OutBeyond Holiday Program - Mornington Peninsula 2021

Older Group:Raft Building; Younger Group: Orienteering

Older Group: Beach Hike & Games & Bike Skills Session on site; Younger Group: Raft Building & Bush Cook/Games

Older Group: Obstacle Course & Bike the Rail Trail (off site); Younger Group: Beach Hike/Sandcastle Competition & Obstacle Course

Older Group: Tree Climb & Crate Stack & Canoeing/SUP; Younger Group: Canoeing/SUP & Tree Climb & Crate Stack

Pack Up and Final Activity

OutBeyond Facilitators will meet with the student group 2 weeks before the group is booked to travel. This will assist students, parents and staff with planning and preparing for their camp program. It’s also the time when students are given ownership and responsibility of their camp program and meet the OutBeyond staff and teachers who will be travelling with the group.

OutBeyond Facilitators will meet with the student group 2 weeks before the group is booked to travel. This will assist students, parents and staff with planning and preparing for their camp program. It’s also the time when students are given ownership and responsibility of their camp program and meet the OutBeyond staff and teachers who will be travelling with the group.

Students are invited to complete a 10 minute “pre-camp planning form” on their own to allow them to transport their thinking to their camp program. Questions are asked that promote student-led investigation into a number of areas, including the season, destination, modes of transportation, natural terrain, environmental impact, itinerary management, teamwork and much more. Upon arrival at camp, students will bring their ideas together in group discussions with their new team members, where they will come up with a BHAG (team goal) for the week to aim for positive change, in whatever area in which they choose.

Departing from Melbourne Airport, the group will travel to the adventure capital, Queenstown. The team will use the day to plan and prepare for their upcoming journey, having a light day before they launch into the adventure activities Queenstown is famous for.

Day 1 is the team travel day. Early afternoon flight from Melbourne to Zhengzhou, the Heart of China, where the team will transfer to the hotel and get some rest before the next few days, exploring of the Old and New Zhengzhou. Students will be responsible for leading the group on multiple layers of transport, including learning about the Uber of China, DiDi.

Joining the camp at Southern Cross station, the team will depart for the team accommodation and begin their experience. Utilisiing the public transport system and navigating through the city are part of the team challenge that together will make the program successful. The exploration begins with an Amazing Race style program through the CBD!

Participants will meet in Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, make introductions to the team and make their way on the V/Line to Ararat with OB leaders. Students will plan their food and equipment purchases required for purchase with their TEAM BUDGET in Ararat. Departing for the Grampians National Park, the team will be welcomed to Country with members of the local indigenous community at the Brambuk Cultural Centre. A short hike to our overnight campsite follows, where the team will setup and prepare for their next few days journey through the Grampians National Park. Starry nights and campfires provide excellent opportunities for reflection and building the team’s confidence on day 1.

We arrive in Auckland and hit the streets in the heart of the city. There's plenty to see and do right in the heart of Auckland, and students will visit the iconic Queen Street, as their first activity for the camp begins. Introduction into the layout of the CBD grid in preparation for the next few days activities in Auckland.

Around 10am on the first day, Students and parents will meet at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne CBD and be greeted by our fantastic OutBeyond team! Students will be introduced to the leadership program and then explained the differences between this camp and others they may have attended at school or in the past. We’ll head to Phillip Island, have a quick swim at a safe beach, set up camp and commence the team roles and responsibilities before a group shopping activity for the week’s food.

Participants will meet in Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, make introductions to the team and make their way by bus to Hastings with their OB leaders. Students will plan their food and equipment purchases required for the week at the Hastings supermarkets and shop for them with the TEAM BUDGET. Arriving at our Campsite, the team will set up camp and have the chance to join in some team challenges and games, building the team’s confidence before we settle into a camp dinner. Campfires and stargazing before bed as the team has a big week ahead.

After meeting your OutBeyond team leaders and the rest of the group, we will begin our long day of travel to the starting point for our fantastic hiking camp, Eden. We’ll spend the day driving by mingling with our new friends on the bus and enjoying some nice breaks for lunch and a stretch along the way! We will spend the first night preparing for our journey!

Less than 1 hour from the centre of Queenstown, The Remarkables Ski fields are among the best in New Zealand for skiers and boarders of any level. Professional instructors for the team and tailored classes will give them the best chance of learning (or progressing) their skills on the slopes.

