Celebrating Outdoor Learning: The OLMC 2025

The Outdoor Learning Mini Conference (OLMC) is set to be a vibrant and transformative gathering for educators, carers, and facilitators passionate about bringing the curriculum to life outdoors. Held at Birrigai Outdoor School in Tharwa, ACT (26–28 September 2025), the conference will inspire and empower attendees with practical tools, research insights, and cultural connections to enrich outdoor education.

From the Friday night cultural burn through to Sunday’s reflective close, the program is designed to immerse participants in hands-on learning, storytelling, and knowledge exchange. This is not just a conference — it’s a shared journey into the power of nature-based education.

Inspiring Voices and Knowledge Leaders

The OLMC proudly welcomes a stellar line-up of speakers and workshop leaders from across Australia. Keynote provocations from Professor Tonia Gray and Gadhungal Marring will set the tone, sparking conversations about risk, resilience, culture, and the future of outdoor education.

The program features a rich mix of sessions:

• Dr Fran Hughes, Dr Amanda Lloyd & Dr Sue Elliott – Learning Without Limits: 20 Convincing Reasons to Get Outside

• Fiona Robbé, Prof David Eager & Dr Tonia Gray – Benefits vs Risk

• Michelle Allen & Lisa Ison – Cultural Integrity Workshop

• Christian Eckardt & Dr Amanda Lloyd – Nature Journalling for Wellbeing

• Sue Elliott – Thriving With Risky Play: An Australian Position Statement

• Tim Knowles, Tania Moloney, Art Lidbetter, Meredith Regan, Charlotte Carpenter, Jack Fitzpatrick, Jeremy Whyte-Hemson, Lizzy Pugh, Lisa Frances, Nitin Bangalore (Tintin) and many more.

Together, these diverse voices bring decades of experience in outdoor education, cultural knowledge, research, and pedagogy. They will share stories, strategies, and practices to help participants deepen their connection to the outdoors while building stronger learning outcomes for their communities.

Strategic Support

This year’s conference is proudly supported by Emergency Australia, whose sponsorship helps create opportunities for professional development and collaboration across the outdoor education sector. Their commitment to safety, preparedness, and resilience aligns beautifully with the themes of outdoor learning and risk awareness.

We are also honoured by the involvement of Gadhungal Marring, whose keynote and cultural contributions ground the conference in the wisdom and traditions of First Nations people. Their support ensures that respect, integrity, and cultural knowledge remain central to the conversations and practices we carry forward.

Why Attend?

The OLMC is more than a professional development event — it’s a chance to:

• Gain fresh tools and approaches for embedding outdoor learning in education.

• Engage with cultural perspectives and First Nations knowledge.

• Build networks with like-minded educators and leaders.

• Recharge your passion for learning in, with, and about the natural world.

Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or just starting your outdoor learning journey, this conference will leave you with inspiration, strategies, and a supportive network to take back to your classrooms and communities.

🌿 Book your spot now and be part of this dynamic gathering: Register here .