Adventure Activities
Horse Riding / Flying Fox / Vertical Challenges / Rock Climbing / Waterslide / Giant Swing / Archery / Raft Building / Team Building / Bush Cooking / Guided Bush Walk / Orienteering / Parachute Games / Wagon Rides / Wilderness Challenge / Canoeing / Balsarangs / Giant Swing Leap of Faith / Wacky Olympics / Low Ropes / Mountain Bikes / Whip Cracking / Camp out Overnight / Orienteering / Parachute Games / Beach Volleyball / Swimming Pool / Self-Guided Bush Walk / Wet Weather Activities / Animal Display / Aboriginal Cultural Display / Fire Brigade Demonstration / Disco / Bush Dance / Wide Game / Trivia Night / Camp Fire
Horse Riding *
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
Our horse riding program includes trail rides, lead rides, horse and cart rides and horse treks. Our trail rides are for guests eight years and older and involve a half hour ride. 120 kg (max) weight.
* Vision Valley only
Flying Fox
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 7+ / 12 yrs+
The flying fox allows participants to feel like they are flying through the tree tops. The first step off the high platform requires some courage, but the thrilling ride to the base makes it all worthwhile. Full body harnesses and helmets are worn to ensure safety, one participant at a time. 120 kg (max) weight.
Vertical Challenges *
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
The Vertical Challenge course consists of 2 high ropes elements: the ‘Giant's Ladder’, and the ‘Leap of Faith’. Participants take turns in belaying each other through safe and easy belay posts. Belayers are all supervised by Vision Valley staff. 120 kg (max) weight.
* Vision Valley only
Rock Climbing
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
Climbing takes place on the natural stone crag at Vision Valley, and on a timber tower at Mangrove Mountain Retreat. The additional assistance of specially made hand-holds helps to make the activity both challenging and fun. All climbers wear safety harnesses and helmets (provided). All climbers are belayed as participants take turns in belaying each other through safe and easy belay posts. Belayers are all supervised for a safe and exciting activity. 120 kg (max) weight.
Waterslide *
Duration: 90 mins Age: No Age Limit
Have fun riding our waterslide, it’s a great way to cool down during a hot day in the bush. Please note: There is no age limit but there is a height limit 110cm, anyone under 110cm must ride with an adult.
* Vision Valley only
Giant Swing
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 5+ / 10 yrs+
The giant swing involves participants raising brave group members high into the air where the two raised participants release themselves and swing like a human pendulum. Team work is needed to ensure the riders get as high as they want to go. Adrenaline packed. 160 kg (max) weight.
Archery
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
With modern bows and large targets, our instructors will ensure that each person's attempt at archery is a real hit! After some basic techniques and safety instruction, clients have a number of turns firing at targets. We will also run some games to ensure participants have heaps of fun.
Raft Building
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
Everyone will find raft building a challenging and unique experience as they learn to work together. The real thrill begins when they must climb aboard their creation and paddle across to the other side of the dam in order to determine their raft’s seaworthiness. Bring clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet!
Team Building
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
A series of team building and problem solving activities are presented to the group, encouraging the development of trust and group co-operation. These Initiative Challenges are low key and involve only a little physical effort. If the group does well, they may be rewarded by using the bouldering wall. Parachute games are also available.
Bush Cooking
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
Your group can make and eat genuine damper twists (try them with honey or maple syrup!) cooked on the hot coals of our safe campfire pit.
Guided Bush Walk
Duration: 90 mins Age: No Age Limit
Guided walks are a great way for your group to experience our bushland setting. We can lead your group in an easy bushwalk/nature study, or on one of our longer, more difficult hikes. See all kinds of native wildlife such as lizards, snakes, wallabies, and more.
Orienteering
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
Students learn the basics of map reading and keep fit at the same time with our orienteering challenge. Participants must locate the ten markers and clip their score card in the fastest possible time.
Parachute Games *
Duration: 90 mins Age: No Age Limit
Parachutes can provide a fun introduction to team games. We have two parachutes available and a number of fun games and activities. Particularly suited for younger guests.
* Vision Valley only
Wagon Rides*
Duration: 90 mins Age: No Age Limit
Campers can experience the fun of a horse drawn wagon, pulled by our Clydesdale. This activity is particularly fun for campers who are too small to ride.
* Vision Valley only
Wilderness Challenge *
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
Our Wilderness Challenge Course is a team building activity presenting a series of simulated scenarios, set in the ‘wilderness’. Participants must cross a number of elements to get the whole team to safety. Designed to present a variety of challenges for different ages and abilities.
* Vision Valley only
Canoeing
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
Our instructors will teach campers all the basics of canoe handling, paddling and safety. Along with the basic canoe techniques, our instructors will run a number of fun games and activities. For safety reasons, buoyancy vests and enclosed footwear must be worn by all participants. Buoyancy vests and paddles are provided.
Balsarangs
Duration: 90 mins Age: No Age Limit
Boomerang throwing is one of the world's oldest sports. Aboriginal people have used boomerangs for fighting, hunting, and recreation. The Balsarang is a lightweight boomerang made from crossed pieces of balsa wood. Aboriginal children used to make them from palm leaves. Our instructors will guide each participant through the making, decorating and proper throwing of their Balsarangs.
Giant Swing Leap of Faith *
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 9+ / 14 yrs+
A highly challenging trust activity. The aim of this challenge is for the participant to climb to the top of our Giant Swing Leap of Faith tower and jump off, trusting that the ropes and belayer will catch them and lower them slowly. This activity requires a lot of courage.
* Vision Valley only
Wacky Olympics *
Duration: 60 - 90 mins Age: No Age Limit
A range of fun team games, relays and tug-of-war on the oval. This activity will be run for the whole group together. Maximum number of participants 180 in one session.