China's industrial culture will be on display with a visit to the Apple iPhone City, Foxconn. Here students will learn about the industrious culture and see the links to their very own lives in Australia. Understanding this culture will introduce one of the key themes, Young Entrepreneurs. This will be explored throughout many parts of the OutBeyond program.

Waking up in the City, the team will be giving back to the community through OutBeyonds community service program. After a team cooked breakfast at the camp, students will be spending the morning building their confidence and team work through our Rock Climbing Activity. In the afternoon students will take part in one of our community service programs, in partnership with Melbourne Water students will learn hands-on about the 242 km long Yarra river (Birrarung), and this major waterway and how it contributes to the sustainability of Melbourne city. Students will contribute to the community through the revegetation and preservation of this incredible natural asset. In the evening students will spend their first night in tents!

Launching into our Adventurous Journey early on Day 2, The group will make their way to a semi-remote campground North of Halls Gap. Along the way they will be hiking in the foothills of the Mt. Difficult Range. Using their provided navigation tools, the team will be in charge of navigating by Map & Compass safely to camp. Stopping along the way at a few seasonal rivers, spying some native Australian Wildlife and enjoying the remote trails makes this a beautiful hike. Arriving at camp, the team manages the camp setup and prepares the evening’s meal and campfire.

Waking up to an authentic Auckland cafe breakfast, absorbing the local food culture, the students will spend the day culturally immersed in this incredible city and the greater Auckland landscape. We’ll be travelling across the emerald waters of the Waitemata Harbour towards the Hauraki Gulf, visiting Rangitoto Island for a summit walk. Upon returning to Auckland, we’ll begin our Amazing Race across the CBD, visiting iconic sites and passing a rugby ball with the locals before finishing the day a top of Mt. Eden, as the sun goes down.

After breakfast, students will work together to arrange the group and navigate their way along the sandy coastline of Cape Woolamai’s beautiful peninsula, using compasses, maps and other navigation techniques. They will walk to their next activity, sea-kayaking which takes place in sheltered waters. Following a BBQ lunch, students will continue along the coast to their next destination where they will undertake an ocean and beach safety, marine conservation and lifeguarding session with one of the local lifeguards. Once we return to camp, students will team up and launch into the “My Camp Kitchen Rules’ competition to be judged on the best meals by OB facilitators!

Waking up in our Mornington Peninsula campsite, the team is only a stone’s throw from the beautiful Pt. Leo beach. The team will take part in a Sea-Kayak session along the Mornington coastline in double kayaks, exploring the unique environment and having some team challenges along the way. Arriving back, we will show our appreciation for the awesome coast by taking part in a coastal landcare project, being able to give back to the coastline we appreciate is important. Night 2 camping and the team will put together a great camp dinner using all the camp cooking equipment on hand.

Today’s journey involves a 7km hike to Mowarry Point Campsite. We will stop along the way at Leatherjacket Bay where we can enjoy a refreshing swim and lunch. Mowarry Point Campsite is a remote campsite with access via walking in only, so all relevant gear will need to be carried in and out - including water! Student’s are permitted to fish if they would like, as long as proper licenses are obtained prior to camp.

Back at the Remarkables Ski Fields, our team will be building on their skills from the previous day’s mountain experience. Joined again by our professional instructors, the team have the opportunity to move up to a more advanced lesson. Great opportunity for the team to push their new skill even further and help each other improve.

Visiting the sister school of a Melbourne College in Zhengzhou will give participants an understanding of how interconnected the 2 education systems are already and that global communities can begin with students. The team will spend time in the school taking part in activities with the local students and OutBeyond Educators, they will also run some Team Challenges and Games with the local students. This will develop communication skills and give them experience delivering activities in an international school.

Students will wake up in their tents, before preparing breakfast for the team around a warm campfire. Today, they will have the special opportunity of taking part in a two-stage workshop with local Wurundjeri representatives, where students will be welcomed onto the land and learn about indigenous culture through song, art, performance activities and dance. Keeping in line with the oral tradition, activities will involve underlying elements of deep thinking, sharing, reflection and story-telling whilst structured activities such as boomerang painting, bush tucker walks, nature appreciation and conservation of the land aim to achieve educational outcomes– following the laws of Bunjil. After a BBQ lunch on the Yarra River, students will take to the upper sections of the Yarra river and participate in a kayaking journey and adventure activity. Students will paddle down river and arrive at their campsite, before cooking an outdoor camp meal using the ingredients they purchased. Evening reflection on the day around the campfire, brush teeth, lights out and bed.

