Snowy River, Victoria

Outward Bound’s Snowy River site is in Bete Belong North, Victoria, near Buchan on the traditional lands of the Krowathunkoolong people of the Gunaikurnai nation.

Approximately 5 hours from both Melbourne and Canberra, Outward Bound’s property is on the banks of the mighty Snowy River bordering the Snowy River National Park. It’s the perfect base to explore the wild bushland, limestone caves and climbing and abseiling crags that complement our white-water rafting programs on the river.

Ideal as a base for full expeditions for Years 9 and older, including Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Adventurous Journeys and school holiday Expedition programs, and for more relaxed programs around mental health and wellbeing for younger year groups, our Snowy River site has new riverside campsites with BBQ shelters and long-drop toilets installed in 2022.

"The highlights of our program were fantastic leaders who made the trip enjoyable for all students and staff and the opportunity to participate in white-water rafting. The positive challenge of hiking/navigation/pack carrying in a safe and supported environment put students through a range of emotions throughout the trip, which was great to see."

Quetta, Teacher, Maryborough Education Centre

"You have a strong, 'wise beyond their years' family of leaders who teamed together beautifully. Your team is a magic mix and a privilege to spend time with. These are the days, hurdles and memories that students and myself will draw on for the rest of our their lives. "

Eamon, Teacher, Year 9 School Program

"Do Outward Bound programs make a difference to the students? Absolutely! The Outward Bound data shows that, the parents tell me that and my teachers know that these students are different and better for it – in leadership, in focus and in general demeanor."

Robert Biggs (teacher) - Principal, Irymple Secondary College

Sample 5-day Expedition Program

Outward Bound programs are designed to deliver the learning outcomes you want for your students. This is the starting point for our discussion and we build a program from there. A 5 - 10 day expedition on the Snowy River, Victoria can include variations of the following activities.

hiking
white-water rafting
caving
rock climbing
abseiling
service
camping

Sample 5-day Recalibrate Program

Do your students need to spend time in nature to be still, regather their thoughts and their direction for the year ahead? This recalibrate program was co-designed with a school for their students to disconnect to reconnect. With a strong focus on

work on self - self-awareness, asking for help if needed
reliance on others and working together
focus on mental and physical wellbeing
building mental and physical resilience
student agency for morning routine
strong focus on service - intrisic and extrinsic motivation and rewards
challenging the victim mindset

Service

Service is a key part of all Outward Bound programs. It encourages participants to think of others and consider the value of contributing to the community and sustaining our natural environment. Service activities vary for each program, based on the needs of the different areas at different times of the year. They include environmental activities such as tree planting, removing invasive weed species, or conducting flora or fauna surveys, including playpus watch. Other service activities include providing support for local landowners - clearing storm debris and working on minor landscaping projects. Service activities in the Snowies are now closely aligned with work associated with assisting the regeneration of the bushland post the January 2020 bushfires. This includes clearing invasive weed species, clearing tracks and repairing erosion damage.

Solo

Solo time can be one of the most impactful elements of an Outward Bound program. Having become comfortable in the outdoors and with the company of the group, ‘time out’ provides an opportunity to rest and reflect. Students are provided with their own ‘spot’ to spend an afternoon and/or overnight with their own bivvy shelter and food. Whilst only 100m or so apart from each other and the nearby supervision of the Group Leaders, this is a unique solitary experience that enables students to reflect on their achievements, dreams, values and goals and focus on what really matters. It provides a rare opportunity to escape today’s digital noise and the views of others - to slow down and listen to their own heart and mind. There is a natural buzz of excitement, chatter and enthusiasm as the group reforms, ready to take on the next part of the expedition.

Citizen Science

Australia is the the driest inhabited continent on our planet. Water is extremely precious and many ecosystems that are already stressed from lack of water are also under threat of pollution. All of us living within water catchments contribute directly or indirectly, significantly or not so significantly to the degradation of our waterways, often without realising the relationships and impacts that humans make. Undertaking a Citizen Science project on the Snowy River that could involve counting playpus, wild ducks, or testing water quality helps young people understand the vital relationship we have with our waterways and contribute in meaningful ways to maintaining these ecosystems.

Please call Ian Wells on 0419 203374 to discuss your program or email

ian.wells@outwardbound.org.au