Outward Bound Australia

Outward Bound Australia Founded in 1956, Outward Bound Australia is an independent, not-for-profit outdoor educator. Our impactful experiences help develop skills for life.

We inspire Aussies of all ages and circumstances to take a journey of self-discovery.

All Staff 2026 is wrapped, just like a barbecued spud. 🥔🔥Recently, our team came together for a special week of connecti...
01/09/2026

All Staff 2026 is wrapped, just like a barbecued spud. 🥔🔥

Recently, our team came together for a special week of connection, team building and sharing stories.

There was plenty to dig into, from ideas and conversations to a delicious barbecue on the Possum Shed verandah on a perfect winter's day. And we were joined by some very welcome canine companions along the way. 🐾

Thanks to our wonderful team for the energy, good humour and shared purpose you bring to Outward Bound Australia. 🌿

While celebrating our 70th on the stunning lawns of Admiralty House, we had the most unexpected birthday surprise… bumpi...
26/08/2026

While celebrating our 70th on the stunning lawns of Admiralty House, we had the most unexpected birthday surprise… bumping into the Prime Minister of Australia! 🇦🇺🤭

Proof that when you step outdoors, extraordinary things can happen. 🌱✨

On Friday afternoon, we celebrated our 70th anniversary at a special gathering hosted by our Patron, Her Excellency the ...
23/08/2026

On Friday afternoon, we celebrated our 70th anniversary at a special gathering hosted by our Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, at Admiralty House.

The milestone celebration brought together our alumni, staff, supporters and friends to mark 70 years since Outward Bound Australia launched its inaugural course at Narrabeen, NSW.

It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our journey, celebrate the thousands of young people whose lives have been shaped by outdoor education, and acknowledge the many people who have helped make our work possible over the past seven decades.

From our first course in 1956 to the programs we deliver today, our purpose remains as strong as ever: to challenge, inspire and empower young people through transformative outdoor programs.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the Outward Bound Australia story and helped shape the organisation we are today. We look forward to another 70 years of transforming young lives through the power of outdoor education.

And finally, we extend our warmest thanks to the Governor-General and the entire team at Admiralty House for hosting such a joyful event.

Loren Miller

Give the young explorer in your life a September school holidays they'll never forget! 😀🌱They'll enjoy camping under the...
19/08/2026

Give the young explorer in your life a September school holidays they'll never forget! 😀🌱

They'll enjoy camping under the stars, hiking through ancient forests to stunning coastlines, and paddling rivers with new friends.

Along the way, they'll build real navigation and outdoor skills, swap stories around camp, and learn from experienced Group Leaders — while developing resilience, confidence and leadership that stick long after the holidays end.

🏅 Duke of Edinburgh's Award — WA
Complete a Gold or Silver Adventurous Journey with expert guidance every step of the way.
📍 Gold Combo (Practice & Qualifying): 28 Sep – 2 Oct 2026 · 5 days / 4 nights · Ages 16–24 · From $980
📍 Silver Combo (Practice & Qualifying): 6 – 9 Oct 2026 · 4 days / 3 nights · Ages 15–24 · From $784
👉 Book Duke of Ed WA: https://tinyurl.com/f8yucb7k

🌲 Expedition — WA (Walpole)
A big adventure for emerging adults ready to test themselves through hiking, paddling and a solo overnight in the wild.
📍 28 Sep – 7 Oct 2026 · 10 days · Ages 15–24 · From $1,997
👉 Book Expedition WA: https://tinyurl.com/2fjkavcc

Spots are limited — get in before the holidays fill up.

Photos from our archives. 📸 (70s, 80s, 90s) It was a time before screens and wifi. Just mates, nature and summers full o...
19/08/2026

Photos from our archives. 📸 (70s, 80s, 90s)

It was a time before screens and wifi. Just mates, nature and summers full of adventure. What an era. 🙌

📸 Look at where it all began! 📸In celebration of our 70th birthday year, we've been diving into the archives to share so...
14/08/2026

📸 Look at where it all began! 📸

In celebration of our 70th birthday year, we've been diving into the archives to share some of our favourite photos from seven incredible decades of Outward Bound Australia.

First up: the 1960s. 🖼️

More to come, so stay tuned!



Where possible, photo information has been supplied.