The group will be taking on our 2nd mode of transport, Trail Bikes! From our semi-remote camp, the group will ride south through some of the seasonal Marshland, completing part 1 of our circuit on 2-wheels. This trail is not steep but can have some seasonal sections that may prove challenging so the team will have to adopt some strategy to get through together. The trail ride will lead the team back to the top of Halls Gap which, after a short walk will lead the group to their night’s campsite. Here the campers will be able to swim and relax in the afternoon before preparing for the night’s meals and campfire.

Traveling to the West coast towards a surf town called Raglan, students will be staying at a wilderness eco-camp, that looks out over the ocean. We’ll spend the afternoon learning to surf in the surf school with friendly, fun and experienced instructors. We’ll finish up and set up our tents for the night, camping out under Mt. Karioi, beneath the stars.

Students will take part in a two-stage workshop with local Boon Wurrung representatives, where they will be welcomed onto the land and learn about indigenous culture through song, art, performance activities and dance. Activities will include boomerang painting, bush tucker walks, nature appreciation and conservation of the land, all following the laws of the Bunjil. After this, we will head back to the beach for a fun afternoon of beach games and challenges and then head back to camp for dinner by the campfire (weather permitting).

Today we explore the network of National Parks on the Mornington Peninsula. Short hikes and walks are all over the peninsula and will lead the group to some amazing places. Through these hikes, we gain an appreciation of Mornington’s past as a natural environment, so our Indigenous Interpretation session with local community members will be even more meaningful. Learning about the Indigenous history and bush food/medicine will be a great experience. Night 3 camping in the National Park will see the group learning and telling stories by campfire, the way we have learnt from the day’s activities.

Today we will commence a shorter hike to Saltwater Creek Campsite. Saltwater Creek Campsite is located on the ocean’s edge in a peaceful lagoon with wildlife aplenty. Here we will set up camp for the next 2 nights and have lunch. Following eating, we will enjoy some team building and leadership development activities. Participants will have the ability to swim at the beach should they chose. Participants are permitted to fish if they would like, as long as proper licenses are obtained prior to camp.

The team will depart Queenstown and head North to Wanaka before turning West to the coast. Winding their way through varying environments like river-cut canyons, snow capped peaks, enormous lakes and finally through the temperate forest to the Western Beaches. This journey highlights how diverse the landscapes and environments are on the South Island.

Travelling into the mountains surrounding Zhengzhou, the team will visit the Shaolin Temple, home to the much-revered Shaolin Monks. This ancient order has a significant place in China’s history and our team will be able to learn within the martial arts school, meet students who are training and assist in some basic English Teaching lessons. Here they will see performances from the Shaolin Monks and take in a part of China that is steeped in tradition.

After breakfast, students will prepare for their day of structured adventurous activities and tours of Melbourne major sporting precincts. Students will cycle along the Yarra river and arrive at Melbourne’s Sporting Precinct, where they will get the opportunity to visit the MCG, sporting museum and the Rod Laver Arena. Learning about Melbourne’s major sporting infrastructure, students will continue to cycle along the Yarra river to Federation Square for lunch. Using the team budget, students will choose what they have for lunch. After lunch students will use public transport to travel to Docklands where they will visit Etihad stadium and the Southern Cross train station. In the afternoon, students will explore Harbour Town, Docklands and go ice-skating in Icehouse. Students will travel back to camp, before settling in for some night activities.

The 4th day sees students hiking south along the Mount William range, to an OutBeyond private remote campsite. This hike in the Foothills of the Mt. William Range is relatively flat and will be an easier hike. The team will still need to manage their route navigation and find their way to camp. Upon arrival, they will be met by a local Indigenous Bush Tucker Chef who will take them on a culinary journey. Using local bush tucker & some local produce, our chef will prepare a small tasting-plate for the team of some delicious Indigenous tucker. The group will (depending on seasonal conditions) be able to pick and find some of these ingredients at our remote camp, with our chef’s help of course!

