self-driving, we offer the following transport services:
Pick-up (Day 1):
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9:30am – Jolimont Tourist Centre in Canberra (we will pick you up outside EzyMart)
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10:00am – Canberra Airport (downstairs arrival area pick up details here)
Drop-off (Final Day):
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2:30pm – Canberra Airport
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3:00pm – Jolimont (Canberra) Coach Station
To use these services, you must let us know on the Pre-Program Transport Form. You will be sent all pre-program forms 8 weeks prior to your program.
Here is your Family Adventure Packing List
Should I wear hiking boots?
Hiking boots are recommended. Otherwise, try to find lace-up, fully enclosed shoes with rigid soles and good ankle support.
What about wet weather clothing?
Rain jackets are essential for warmth (especially against the wind) and rain protection. Programs continue in most weather conditions, so these items are an essential safety item. Rain pants are recommended but optional.
Will thermals be needed?
Thermals are required for programs running from May to September. For other times, thermals are optional but recommended as a lightweight jumper or pyjamas. Check your specific packing list for further details.
Can I bring my phone?
We’re all for a digital detox – getting back to nature without the daily distraction of mobiles, gaming consoles or tablets. Please leave your devices at home, or our Group Leaders will keep them stored at our base.
How heavy will my bag be?
Your backpack weight and group equipment is specifically designed to stay below 25% of your body weight, so extra items you bring may not be allowed on program. Your legs will thank you for not packing that third jumper- trust us! Your bag should be one third for personal clothing and sleeping bag, one third for group equipment and one third for food and water.
There is no maximum age restriction for the adults. Adults just need to be physically capable of participating in the activities. As a general guide, if you can comfortably walk 5km, you’ll be able to participate in the hikes and activities. High ropes are optional, and the young person will still be able to participate in the activities if the adult chooses to sit out.
For the young person, they must be over 12 years old to attend.
Pairs typically share a tent or tarp for this program. You’ll sleep on foam sleep mats and we can lend you an OBA sleeping bag at no extra cost.
Outward Bound Australia provides a supportive environment for your child to thrive, regardless of their prior experience on an adventure like this.
We are committed to inclusivity and diversity and we cater to people of different ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities. However, our team are not trained disability support workers or trauma support workers. Programs are delivered in a group setting and we are unable to provide 1-on-1 ongoing support throughout the program for individual participants with complex additional needs. If your child is unable to self-manage basic tasks such as cooking, packing a bag, and following instructions, this program may not be appropriate for them at this time.
Participants need to:
- Be respectful: physical or verbally abusive behaviours will not be tolerated.
- Co-operate and partake in the fundamental elements of the program, without deliberately disrupting group activities.
- Self-manage living skills in an outdoor camping environment.
Participants may be removed from the program if they fail to meet these standards. For a more comprehensive understanding of our minimum behavioral expectations, see here.
Still have Questions?
Head to our Planning and FAQs page if you still have questions. Or chat with us today!