Leadership- WA
Spend 5 days in the wild with like-minded legends aged 16–24 from all over Australia. This isn’t your average hiking 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 off-track hiking, paddling, 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
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Walpole Visitor Centre 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 transport you to our activity hub, called ‘The Block’ and issue your equipment and check you have everything you need for the week before getting started.
You’ll be nestled amongst some of the largest trees in Australia- the Karri and Tinglewood forests.
After dinner, it’s time to form into micro teams and compete against each other via the means of performing arts.
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.
You’ll cook together on camp stoves, and sit round the fire under a blanket of stars. At the conclusion of dinner, it’s time for some public speaking. Wow your audience with your powers of persuasive communication.
Day 3
It’s time to put all your new-found skills into practice. Solve the riddle of The Box within the time limit. You won’t succeed without everyone involved.
In the afternoon we’ll head into the wilderness for a short hike. This is a time for personal reflection about what is important to you, and to self-evaluate how closely you are living to your true North.
The evening will be spent preparing for your overnight journey that happens the next day. We will issue the extra equipment needed and plan out the route you will take.
Day 4
Kick off the day with a paddle journey to your last campsite, stopping along the way to give back through an Environmental Service project that helps restore the local ecosystem. You’ll paddle in 4 person inflatable rafts along the pristine rivers of the Normalup Inlet. Sing a sea shanty or two to pass the paddle time!
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at camp, set up your tarp, and cook your first dinner out in the field. You’ll be surprised how quickly a bunch of strangers start to feel like lifelong mates.
Day 5
It’s the final day! Wake up, have breakfast, then pack down your campsite. It’s back into the boats to make your way to your final destination.
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. We will celebrate 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.
FAQs
Arrival Day 1: Please arrive at Walpole Visitor Centre at 10:30am.
Departure Final day: The program concludes at Walpole Visitor Centre at 2:00pm.
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.
Here is your Leadership WA 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.
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 2-6km a day walking between activities. The rafting is on flat water with no rapids or drops. The high ropes are optional, however the rafting is not; you will paddle to and from your final night’s campsite.
This program is camping-based, so you will be sleeping in tarps in different campsites throughout the week. The tarps are shared between 1-2 people. You will sleep on foam sleep mats or you’re welcome to bring your own camp mat.
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:
-
No nuts are brought on programs, though trace ingredients may still be present.
-
All Group Leaders are trained in anaphylaxis response and carry an EpiPen.
-
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