SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMPS 2026
The aim of each camp is to offer you challenges that will extend you. You will be able to experience an intense week in which you obtain new skills and, in the process, learn more about yourself, your environment and other people. These camps are part of the normal school curriculum offering and not an “extra”.
Every attempt is made to give you your highest preference, but it will not be possible to give every student a first choice due to numbers and the need to balance camps. The philosophy of the school is that these camps offer comparable challenges and that, while we seek to cater for individual choice, participating in a camp that isn't your top choice can also be a valuable experience.
The ballot is conducted at the end of the year to enable students and parents to save/budget for the costs, and to enable staff to run their preparation in Term 1 more thoroughly.
Students who have any problems (for example, financial difficulty or personal problems) must see Mr Flanagan or Mr Peach to discuss their difficulties before the ballot is due. In most cases these students should still ballot on time. Students who do not ballot on time will be allocated to a camp.
A general information session will be held during Homestead, where each camp will be explained. Any additional questions should be directed to Mr Flanagan or Mr Peach before the ballot closes.
THE BALLOT PROCESS
The ballot will need to be completed online via Web Preferences.
Students will receive an email with instructions to complete their ballot online.
The online ballot opens on Monday 13 October and closes at 4pm on Friday 24 October.
After submitting your preferences, you will receive a confirmation reference number. If you don't receive a reference number, it means your ballot hasn't been processed correctly. Any questions, please ask Mr Peach, or see the Computer Techs with any email/ballot issues. Parents will be sent an Operoo, confirming they have completed the ballot with their child.
Students should consider their four choices carefully. Every attempt will be made to give students at least one of their choices.
Use the time between now and the ballot to discuss your possible choices with parents, guardians, friends, teachers involved and students who may have participated in that camp in previous years. Preference in all camps will go to those who have not previously completed that camp.
Make sure you select each choice carefully, not just your first choice but your second, third and fourth choices as well. Students are unable to pre-book most camps offered to ensure that everyone has an equal chance of obtaining one of their preferences.
Please check camp dates when the camp booklet is released, as some camps run outside the normal school week – i.e. some camps will have a Sunday departure or return after school hours, etc.
Parents will be sent an Operoo on Monday 13 October to consent to their child's balloted preference. This will need to be completed after their child has confirmation of their submitted preferences and signed off on Operoo by no later than Monday 20 October
All camps incur costs.
IMPORTANT DATES
• Online ballot opens to students on Monday 13 October 2025
• Operoo consent form sent to parents on Monday 13 October 2025
• Online ballot closes at 4pm on Friday 24 October 2025
• Operoo consent form to be completed after the student has confirmation of submitted preferences, and signed off by parents/ guardians via Operoo by no later than Monday 27 October 2025
• Camp allocations published by Week 8, Monday 24 November 2025.
• More extensive camp information for the participants in each camp, detailing such things as gear/food lists, exact transport details - early in Term 1, 2026.
COSTS
The costs are an approximate price range and will vary once all the bookings are finalised. The cost of the camp is charged to student accounts. Students who do not attend, for whatever reason, will be charged as per the “Policy Relating to Students Withdrawing from Senior Homestead Week Camp” below.
The cost of many of these camps are high (although they are provided to you at much less than it would cost you to do it yourself or to pay a company to provide the experience), so we encourage you to start saving now to avoid financial issues when payment is due in March.
DATES
The departure and return dates are listed for each camp. Pay particular attention to this as they vary quite considerably due to travel distances and program requirements.
CAMP RATING
To help in the decision making process, all camps are rated on a challenge level of Social, Physical and Creative ability. Each camp is colour coded as follows:
For low/easy/less challenging type of camp.
For medium risk/challenge level type of camp.
For higher risk/very challenging level type of camp.
To ensure the camp would be a good fit for you, please make sure you take note of the ratings before you consider balloting for the camp.
FLYING POLICY
Due to security regulations, flights can only be booked with the names of individual travellers, and may not be transferable to another person. Therefore it is of paramount importance that students consider their preferences carefully, because within a week of the ballot being published, staff will be booking flights in the names of those students on the list and it may not be possible to swap out of that camp.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM SENIOR HOMESTEAD WEEK CAMP
• Homestead Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
• In exceptional circumstances students may apply in writing to the Principal or Deputy Principal for an exemption from Homestead Camp but only where this takes place before the camp ballot closes or any organisation takes place. In these cases, a proportion of camps/activity costs will be charged to offset camp fixed costs. Permission is usually only granted where it involves a comparable activity and effort by the student (such as a national-level sporting event).