* Vision Valley only
Low Ropes ^
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 4+ / 9 yrs+
Test your coordination and balance skills on our low ropes course. This course is low to the ground, enabling access to a wide range of guests. Teams of three will work through the course supporting each other as the elements are attempted.
^ Mangrove Mountain Retreat only
Mountain Bikes ^
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 5+ / 10 yrs+
Explore our beautiful bushland setting on a mountain bike. Our guided rides enable the group to cover more area than could be covered on foot. Only a basic riding ability is needed as the instructor will explain how to ride 'off-road' along our tracks which are cleared and easily accessible.
^ Mangrove Mountain Retreat only
Whip Cracking ^
Duration: 90 mins Age: No Age Limit
Meet our expert whip cracker. Learn the techniques used by Australian stockmen and have a go yourself. All whips and safety equipment are provided.
^ Mangrove Mountain Retreat only
Camp out Overnight ^
Duration: Overnight Age: No Age Limit
For a real bush experience, camp out overnight at one of our two campsites:
- K2 campsite is located high on Mangrove Mountain and looks out over the valley. It can be reached by either a short or long bushwalk. Maybe enjoy a night bushwalk down to the waterfall.
- Dubbo Gully is a campsite located at the base of Mangrove Mountain. This site is further from Mangrove Mountain Retreat and will require guests to be transferred by the retreat's bus.
Both sites feature a communal undercover cooking area where you will enjoy a BBQ. After dinner there will be a campfire, and camping will be in 4 man dome tents.
^ Mangrove Mountain Retreat only
Self Staffed Activities
Self staffed activities, as the name suggests, are run by staff members or leaders accompanying the group. Vision Valley and Mangrove Mountain Retreat will provide the resources, but the rest we leave up to you.
Orienteering
Duration: 90 mins Age: Yr 3+ / 8 yrs+
A simple or complicated orienteering course can be arranged for your group. We will provide you with maps, clues and answer sheets for the different courses according to your needs.
Courses are graded for different ages and abilities.
Parachute Games *
Duration: 90 mins Age: No Age Limit
There is also an option for staff from your group to lead the parachute activities.
* Vision Valley only
Beach Volleyball
Use of our sand filled beach volleyball court and ball can be made available to you. Depending on group sizes, this may be combined with time in the swimming pool.
Our staff can facilitate this activity for an additional charge.
Swimming Pool
Our outdoor solar heated pool is located close to hot showers, and may also be used for night swimming. Vision Valley has two pools - one located at the main centre, and the other in front of Stringybark Lodge - with waterfall and spa! Mangrove Mountain Retreat has one large outdoor pool near Lodge Four.
Please note: Adult supervision is required at all times.
Self-Guided Bush Walk
Bushwalks around the Valley or Mountain allow the group to truly experience our bushland setting. See all kinds of native wildlife such as lizards, snakes, wallabies, and more..
Wet Weather Activities
In the event of wet weather, the program staff have a large number of wet weather activities suited for all ages. Rain or shine, there is always something to do.
Demonstrations and Evening Programmes
Animal Display
Our professional wildlife handler is entertaining and educational for all ages. Learn about and then touch a ring-tailed possum, goanna, salt-water crocodile, and large python. Hear a hand raised, voice-trained blue kookaburra call out in response to its trainer.
Aboriginal Cultural Display
This is always a favourite! Enjoy this high quality cultural experience while listening to authentic didgeridoos. A lively and exciting program accompanied with audience participation, painted Aborigines, stories, dance, and the intriguing history of Australia’s native people. Participation is a must!
Fire Brigade Demonstration
Our local Rural Fire Brigade can provide an educational and interactive demonstration as a late afternoon or evening activity.
The demonstration consists of a fire safety talk and a practical demonstration—have the opportunity to explore the truck, test out the hoses and see a Rural Fire Service that is set up not only to do bushfires but house fires, car accidents, and other major incidents! The demonstration lasts between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on size of group and requirements.
Disco
Disco lights, friendly DJ, and plenty of music from every era will make your evening an unforgettable experience! Guaranteed to get you up and burning some calories!
Bush Dance
A real hit with young and old alike! Hear all sorts of authentic Aussie songs, participate in numerous dances, and even join the bush band and try your hand at a rhythmic instrument! Talent is first class, and includes vocals, guitar, banjo, and bass backed up with a good sound system.
Wide Game
Make use of the wide open spaces at Vision Valley and at Mangrove Mountain Retreat. The wide game challenges teams of people to capture their opposition’s flag, while protecting their own.
Trivia Night
Have fun and test your general knowledge. Activities staff will ask questions and keep score allowing everyone the chance to participate.
Camp Fire
Our campfire circle seats up to 100 people on timber benches around the fire pit. Roasting marshmallows, singing songs, telling stories and jokes, and cooking damper are some of the activities enjoyed around the campfire. We will even build the fire for you.
For an additional charge, at Mangrove Mountain Retreat we can organise for a one hour singing session lead by a musician.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Adventure Activities are suitable for most age groups and are designed to last approximately 90 minutes, running in rotation with other activities. Unless otherwise stated, a minimum of two sessions, with 12 - 20 students per session are required, and some restrictions do apply. Activities cannot be cancelled within a week of the event; this will require full payment (wet weather alternatives are available for each activity).
Note: Even when Adventure Staff are running an activity, due to child protection and liability laws, additional adult supervision in the form of one adult (teacher/parent/staff member) per group is required during the activity and for the maintenance of discipline. Adventure Staff are responsible for facilitating the practical skills, safety and basic supervision. Specialised activities are not to be accessed by guests without a Team member present.
Sports Kit - we have a comprehensive range of sports equipment available complimentary to all of our groups if required.
