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INFORMATION
Australian Camps Association (ACA) P 03 9863 6822 E info@auscamps.asn.au W auscamps.asn.au
The ACA acknowledges that wherever our members are situated across Australia, Indigenous people are the Traditional Custodians of country. They have lived, walked and cared for the lands, waters, environment and wildlife for over 60,000 years.
3 INFORMATION
4 Australian Camps Association (ACA) 4 Become a member 5 ACA members are ready to help you 6 ACA booking service 6 Quality Tourism Accreditation Program
7 NEW SOUTH WALES
15 QUEENSLAND
21 SOUTH AUSTRALIA
24 TASMANIA
26 VICTORIA
63 WESTERN AUSTRALIA
65 EASY FINDER INDEX
A comprehensive easy to navigate list of all ACA members, including their town location, telephone number and page number within the guide
Publisher Frank Lane Design & Branding T6, 18-20 Riversdale Road, Newtown VIC 3220 03 5223 2918 sales@franklane.com.au franklane.com.au
This annual Guide is produced by the Australian Camps Association (ACA), the national peak body for camps and associated providers. We strongly believe that participation in supported outdoor experiences through camps and led adventure activities leads to happier and healthier lives.
The ACA was formed in 2005 through the amalgamation of the Camping Associations of Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland. The ACA represents the interests of residential camp owners/operators, outdoor program providers and camp users. Our purpose is to bring these interests together by helping develop our member’s business capacity together with their capacity to deliver excellent programs to people from all walks of life.
Today we provide information, resources, services and training to hundreds of members throughout Australia.
The ACA endorses the Quality Tourism Framework – Camps & Adventure Accreditation (QTF - CAA):
www.qualitytourismaustralia.com
which has a special focus on camp and adventure activity provider accreditation. Any camp or operator displaying this logo has been accredited as a QTF - CAA and you can be sure that their programs, procedures and facilities meet set standards.
The ACA also operates People Outdoors: www.peopleoutdoors.org.au, experts in providing outdoor experiences for people living with disability. The ACA is a registered NDIS service provider and is accredited with the QTF - CAA. Programs include overnight through to week-long camps and provide people living with disability the opportunity to experience the social and developmental benefits of adventure outdoors. Our programs only operate at ACA member camps that are accredited with the QTF - CAA program. People Outdoors programs are outcomes focused and are all about fun, personal development, social connection and enjoying the great outdoors.
The ACA also offers the Great Getaways:
https://auscamps.asn.au/camps-
activities/camps-over-55s, residential camp programs specifically designed for people over the age of 55. Great Getaways are all about having fun whilst being active in the outdoors and of course enjoying the company of like-minded people. Our Great Getaways motto is “Indoor comfort – outdoor fun!”
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE ACA?
Members of the ACA work together to promote camp and outdoor adventure programs and their benefits to government, schools and community groups across the nation. Along with supporting this important work, members have access to a wide range of benefits and services, including free profile in this Guide. Contact our Membership Manager, Stephen Hamilton, to find out more by phone 03 9863 6822 or email:
membership@auscamps.asn.au
CONTACT US P 03 9863 6822
84 Hotham Street, Preston VIC 3072
*The Victorian Department of Education & Training (DET) requires all Victorian government schools to use accredited camps only for camps involving overnight stays.
ACA MEMBERS ARE READY TO ASSIST YOU WITH
YOUR CAMP OR OUTDOOR ACTIVITY PROGRAM!
The Australian Camps Association (ACA) aims to assist groups of all types and backgrounds find the right camp venue for their needs.
Our members regularly host a variety of groups such as; faith-based groups, sporting clubs, family reunions, birthdays and weddings, special interest groups and clubs, older adults, people living with disability, corporate groups and overseas groups – as well as consistently hosting primary and secondary school students for outdoor education and led outdoor experiences. The ACA provides resources that support member camps and led outdoor activity providers to be able to produce the best possible experience for all groups. This includes helping the site or activity provider in becoming more inclusive, improving facilities, developing program outcomes and complying with best practice, particularly with regards to health and safety. Australians have worked together to look after the collective health of our nation over the past 18 months. Throughout this time, there have been many challenges and stresses associated with social isolation, finances and mental health that has been faced by the wider community. Research shows very clearly that camp programs are highly effective in reducing anxiety and increasing social connection. What better way to re-connect with friends, colleagues and classmates than to get together in a beautiful setting and enjoy shared experiences – be that around the camp fire, out on a lake in a canoe, or taking part in an exciting high ropes course activity. Our member camps offer clean and comfortable accommodation, great activities led by trained staff and catering options that can meet all dietary needs and choices. They are invariably located in some of Australia’s most beautiful regional areas, so why not make a trip of it and use a camp as a base to visit local attractions?
Apart from representing the best camps in the country, the ACA is also proud to represent some of Australia’s most experienced outdoor activity providers in our membership. If you are looking for who can lead your group in outdoor activities such as canoeing, climbing, cycling or bushwalking, there is an ACA member who is ready to make it possible.
LOOKING FOR A CAMP, OR INFORMATION ABOUT PLANNING A RESIDENTIAL CAMP?
There are two ways to find your ideal camp or outdoor activity provider. The first involves endless internet searches, lots of phone calls and lots of emails. The second way is much easier – simply use this Guide or the ACA’s free booking enquiry service on our home page at www.auscamps.asn.au. All of the camps and activity providers that meet your criteria will get back to you directly with availability, prices and general information.
The ACA has a history going back more than 30 years, and with that history comes great experience. Our experience is at your service to help you prepare for and run a fantastic camp that provides your group with the best venue, content and outcomes. Visit our website, email us at info@auscamps.asn.au or call 03 9863 6822 to discuss your needs.
I’VE HAD A GREAT TIME AT CAMP WHAT NEXT?
The ACA works closely with all Australian state peak bodies representing outdoor recreation and outdoor learning throughout Australia. If you have enjoyed canoeing on camp (for example) and you want to learn more, contact us and we can direct you to the right organisation. We also have an extensive online library of resources related to residential camps, available only to our members. If you would like to learn more about this, or to hear about the full range of ACA member benefits, please contact our Membership Manager, Stephen Hamilton, at
membership@auscamps.asn.au
QUALITY TOURISM ACCREDITATION PROGRAM
www.qualitytourismaustralia.com
which has a special focus on Camp and Adventure Activity (CAA) provider accreditation. Any camp or operator displaying these logos has been accredited with the QTF and you can be sure that their programs, procedures and facilities are of a high standard. For nearly 20 years tourism accreditation has been supporting best practice across Australia. Thousands of operators today distinguish themselves by displaying the recognised green and gold logo. In this ACA Guide to Camps and Outdoor Activity Providers you may find the new Quality Tourism Accredited Business logo alongside the original Australian Tourism Accredited Business logo. Be assured both logos represent the same assurance of quality!