WITHDRAWAL/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
SYDNEY ARTS
SUNDAY 1 MARCH TO THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2026
A cultural feast of Sydney, this incredibly rich experience caters for those students wishing to sample a wide range of the arts. Traditional and avant-garde theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and film. Exact details are yet to be confirmed, but a sample from previous camps will give you some idea of what to expect.
• Visits to Art Galleries, studios, and participation in Gallery workshops.
• Attending live theatre and music performances including The Sydney Theatre Company.
• Viewing a non-mainstream film.
• Enjoying various international foods for the evening meal.
• A walk from Bronte to Bondi along the historic cliff walk.
You should only ballot for this camp if you are keen to have your cultural horizons expanded. You must be prepared to enter the Creative Challenge activity, reporting on our cultural visits, and responding personally. It is also important to note that full participation in all scheduled events is expected. Travel to Sydney will be by plane. Accommodation in Sydney will be at the Sydney Central Youth Hostel (YHA) in the city. Students will be supervised at each venue, however, there will be times when students are unsupervised, including travel between venues and some (little) free time. (Note: there is little free time).
Students will be required to be in groups of at least three during all unsupervised time and have access to a mobile phone within the group.
The cost covers airfares, accommodation, and admission charges. Students will need to budget for approximately $25 extra each day for food and approximately $100 for transport cost. Students MUST bring some presentable clothes, to be worn at more formal evening events.
Please note: The art viewed on this camp may contain depictions of violence, nudity, coarse language, and adult concepts.
Please refer to Flying Policy at the front of this booklet
PRICE RANGE: $1,200 - $1,500
CAMP COORDINATOR: Ms Cleine
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
CRADLE MOUNTAIN
WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY TO WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2026
This eight-day bushwalking adventure (six days of walking, eight days away) will begin with a morning flight to Launceston on Wednesday 25 February. Students will return on the afternoon of Wednesday 4 March 2026. The expedition is an extended bushwalk in the Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park in Central Tasmania. Lying at the heart of the island’s mountainous interior, Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park represents some of the finest and most spectacular bushwalking country in Australia. Here it is still possible to experience the isolation and splendour of the mountains, the challenge of the elements, and to see firsthand why this park was nominated as part of Tasmania’s World Heritage Area.
The group will make their way from Ronny Creek in the north, along the Overland Track to Lake St Clair at the southern end of the park. This 73 km-plus walk encompasses mountain scenery unlike any found elsewhere in Australia. The walk itself is arduous but is well within the capabilities of the fit person who is prepared to rough it for a few days.
The weather is unpredictable and can impact on the difficulty of the walk, particularly if we get days of rain or snow. If you enjoyed previous outdoor experiences such as Outward Bound or Hattah, you are likely well-suited for this trip. You must be fit and ready for physical exertion.
The cost includes return airfares from Melbourne to Launceston, coach transportation to Cradle Mountain and back to Launceston, National Park camping and track fees, ferry transportation across Lake St Clair, as well as the camp staffing levy. This price does not include food, cooking fuel and any clothing/equipment which may need to be purchased or hired.
Due to the unpredictability of alpine weather conditions, it is essential that students have appropriate equipment and clothing, including a sturdy tent, warm sleeping bag, a large and durable pack, a wind and waterproof jacket, and sturdy and worn-in hiking boots.
Please refer to Flying Policy at the front of this booklet.
PRICE RANGE: $1,200 - $1,400
CAMP COORDINATOR: Mr Ross
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
CREATE ESCAPE
MONDAY 2 MARCH TO FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
Create Escape is a choose your own creative adventure…where you will have the freedom to pursue a solo or collaborative creation of your choice.
You will stay in a relaxing rural setting, on Dja Dja Wurrung country in the Daylesford region, acclaimed for its food, arts and culture.
Create Escape and paint, sculpt, draw, write songs, work on a story board, take photographs, animate, make a short film, rehearse your band, start a novel, write poetry, short stories, game design… the sky's the limit.
Create Escape be inspired and visit… regional artists, exhibitions, galleries, makers, fabulous op shops, vintage markets, a famous chocolate factory, as well as some outstanding areas of natural beauty.
This is the perfect chance to escape and re-energise in a small, relaxed environment (limited to 10 participants). We will cook and eat together, as well as visit various cafes and restaurants in the local area.
The cost covers transport, accommodation and adventuring.
