Leadership- ACT
Spend 5 days in the wild with like-minded legends aged 16–24 from all over Australia. This isn’t your average holiday – it’s your chance to dive into real adventure the Outward Bound way and level up your leadership game. You’ll take on epic challenges like abseiling, the Giant Ladder, and Fire Watch – an overnight experience that’ll push your mindset and teamwork to the next level.
Build the skills high-performing teams use to thrive and walk away with confidence, clarity, and mates for life.
Scroll down for full itinerary details.
The details
This is a generic route and is subject to change
What to expect on your Leadership Adventure
Day 1
Arrive at Tharwa Campus by 10:30am and kick off your week with your crew and Group Leaders. We’ll gear up, make sure you’ve got everything you need, then jump into some icebreakers and action to get things moving.
In the arvo, test your nerves (and learn to manage them) as you take on abseiling.
After dinner, it’s game on—split into micro teams and battle it out in a performing arts showdown.
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 tackle the high ropes- Giant Ladder. Pair up and work together to climb as high as you can, all while being belayed by the rest of your group.
At the conclusion of dinner, it’s time for some public speaking. Wow your audience with your powers of persuasive communication to get exactly what you want.
Day 3
It’s time to put all your new-found skills into practice while under pressure in ‘The Box’. It’s a riddle which takes the whole team to solve before the time runs out.
In the afternoon we’ll head down to the Murrumbidgee River, where your next challenge is to build a group raft capable of crossing from one bank to the other.
The evening will be spent preparing for your overnight journey that happens the next day. We will issue the equipment needed and plan out the route you will take.
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 day will continue with a solo and values journey; both quiet and personal reflection experiences, providing the space to reflect on what really matters to you.
By the late afternoon you will have arrived at your campsite. We’ll help you set your shelters and get the firepits going for a roast dinner cooked in Dutch ovens. Tonight is your overnight campout. We have one final challenge for you to complete. It just may take all night to do it!
Day 5
It’s the final day! Wake up early for a sunrise breakfast, then pack down your campsite. Return to your cabins for a quick shower.
We will come together one last time to reflect, review and discuss your key learnings and personal discoveries and plan on some strategies you can adopt to continue these new strengths back at home. As your program draws to conclusion, we will complete de-issue of your program equipment and then it’s a BBQ celebratory lunch.
Your family and friends are welcome to arrive at Tharwa Campus at 1.30pm to celebrate your Blue Peter Ceremony, where you will receive a certificate of completion and an Outward Bound Australia t-shirt. Everything is wrapped up by 2pm, and it is time to return home. You’ll have cemented some new public speaking and leadership skills, made new friends and tested yourself in the outdoors!
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.
If you are coming Summer: Summer Leadership Packing List
If you are coming in Winter: Winter Leadership 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.
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. Our Group Leaders will keep them stored at our base during program.
This program hones your interpersonal skills, communication and ability to take on personal challenges. While there are no full-day hikes, you’ll cover around 2km a day walking between activities across our Tharwa Campus. High ropes and water activities are on offer—but totally optional.
For the first three nights you will be in cabin accommodation at Tharwa campus. You will be in a 6 person shared bunk bed room with ensuite toilet and shower. Your final night is an overnight camping experience, sleeping in tents or tarps on foam sleeping mats.
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.
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