What began as a bold idea from the Outdoor Learning Committee has well and truly come of age. After several successful years as the Outdoor Learning Mini Conference , we’ve been hearing the same feedback: “It’s not so mini anymore!”. So in 2026, our 3rd year, we are proud to officially announce the Outdoor Learning Conference . 📍 Event Details Friday 17 July & Saturday 18 July 2026 📌 Trinity Grammar School – Woolamia Campus, Jervis Bay And to make the week even more special

Over the past 12 months, the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPGs) have been undergoing a comprehensive national review — a process grounded in broad sector engagement, technical expertise and real-world application. Led by the Outdoor Council of Australia, the review reflects a simple but critical principle: the AAAS exists because the sector built it, and it remains effective only if the sector continues to shape it. A genuinely sect

Outdoors NSW & ACT has lodged a formal submission to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in response to the Draft Plan of Management for the Budderoo–Macquarie Pass park complex . While we welcome the opportunity to contribute, we are deeply concerned about the implications of the draft plan for adventure recreation, outdoor education and adventure tourism  at Macquarie Pass and surrounding reserves. This is a critical moment for the outdoor industry, educators, cl

By Outdoors NSW & ACT Across New South Wales, more women than ever are looking for ways to improve their wellbeing, reconnect with others and spend time outdoors. Yet for many, participation in outdoor recreation can feel out of reach — not because of a lack of interest, but because of uncertainty. Where do I go? Who do I go with? Is it safe? Do I need special skills or equipment? These are common questions, and they matter. Because while walking is one of the most accessible

Women Across NSW Invited to Take Their First Step Outdoors for Bushwalking NSW’s Women’s Week Women across New South Wales are invited to lace up their boots and step into nature during Bushwalking NSW’s Women’s Week , running from 2–8 March , with more than 50 entry-level bushwalks taking place across the state.  Delivered by Bushwalking NSW and proudly supported by Women NSW , Bushwalking NSW Women’s Week is designed to create welcoming, supportive opportunities for women w

This festive season brings more than holiday cheer for the outdoor and visitor economy industries—it delivers long-awaited regulatory clarity for the many operators who hire e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-micromobility equipment across New South Wales. After sustained and collective advocacy led by Outdoors NSW & ACT (ONSWACT), together with Bicycle Industries Australia, the Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW, and the NSW Tourism Association, the NSW Government ha

If you’re passionate about advancing your outdoor career — whether as a guide, educator, facilitator, or adventure professional — 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for development, skills enhancement, and industry connectivity. Outdoors NSW & ACT, in partnership with leading practitioners and organisations, has curated a rich calendar of professional development (PD) sessions designed to help you sharpen your technical skills, strengthen your leadership, and elevate yo

Why the Outdoors Must Be Part of the Solution With the national social media restrictions for young people under 16 coming into effect on 10 December, Australia is stepping into new territory as the first country in the world to introduce this level of online restriction for minors. As the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA) has highlighted, this decision presents not only a challenge — but an opportunity. At Outdoors NSW & ACT, we strongly support OCA’s call for government in

In outdoor recreation, tourism, education and adventure programs, our people are our greatest asset—and they work under one of Australia’s greatest hazards: the sun. Through our partnership with Cancer Council NSW , Outdoors NSW & ACT is proud to support outdoor leaders with evidence-based guidance to better protect staff, volunteers and participants from the harmful effects of UV exposure. Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world , with two in three Austra