PRICE RANGE: $600 - $750
CAMP COORDINATOR: Leike Koren
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
GIPPSLAND LAKES SAILING
SUNDAY 1 MARCH TO FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
Come away with us across the waters of the biggest inland waterway in the Southern Hemisphere for a week of sailing and adventure. Each day, we'll anchor in a new location - whether it’s an island, river, estuary, or sheltered bay - after navigating past pelicans, swans, dolphins, sandbanks, and whatever surprises the day may bring. We will be using yachts supplied by Riviera Nautic, Metung - for more details visit www.rivieranautic.com.au.
Whilst sailing, each boat will have a crew of five students and an instructor/staff member. We will also sleep aboard in varying degrees of comfort and in every way be a responsible and cheerful part of a boat crew. You will learn the basics of boat management, sailing techniques and crewing.
You will need to bring warm clothes, a raincoat and your food for the week, be able to talk like a pirate and hopefully play a small musical instrument! You’ll also need to be able to leave for the Lakes on Sunday afternoon and be collected at Woodleigh on the Friday night.
PRICE RANGE: $1,000 - $1,200
CAMP COORDINATOR: Mr Schaper
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
GREAT OCEAN WALK
MONDAY 2 MARCH TO FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure along the iconic Great Ocean Walk in the Otway Ranges! On this 5-day hike you'll traverse traditional lands of the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar Peoples as you journey from Apollo Bay via Cape Otway to Johanna Beach. Each day's hike, covering 10-16km, will take you through breathtaking coastal scenery, towering rainforests, and secluded beaches.
While the hike presents its challenges, it remains manageable for those in good physical condition with a willingness to embrace a rugged experience. Your past experiences with the Hattah and Year 9 Expeditions will serve you well in your preparation and ability to manage and enjoy the challenges of this camp.
Expect warm (but changeable) weather during this time of year, as you camp in tents and manage your own sustenance, embodying self-sufficiency throughout the journey. Enjoy achieving both the individual and team achievements within this hike while appreciating the continually exciting and spectacular natural scenery.
The cost encompasses transportation and camping fees. However, please note that food, specialised attire or equipment, if required, are not covered in this price, and need to be acquired or rented separately.
PRICE RANGE: $450 - $550
CAMP COORDINATOR: Mr Jackson
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
HORSE RIDING HIGH COUNTRY
MONDAY 2 MARCH TO FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
Welcome to the ride of a lifetime! Join the McCormack family on a five-day horse riding trek through The Man from Snowy River country where you’ll even ride with some of the stunt riders from the film!
Starting at Merrijg near Mansfield, you will ride through the foothills of Mt Buller and Mt Stirling, gradually working your way up the mountains over the week. You'll stay in rustic huts at two different locations, enjoying the rugged beauty of the landscape. Along the way you take in breathtaking views of the Delatite Valley, with a major highlight being the ride through the Snow Gums to the summit of Mt Stirling where (weather permitting) you will experience panoramic views of the Alpine National Park. Depending on the weather conditions, we may also ride across to Craig’s Hut, part of the filming location of the movie The Man from Snowy River. It is recommended that you have some riding experience, although tough minded beginners can be accommodated. This is a truly lifechanging experience.
Please complete this short survey here, indicating your riding experience so we can cater for all riders.
The cost includes gourmet dinners supplied each night, plus horse, tack, four-wheel drive and mini-bus up and back. Students will need to supply a warm sleeping bag, breakfasts and lunches.
PRICE RANGE: $1,000 - $1,200
CAMP COORDINATOR: Ms Holt
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
MELBOURNE FOODIES
MONDAY 2 MARCH TO FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
This camp will expose you to the wonders of the Food and Hospitality Industry by immersing you in the fabulous food culture that Melbourne has to offer. By staying in the heart of the city, in comfortable hostel accommodation, you will have the opportunity to discover different styles of cuisine each night and explore the hidden secrets that only Melbourne’s Foodies know where to find.
Over the week you will be participating in several food tours and cooking experiences, including hands-on cooking sessions with professional chefs, a food tour through the South Melbourne Market, a cooking session and lunch at Luv-a-Duck and an early morning Wholesale Market Tour to discover where all the great produce comes from. You will also get an insight into the Hotel industry with a behind-the-scenes of The Langham, a 5-Star Hotel, as well as a lunch prepared and served by their award-winning chefs in the Melba Restaurant. You will obtain a coffee course certificate from Complete Hospitality Training, where you will gain the knowledge required and experience needed to operate an industrial coffee machine to make a broad range of coffee styles.
If you are interested in a career in the Food/Hospitality Industry, would like to gain the skills necessary for a part-time job in the industry, or consider yourself as a bit of a Foodie, then this camp is for you!