We have a huge number of programs rolling out across the country these September school holidays for adventurous teens a...
12/08/2026

We have a huge number of programs rolling out across the country these September school holidays for adventurous teens and families. 🧭🌿

🥾 Duke of Ed Silver & Gold Adventurous Journeys – NSW, VIC and WA | Ages 15–24 | Various dates from late September to early October.

🌊 Expedition WA – an epic 10-day expedition packed with camping, hiking and paddling | Ages 15–24 | 28 Sep–7 Oct 2026.

⛰️ Expedition VIC – raft, camp and hike along the Snowy River | Ages 15–24 | 21–30 Sep 2026.

🌿 Junior Adventure – abseiling, bushcraft and hiking for our youngest explorers | Ages 12–15 | 28 Sep–2 Oct 2026.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Adventure – a meaningful expedition where adults and guardians join forces with their teen to tackle abseiling, hiking and camping | Ages 12–16 with an adult | 28 Sep–2 Oct 2026.

Help your teen or young adult build confidence. Develop real-world skills. Make new friends. And spend time in some of Australia's incredible wild places.

Spots are filling fast.
Check out our website for itineraries, dates and all the details: https://www.outwardbound.org.au/choose-your-adventure/school-holiday-adventures/


1m

🧗 Gear, glorious gear!One of the most important tasks we undertake is gear inspection.Led by OBA’s Logistics Coordinator...
07/08/2026

🧗 Gear, glorious gear!

One of the most important tasks we undertake is gear inspection.

Led by OBA’s Logistics Coordinator (and resident Guardian of the Gear, Keeper of the Kit and Connoisseur of the Carabiner), Mike Burrows, our Group Leaders came together to assess our entire inventory.

It’s no small task—harnesses, ropes, helmets, tents, tarps and everything in between all need to be checked, maintained and ready for action.

Because when you work in the outdoors, you develop a deep respect for good gear—and a passion for looking after the equipment that make our programs possible.

For four days, young leaders from the Southeast Asia Leadership Program (SEALP) immersed themselves among towering gum t...
05/08/2026

For four days, young leaders from the Southeast Asia Leadership Program (SEALP) immersed themselves among towering gum trees and green horizons at our Tharwa base.

Out here, time slows down. Away from busy urban lives and digital devices, these young leaders found the space to reflect, connect and focus on developing the leadership skills our modern world needs.

Resilience. Teamwork. Connection. Joy.

💪They discovered that asking for help is a strength.

👩‍🏫They learned that leadership is not about standing alone—it’s about being a great teammate.

🌱They connected with nature, their peers and themselves.

🤝They listened to the stories of others and shared their own, discovering that beneath our different backgrounds and experiences, we are far more alike than different.

🧗🏾‍♂️They embraced life outdoors—for the resilience it builds, the teamwork it inspires and the sheer joy of it all.

🏆 We're celebrating an incredible achievement for Outward Bound Australia at the 2026 Industry Awards!We're proud to sh...
30/07/2026

🏆 We're celebrating an incredible achievement for Outward Bound Australia at the 2026 Industry Awards!

We're proud to share that our In The Field program received not one, but two prestigious awards:
🥇 Winner – Outdoor Education Program of the Year
🥇 Winner – Outdoor Education Exemplary Program.

Special thanks to OBA’s Caroline Bowman for her incredible onboarding efforts in supporting this award-winning program. Your eagle eye for detail, commitment and dedication is epic!

A huge congratulations to Dakota Klein, who received the Judges' Commendation for Outdoor Education Practitioner of the Year—a well-deserved recognition of her passion, leadership and commitment to outdoor education.

We're equally proud that (National Centre for Outdoor Risk and Readiness) was named a Finalist for Outdoor Industry Supporter of the Year.

During the Outdoor Learning Conference 2026, Helene de Lagillardaie and Dakota Klein presented on behalf of NatCORR, exploring heat risk, thresholds, and the ways a changing climate will influence decision-making, safety and preparedness for the outdoor industry and all people who spend time in outdoor environments.

These recognitions reflect the dedication of our staff, partners and participants who continue to push the outdoor industry forward.

Congratulations to everyone involved. We're honoured to be part of an industry committed to inspiring people, building resilience and creating safer, stronger outdoor programs for Australians.

Address

Naas Road
Tharwa, ACT
2620

Telephone

+61262355700

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