Today we’ll be met by local iwi representatives to learn about the Maori culture of the region. Students will take part in fun, hands on activities as they are given the cultural immersion opportunity of a lifetime. We’ll head down to the estuary and look for kai moana (seafood). If we’re lucky, we’ll be sampling some local seafood. After returning to camp, we’ll pick seasonal vegetables and ingredients from the kitchen-garden to help prepare our evening meal, before reflecting on our day by the campfire, keeping in line with oral traditions learnt earlier in the day.

Today we’ll head to the beach for the first of our surf lessons as a group. Heading to the incredibly safe YCW surf beach, we’ll get a lesson from a famous local surfer and high-performance surf coach. We’ll also get the opportunity to see a surf demonstration to assist us with our own surfing techniques and ensure we get to stand up! Following our time in the surf, we’ll meet with a guest speaker with specialist knowledge in Entrepreneurial mind-set, motivation, resilience and success. We’ll then head back to the beach for some hidden cave exploration and to enjoy the beautiful sunset! Tonight we’ll have the chance to head into Cowes for a restaurant dinner

Cape Schanck is a very significant lighthouse in Australian Maritime History which our team will get to explore at the lighthouse precinct. Here they will walk along the cliffs and down to the rocky platforms where they can view the unique marine life of the intertidal zones. From there, we travel to one of Mornington’s famous Surf Beaches for a Surf lesson with local professional guides. Full safety briefings and equipment are provided for the activity and this is a great chance to challenge the group. Returning to our Accommodation in the Mornington hills, the team can rest up and enjoy the views.

Today involves a near 10km long hike to Bittangabee Campground. This section of the walk is truly magical, with stunning close-to-coastline tracks and overgrown tea-trees creating protected walking paths. Once we arrive at Bittangabee Campground we will set up camp and undertake some student-led initiatives. Participants are permitted to fish if they would like, as long as proper licenses are obtained prior to camp.

Whataroa Valley may be easy but the team will quickly see how remote it feels. It is a place they can feel like they are in a Valley that has not been set foot in before. Here is the location for the hit film “Hunt For the Wilderpeople” and is an incredible environment for exploration.

Arriving in Xi’an, the old capital of China, the team will base themselves inside the Old Wall surrounding Xi’an City. Cycling along the Old Wall gives incredible views of surrounding areas and highlights the collision of the Old and New China. Visiting the Terracotta Warriors in nearby Lintong will see the team walk through the park where thousands of terracotta statues of the King’s Army have been excavated in the last half century. The warriors are a sight to behold.

Waking up at camp, students will travel to the city to enjoy a morning fitness session at the Bounce trampoline park. Continuing on to Melbourne Central Station, students will be preparing their group presentations of Melbourne City and what they most love about this city, and how we should share it with the world. In the late afternoon, before our final nights presentation dinner, students will be given the opportunity to go Ten Pin Bowling. At dinner students will pitch their ideas to the Melbourne City entrepreneur council members, on how we could improve the city, and make it more desirable to international travelers. After the award ceremony, the student leaders will recap on the week and reflect on the program.

Waking up at the remote campground, the campers are likely greeted by some local emu, kangaroo and deer! Preparing for the days journey, the team will start with climbing the Mt. William range on the Pomonal Tunnel Walk. Once over the range, the group will make their way to the banks of Lake Bellfield. Here, the group will make some navigation choices in how they will paddle from the Eastern Landing to the Southern point of the lake. The group has the opportunity to explore the lake, take in a swim at the Western Beach and take part in some team challenges on our Canoes. A short walk from Lake Bellfield South to our overnight campground and the team will prepare their final feast and campfire for team reflection and review.

We’ll visit an incredible waterfall, learning about the importance of looking after papatuanuku (mother earth) before exploring underground cave systems in Waitomo with trained professionals. We’ll suit up in warm waterproof gear before climbing underground and journeying through the glow-worm lit caves, splashing in shallow waters, and climbing between incredible rock formations. We’ll finish the day at the starting point for our Canoeing journey as participants will repack for the 3-day river expedition of a lifetime.

