Not Schoolies!

You’ve completed your final school exams; now feel the height of your success. Revel in the adventure of progressing to the next chapter in your life. Make new friends and share your hopes and plans for your future.

Essential Information
A New Adventure

Not Schoolies! is an expedition experience for anyone who has completed their secondary education. Hike, mountain bike, and paddle through the rugged and rewarding environment of Australia’s highest peaks in the beautiful Australian Alps region.

Life is one enormous adventure, and you have just completed a significant chapter. Let the environment mirror your elation at your achievements so far, and excitement for your future ahead.

Locations - Where does the adventure take place?

Not Schoolies! begins in Tharwa ACT. From here you will be transported to the base of Australia’s alpine region and progress you way south towards the Snowy River.

Your experience ends in Jindabyne, where you can choose to remain after program, or return to ACT with our staff.

Itinerary - What will I be doing?

You will start your journey in Tharwa ACT. Meet your new fellow team-mates, Outward Bound Group Leaders, and receive instruction on navigation and safe group management. You will then be transported to the base of the alpine region to begin your journey. Hike, mountain bike, and paddle from Australia’s summits to then cross the State border along the mighty Snowy River. On the sixth day, we will return to Jindabyne for a final celebratory meal together. Accommodation that night is organised by us.

What's included in the program fees?

Outward Bound’s program fees include all accommodation, national park entry fees, meals, activities and specialised equipment that you may need on the adventure.

Not Schoolies! is priced at $1,997 per person, incl. GST for 6-days/6-nights.

Accommodation

Our expedition-based programs are established to take you on an adventure through some of Australia’s most spectacular national parks and wilderness settings. Every night you will set up camp in a new location.
On the final night we will be sleeping in cabin accommodation in Jindabyne township.

Amenities

Toilets and bathroom amenities are conditional on the specific location of each campsite.

Meals & Catering

Fresh and healthy food options are made available for participants throughout the program. All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks (including water and purification) are provided. Participants are directly involved in food preparation, cooking and eating together. For those with specific dietary requirements, please contact us to discuss how we can best provide for you.

Equipment

Outward Bound provides your backpack, and all activity and cooking equipment, as well as communication, first aid, and emergency response equipment.

Support & Encouragement

Not Schoolies is all about celebration through adventure. Participants will be encouraged to engage in new challenges, collaborate and support a group of peers and, most importantly – have fun.

Packing List - What will I need?
Come prepared and leave energised to tackle anything life throws your way!

Click on the images to see the required packing list for Not Schoolies!

It is expected that all participants arrive with these items. If you do not own some of these already, consider borrowing from friends or family or buying second hand. We also have an arrangement with CampList, where you can hire or purchase many of the items on the packing list.

FAQs

We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have over the phone (1800 267 999). Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.

Where am I sleeping?

Our programs are expedition-based. You will be hiking to a new expedition campsite every night where you will share a bivvy (A-frame tarp, with waterproof groundsheet and sleeping mat.)

What will I eat?

We value fresh food and endeavour to organise regular food drops for you to enjoy throughout your program. Participants will learn to cook a variety of group-based meals, including pasta, rice, burritos, and perhaps even a roast dinner. We are able to cater for most dietary requirements. We will request your specific dietary needs before the program.

Can I bring technology on program?

An Outward Bound program is your opportunity to ‘disconnect to reconnect’. We encourage adult participants to not use technology such as phones, tablets, music players, etc. during your program. If you need to bring these items, we can securely store these while you are out in the bush.

Do I have to wear hiking boots?

We recommend hiking boots for all our programs. If you are unable to source these, you will need to find a suitable pair of lace-up, fully enclosed footwear, that has a rigid sole and provides ankle stability.

Do I have to bring the wet weather clothing?

We use the rain jacket and waterproof overpants as a heat-trapping layer in the evenings, just as much as a waterproof cover in the case of rain. For the majority of situations, we continue with our program when it is raining, and so very strongly encourage participants to provide these items.

Do I have to bring the thermals?

For programs running May – September, yes you do need to bring the thermal top and bottom to program. For programs running at other times, you can choose if you want to bring these or not. Overall, we recommend bringing thermals for any time of year, as they can act as a lightweight jumper in the evenings, or as a pair of pyjamas (which are not a part of our packing list).

What activities will I be doing?

All Outward Bound programs include a hiking expedition and team initiatives. The program length and location may include abseiling, rock-climbing and high ropes. Programs in Western Australia and Grampians VIC usually include a water-based activity.

Do I have to be very fit to come on a program?

An Outward Bound program is an expedition in the natural environment, so you need to feel confident enough to manage walking on uneven ground for 5-10km every day of your program length, carrying a full hiking backpack that typically weights approximately 15kg. We do adjust our programs to meet the capabilities of each group.

Where are the programs held?

All-year-round programs operate from our national base in Tharwa, ACT. We operate seasonally from our Base in Walpole WA, and our remote set-up along the Snowy River, VIC.

Scholarship

We want as many people as possible to experience the advantage of a wilderness program in Australia. Through our charity arm, the Australian Outward Bound Development Fund, we can offer financial scholarship opportunities to those participants who would otherwise not be able to afford to come on a program.

To apply for a scholarship please go to our Scholarship Application Form.

What type of activities will I be challenged by?
Hike Expedition
Leadership Development
Take the opportunity to lead in a challenging yet supportive environment. By practising your leadership in the outdoors, you will experience immediate feedback and visible results.
Mountain Biking
Self-Confidence
Feel the wind in your face as you pedal your way through Australia’s high country. As you find your balance and ease into seeing the track lines you need to make, you will feel your sense of self-confidence build.
Rafting
Responsibility & Risk-Taking
Take responsibility for your actions and mindset. Outward Bound propels you into challenging experiences that encourage you to consider your motivation and direction for your next stage of life.
Celebrate your success!
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