Gutsy Girls Adventure
Experience an authentic adventure, designed especially for girls and young women.
Set in the breathtaking Walpole-Nornalup National Park, this all-female program is more than just a holiday, it’s a transformative journey. Through powerful outdoor education experiences like high ropes, giant ladder, hiking, paddling, and an unforgettable overnight solo, you’ll build confidence, resilience and leadership. Whether you're seeking a personal challenge, meaningful friendships, or space to reflect and grow, this outdoor adventure will support you in your future pursuits, no matter where you go.
Scroll down for full itinerary details.
The details
This is a generic route and is subject to change
What to expect on your Gutsy Girls Adventure (indicative program)
Day 1
Arrive at Walpole Visitor Centre for a 4.30pm start. Meet your group and your Group Leaders, who you will be with for the duration of your program. We will transport you to our Walpole Campus and issue your equipment and check you have everything you need before getting started with games and activities.
Around the campfire, we’ll begin conversations about expectations, personal values, goals, and the kind of adventure this will be.
Day 2
Wake up, have breakfast, then depart for the outdoor classroom. We will delve into several common leadership characteristic traits and explore their strengths and challenges. With your new knowledge, we will give you a series of problem-solving challenges, where you will need to communicate while role playing the various leadership qualities.
After lunch, it’s time to put your new learning into practice with heights activity giant ladder. Pair up and work together to climb as high as you can, all while being belayed by the rest of your group.
Days 3 & 4
The next two days are your first of two overnight hiking expeditions. You will begin with some introductory lessons and skill-building to read topographic maps and use a compass. Once the group has the fundamental skills down, you will head off for your next campsite. Heading out on 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.
On Day 4 you will have arrived at your next heights activity, high ropes. By now you will be feeling more familiar with how everything works, and you’ll start taking on more ownership of your gear, meals and camp setup.
Day 5
We’re at the mid-point of your adventure. It’s time to change the focus of the program, giving some time for personal reflection. Your morning will begin with a values journey. We will separate all the group members along the track, providing you with some thought-provoking questions to keep you thinking on what is important to you.
From here, you’ll prepare for one of the most significant parts of your journey: overnight solo. We will set you up with your own personal campsite, including enough gear, food and shelter to be comfortable, but without distractions. The afternoon will be spent settling in, beginning a quiet period of personal reflection, rest, and reconnection with yourself in the stillness of the natural world.
Days 6-8
You’ll wake up to the gentle sounds of the bush, completing your Solo experience mid-morning. After packing up your site, you’ll reconnect with the group, where you’ll share stories, reflections and new perspectives. A shared meal and storytelling session helps integrate your solo insights into the bigger Gutsy Girls journey.
After lunch you will swap backpacks for paddles for your paddling expedition. We’ll spend the first part of the afternoon learning how to raft together as a team. With Group Leaders guiding the way, you’ll practice paddling techniques and safety skills before setting off. Expect calm waters and dense forest lining the banks – perfect for finding your rhythm on the water.
Day 7 can be a tough task if there are strong winds. You will need to employ all your skills in teamwork and communication.
The morning of Day 8 sees the final leg of your paddle expedition. Come ashore, dry off and enjoy a hearty lunch.
Days 8 & 9
It’s time for your final hike expedition! This will test your ability to adapt, problem-solve, and work as a team to stay on course, and is a celebration of how far you’ve come. The walk is steady and filled with space for conversations, laughter, and reflection.
Over dinner, you’ll share highlights, lessons learned, and personal wins from your Gutsy Girls journey. Under the endless stars, you will chill around the campfire to celebrate your successes. You will discuss your key learnings and personal discoveries and plan on some strategies you can adopt to continue these new strengths back at home.
Day 10
It’s the final day! Wake up early, have breakfast, then pack down your campsite one final time.
We will celebrate the end of program with your Blue Peter Ceremony, where you will receive a certificate of completion and an Outward Bound Australia t-shirt.
As your program draws to conclusion, we will complete de-issue of your program equipment and then it’s back to Walpole Visitor Centre, where it is possible to have a shower before returning home from 9am.
FAQs
Arrival Day 1: Please arrive at Walpole Visitor Centre at 4pm.
Departure Final day: The program concludes at Walpole Visitor Centre at 9am.
Address: Walpole Nornalup Visitor Centre, Pioneer Park, South Coast Hwy, Walpole WA 6398.
You will be asked to fill in a transport confirmation form 8 weeks prior to program, this will be sent to your email. There you can indicate if you would need to park your car at our Walpole Base.
Transport Options-
If you are flying into WA, we offer the following transport services:
Pick-up (Day 1):
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11am – Perth Airport ArrivalsÂ
Drop-off (Final Day):
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4.30pm – Perth Airport
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. The drive from Perth to Walpole is approximately 5.5 hours including food, toilet and rest breaks. We are unable to offer transport services outside of these designated times.
Here is your Gutsy Girls 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?Â
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 bag should be one third for personal clothing and sleeping bag, one third for group equipment and one third for food and water.
All skill levels are welcome. You just need to be physically able to carry your own gear and manage moderate physical activity. As a general guide, if you can comfortably walk 5km a day at home, you’ll be well prepared.
I’ve never rafted before and I can’t swim – can I still come?
Absolutely! No prior rafting experience or swimming ability is required. Our experienced guides will support you every step of the way, with safety being our top priority.
What kind of food is provided on the program?
Please see the Expedition Menu Information
How does meal time work on program?Â
Participants work together to prepare and cook meals using woks or outdoor camp stoves, under the guidance of their Group Leaders. It’s a great opportunity to learn outdoor cooking skills!
Will there be food drops on program?Â
Food drops depend on the duration/nature of your program.
What about dietary requirements?Â
Any dietaries will be accommodated if disclosed on your Medical Form. We regularly cater to Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian and Halal. Don’t worry, if you have complicated or specific dietary needs, we can develop a plan with you, just chat with your Client Manager.Â
What about anaphylaxis and allergies?
We are a nut-aware program:
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No nuts are brought on programs, though trace ingredients may still be present.
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All Group Leaders are trained in anaphylaxis response and carry an EpiPen.
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If you have any allergies or medical conditions, please inform your client manager well in advance.
I’m a picky eater and don’t like the meals provided—what do I do?
No worries! Please contact your Client Manager as soon as possible. They’ll arrange a meeting to discuss your needs and make sure you’re looked after.
Where will I sleep?
Participants sleep in tents or tarps, shared with 2-3 others. You’ll carry and set up your own tent or tarp at each campsite—with clear instructions from Group Leaders.
What gear do I need for sleeping?
You’ll need to bring:
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A sleeping bag (suitable for cold weather)
- Outward Bound provides Tent / Tarp
- Outward Bound provides sleeping mat (you are welcome to bring one however!)
Will it be warm enough at night?
We camp in outdoor environments, so temperatures can drop—especially in alpine or winter conditions. A good-quality, season-appropriate sleeping bag is essential. Group Leaders will also give tips for staying warm at night.
What if I’ve never camped before?
That’s okay! Many participants are new to camping. Our leaders will show you how to set up your tent, stay dry and warm, and have a comfortable sleep outdoors.
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.Â