Students will enjoy a healthy, fresh produce breakfast today! We’ll then commence the day with some meditation and stretching before beginning a morning yoga session with our favourite local instructor! Students will link this morning’s events to yesterday’s guest speaker to find balance and wellbeing through mindfulness. Following this, we’ll be joined again by our surf instructor and take part in our second surf lesson where we will take part in our very own OutBeyond Surf Carnival! Tonight students will draw on their experiences from all facets of the camp to perform their presentations to the group. Best contenders will be judged by the OB facilitators and awards celebrated together! We’ll enjoy our last camp fire experience for the camp before spending the night in indoor accommodation!

The team will travel to Pt. Nepean National Park where they will explore by land and sea! The Pt. Nepean National Park is home to the old Fort Nepean which was Melbourne’s military fort from the 1st World War. Exploring the bunkers, grounds and coastline of the area is amazing. From there, the group will head to a nearby beach on the Port Phillip side of the peninsula for a Snorkelling Activity. The bay is home to all sorts of sea life and snorkelling in the summer is a great chance to see some of the most famous marine residents! Our final night will see an opportunity for the campers to present their experiences to the group and take part in the awards and celebration dinner.

Today we will base ourselves at Bittangabee Campground and undertake a range of adventurous activities on a rotation basis. Group will be broken into smaller groups to allow for participants to undertake each of the activities on offer today! Participants are permitted to fish if they would like, as long as proper licenses are obtained prior to camp.

Waking up at camp, students will travel to the city to enjoy a morning fitness session at the Bounce trampoline park. Continuing on to Melbourne Central Station, students will be preparing their group presentations of Melbourne City and what they most love about this city, and how we should share it with the world. In the afternoon students will be given the opportunity to go Ten Pin Bowling before heading to Southern Cross Train Station to be reunited with family at the end of the camp.

Through hands-on activities and cultural immersion, students will be fortunate enough to gain a deeper understanding of Maori culture. We will participate in fun and engaging activities, and learn about tikanga (rules) and kawa (protocol) on the Marae. Students will participate in cultural activities, learn about tradition and meet with local kaumatua (elders) to connect with and care for the land (papatuanuku) and sea (tangaroa), and the forest (tane).

The team will be distinguished guests of a Shaanxi High School, where they will be welcomed by ceremony and taken on a tour with local students. Here the team will engage in cross-cultural immersion, sharing stories, food and taking part in an Australia-China Activity session. The team will lead games, challenges, develop communication skills and create friendships with local students. This is a great opportunity to build their own global network and community.

After breakfast, students will walk to Queen Victoria Market and have the opportunity to experience local food and produce for morning tea. Students will depart the market and return to Southern Cross Train Station arriving in the afternoon. Parents and students will be reunited, and OB staff will provide a farewell to our students at the Southern Cross Train Station in Melbourne CBD.

Upon the group waking up and packing down camp, they will jump on the Halls Gap Shuttle into town for a nice cooked breakfast to celebrate their successful walk. From town, a short walk to an amazing area called Venus Baths will see the group be able to relax in some amazing freshwater baths. Walking along this trail, the group can find a few places away from any crowds to enjoy a swim. After the relaxing morning, the group will depart via Bus to Melbourne before saying our goodbyes at Southern Cross Station. Our Duke of Edinburgh Students will have completed their Adventurous Journey or Residential Project and can begin their submissions to our Award Assessors as soon as they are complete.

Waking up early and packed, we’ll begin our river journey in Whakahoro – the scenic middle reaches of the river, featuring numerous waterfalls after heavy rain. Past Mangapapa Campsite, we’ll take a long loop around the Kirikiriroa peninsula, pass the Tarepokiore (whirlpool) rapid and then the large overhang known as Tamatea’s Cave. Otaihanga Reach leads you to your overnight stop at John Coull Hut and Campsite.

Campers will wake up on the last day of the program to a nice warm breakfast, take some time to pack their belongings and prepare to depart for Melbourne. The mornings activities at camp will be a good chance for the team to present their challenges and new skills they have developed over the week. A fun engaging session before they travel by bus back to Melbourne for pick up at Southern Cross Station around 2pm

Campers will wake up on the last day of the program to a nice warm breakfast, take some time to pack their belongings and prepare to depart for Melbourne. The mornings activities at camp will be a good chance for the team to present their challenges and new skills they have developed over the week. A fun engaging session before they travel by bus back to Melbourne for pick up at Southern Cross Station. A great camp had by all and campers can connect with their new mates on the next one!

