For many, the call of the wild is not just about seeking adventure during free weekends or vacations; it's about making the great outdoors the centre of their professional life. Outdoor careers offer the unique opportunity to blend passion with profession, allowing individuals to not just experience nature, but to facilitate others in discovering its wonders and therapeutic benefits. Outdoor Recreation: More Than Just Fun and Games Careers in outdoor recreation are all about creating and leading activities that are both fun and physically engaging. This sector isn't limited to guiding tradit ..read more

In an exciting development for outdoor education and nature play, the Children’s Forest was officially launched today, April 11, 2024, at Fagan Park in Galston NSW and a fitting week as it is Nature Play week. This landmark event saw significant figures, including Stephen Bali MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces, The Hon Matt Kean MP, Member for Hornsby, Mayor Philip Ruddock AO, and representatives from Galston Public School and Arcadia Public School, come together to celebrate this innovative venture. The Children’s Forest Nature Playground, designed by renowned landsc ..read more

Are you passionate about outdoor education and eager to expand your teaching horizons? Mark your calendar for a transformative event - the Outdoor Learning Mini-Conference, scheduled for July 20th at The Nature School in Port Macquarie. This mini-conference is a vibrant gathering designed for outdoor educators and facilitators keen on exploring innovative ideas, practices, and methods in outdoor learning. It's not just a conference; it's a day of shared experiences, fresh insights, and invaluable networking. Keynote Speaker: Ky Furneaux, An Inspiration in Outdoor Education Kicking off the ..read more

Merimbula, NSW Chosen as Host Location for MTB Symposium 2024 Outdoors NSW & ACT is thrilled to announce that the picturesque coastal town of Merimbula, NSW, has been selected as the host location for the highly anticipated MTB Symposium 2024.    Following careful consideration and deliberation, Merimbula emerged as the ideal setting for this prestigious event, which promises to bring together mountain biking enthusiasts, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across Australia and also interest from our colleagues in international locations.   The decision to choose Me ..read more

As reported by the Canberra Times, changes have been made to Gibraltar Falls in Tidbinbilla Valley and Woods Reserve, down the Corin Road. “The vertical steel rail fencing required is certain to be visually jarring in a natural environment, and the construction work will require the concreting of dozens of tall supporting posts along the track. The tender, which closes on April 30, seeks a contractor to build 210 metres of steel fencing which will line the upper Gibraltar Falls walking track to deter people from walking into the rock pools area above the falls.” Outdoors NSW & ACT is kee ..read more

In recent years, the State & National Tourism Awards have witnessed a surge in recognition for adventure tourism operators. This dynamic sector, characterised by its thrill-seeking activities and immersive experiences, has captured the hearts of travellers seeking excitement and authenticity. As we venture into 2024, the success of adventure tourism presents a compelling opportunity for traditional outdoor providers to diversify their offerings, ensuring business sustainability in an ever-evolving market landscape. The Rise of Adventure Tourism Adventure tourism has emerged as a dominant f ..read more

White Bay Terminal in Rozelle, Sydney, saw the gathering of over 450 people to mark the 33rd NSW Tourism Awards. Hosted by the Tourism Industry Council in partnership with Destination NSW, the event acknowledged adventure tourism providers spanning categories such as Ecotourism, Adventure Tourism, Take 3 for the Sea Litter Prevention, Tour and Transport, Caravan & Camping Holiday Parks, and Tourism Events. Dr Phil Hamdorf, President of Outdoors NSW & ACT, conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, "It was an exceptional evening where we observed our nature-focused operators receiving well-deser ..read more

Australia's stunning alpine regions draw adventurers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts every winter. However, the allure of untouched wilderness, picturesque mountains, and snow comes with its own set of challenges and risks. To ensure a safer and more organised experience for everyone, the Backcountry Committee of Outdoors NSW & ACT has created the Draft Snow Guidance Note. This document was the basis of the Victorian Snow Good Practice Guide from 2012 and has been updated to provide assistance for guiding dependent groups to navigate the risk management process and increasing the awarenes ..read more

In the lead up to the summer storm season, the Outdoors NSW & ACT Incident Response Committee has been reviewing the issue of lightning and outdoor activities, and the Severe Weather Guidance Note that currently forms part of the AAAS Standard. Australia has an Australian Standard in Lightning Protection (Australian Standard: Lightning protection AS 1768:2021), which is currently the guiding principle the Outdoor Industry should be aware of. Australian Standards can be obtained through purchase from the Australian Standards website or borrowed from various libraries. The standard indicates ..read more

We wanted to take a moment to address the disappointing result of the recent Voice Referendum, which many of us had hoped would be a significant step towards recognising and empowering our First Nations peoples in Australia. While the outcome may not have been what we desired, it is crucial that we do not lose hope or momentum in our efforts to support and uplift Aboriginal culture. The outdoor industry has long been a platform for celebrating the beauty of nature and the diverse cultures that call Australia home. Our landscapes have witnessed thousands of years of rich Aboriginal heritage, an ..read more