The final day of hiking sees us make our way from Bittangabee Campground to Green Cape Lighthouse. Upon arrival at our destination we will be welcomed with some of the Sapphire Coast’s most stunning views! Participants will be treated to a delicious warm meal upon arrival to celebrate the journey they have made and reward their efforts! Participants will work in teams to create a presentation that will be performed to the entire group after dinner.

Exploring Central South Island will see the group enter a totally unique environment. Here they will take part in some team building activities as well as an amazing climbing and abseiling experience. This is a great chance for the team to push themselves and each other, celebrating the improvements together. Stay the night in the foothills of Mt. Hutt for an incredible stargazing opportunity.

Beijing will be the team’s base for this 2-Day tour of Beijing’s most significant sites. Visiting the Great Wall of China is a must do for international visitors, but it is also a challenging hike. The Wall is a moderate - difficult hike and students will be responsible for navigating the section they visit, maintaining the group on what can be a busy walk. The students will have the amazing experience of Camping at the Great Wall after their days’ exploration.

On the second day of our river journey, we’ll follow the river as it meanders through bush-covered hills, passing the mouths of the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers where they join the Whanganui. Perched high above the river, Mangawaiiti is where we will stop for lunch. We’ll continue downstream past the Mangapurua Landing, gateway to the Bridge to Nowhere, on our way to Tīeke Kāinga. Here we will learn about the history of Tīeke and the tikanga (protocol) of the marae.

Participants will again settle in for the long drive back to Melbourne. This time is usually used for catching up on some well-earned rest, as there will be many exhausted campers!

Trekking or “Tramping” is a huge part of exploring New Zealand and the Hooker Valley Walk in the Lake Tekapo region will be the team’s next adventure. Working as a team, developing their navigation skills and taking in the surrounding environment is all part of the experience in Lake Tekapo before Free-camping lakeside for the night.

Beijing’s Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square have a long and storied past which is open for exploration in the countries capital. Students will visit the significant sites, learn from local guides and explore within the walls of the Forbidden City. Together, the team’s understanding of the cultural and political significance of these areas will grow and with it their empathy and understanding of China.

Waking up at Lake Taupo, we’ll visit the famous Huka falls lookout trail, where NZ’s longest river, the Waikato, is slammed into a narrow chasm, making a dramatic 11m drop into a surging crystal-blue pool at 220,000 litres per second. Continuing on to Rotorua, we’ll be welcomed by the local iwi into an authentic Maori cultural experience, spending the night on a Marae and eating traditional Maori kai (food) such as a Hangi.

After a sunrise walk along Lake Pukaki, the team will make their way back to Queenstown for their final night in New Zealand. Once settled in, the team will get their adventure fill with the Downhill Luge Experience at Bob’s Peak. For their final night, the team will have the chance to present and share some of their experiences during their time in New Zealand. A video and photo presentation of Student-captured Content will be on display and shared as a souvenir of their time with OutBeyond.

Building on the Young Entrepreneur theme of the program, the team will visit Alibaba - the world’s largest e-commerce company. The visit will focus on 21st century business ecosystems and also on the grass-roots beginning of a 6th grade teacher in an apartment to a billion dollar company. This visit becomes a great base for the team to understand the theme and apply it to challenges set by OutBeyond for them to build the understanding of business.

The group will prepare for departure, not before they are given the chance to explore the adventure capital of NZ, Queenstown. Students will be given the option of an Adventure activity, Zipptrekking through the treetops of the South Island. One last chance to grab a souvenir as a reminder of the trip. Departing Queenstown, the team will catch the evening flight to Melbourne and depart what has been an amazing OutBeyond program.

Shanghai is often called “China of the future” and is a great city for the team to finish their program before returning to Australia. Here they will see a city that has a totally different community than anywhere else because of its cross-cultural influence over the years. With a large expat community, the team will meet some Australians living in China and have the chance to learn about their experience. Here the students will have the chance to reflect and share with the team all of their experiences and lessons learnt over a celebration dinner in traditional Chinese style.

The team will have a last chance to do some souvenir shopping and soak up the Chinese culture in Shanghai, preparing for their return trip home. The team will depart on an afternoon flight to Melbourne, returning the following day after flying overnight.