Please note: This camp may not be suitable for those with complex and specific dietary requirements. If you have concerns, please see Ms Cooper to discuss before balloting for this camp.
PRICE RANGE: $1,200 - $1,300
CAMP COORDINATOR: Ms Cooper
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
NAROOMA DIVE: SCUBA AND SNORKEL
SUNDAY 1 MARCH TO FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
Join us for a week of epic diving and snorkelling in the Batemans Marine Park. These waters offer magical diving experiences, including the opportunity to dive alongside HUNDREDS of curious seals which is an awesome Montague Island experience, and getting up close to the endangered Grey Nurse Sharks. We will also be night diving, kayaking and SUPing, throughout the week.
On the Thursday, we will be catching and cooking our own dinner in a seafood extravaganza. We will be based in cabins at the Island View Caravan Park in Narooma.
Underwater Safaris will provide us with experienced Padi Instructors/Dive Master guides in the water and a small meal on board every boat trip. Whether you are a qualified diver or experienced snorkeller, you will love this trip.
The cost includes all gear and equipment (but we recommend you bring your own snorkel and mask), 2 meals, a scuba dive experience for snorkellers, 3 boat trips to Montague Island (weather permitting), accommodation in beach side cabins and transport. Completing a SCUBA qualification is not an option, so if you want to dive but are not yet qualified, talk to Mr Benton about getting your ticket before we leave!
PRICE RANGE: $1,600 - $1,700
CAMP COORDINATOR: Mr Benton
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
SAPPHIRE COAST SAFARI
SUNDAY 1 MARCH TO FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
This six-day adventure is all about the beach and the ocean. We will depart early from school on Sunday 1 March and will return on Friday 6 March. The camp will be based out of Pambula on the stunning Sapphire Coast in Southern New South Wales.
The warm, fast-flowing East Australian Current (yes, the one made famous by Nemo) meets the cool Antarctic currents along the Sapphire Coast. This creates an underwater environment that is vibrant with fish and animal life. The water is warm and the climate mild. We will discover numerous secret beaches and deep, inviting rockpools. We will experience this environment on both land and sea.
There will be the opportunity to surf, SUP and kayak, as well as snorkel and swim on some of the most majestic beaches in Australia. You will taste the fruits of the sea and the specialty of the region, oysters! You will explore some of the hidden rainforest that surrounds the coastline on foot and may even have the chance to visit a waterfall or two.
We will be staying at the very comfortable Pambula Beach Caravan Park. You will be expected to bring tents and cook your food on some nights using the camp kitchen and BBQ’s. We will also head out for dinner on a couple of nights. This cost includes transport to and from Pambula, all hire equipment and camping fees at the Pambula caravan park. This includes some meals, but students are also expected to self-cater at times. Details to follow in the camp booklet.
PRICE RANGE: $1,000 - $1,200
CAMP COORDINATOR: Mr Flanagan
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
TASMANIA ADVENTURE
SUNDAY 1 MARCH TO THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2026
Love the outdoors but tired of sleeping on the ground? Enjoy preparing your own gourmet meals but not on a trangia? Then join us on an unforgettable journey through Southern Tasmania. We’ll fly in and out of Hobart, staying in comfortable cabins or budget accommodation.
With Hobart as our base, we will explore the city’s highlights, including the world-famous MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), seeing Tasmanian Devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and wandering through the beautiful city itself.
One day we will travel to Coningham Beach for abseiling with stunning coastal views. Later, we’ll visit the Cascade Women’s Factory to learn about the harsh conditions of the old women’s prison before heading to the summit of Mount Wellington for breathtaking views of Hobart. We’ll finish the day with fish and chips at Constitution Dock.
We will also spend a day white-water rafting on the upper reaches of the Derwent River, followed by a walk through the forest at Mount Field National Park (weather permitting) to see its spectacular waterfalls.
To conclude the camp, we’ll spend two days exploring the Port Arthur Historic Site. This includes a ghost tour, a boat trip to the Isle of the Dead, and time to uncover the stories of both past and recent tragedies. Accommodation at Port Arthur will be in cabins overlooking the inlet.
Some meals will be provided, but students should bring extra money for additional food.
Please note: We will depart on Sunday to take advantage of cheaper flights. Refer to the Flying Policy at the front of this booklet for more details.
PRICE RANGE: $1,400 - $1,600
CAMP COORDINATOR: Ms Palmer
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
THREE CAPES WALK
MONDAY 2 MARCH TO FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
The Three Capes walk is an extended 4-night 4-day bushwalk that will take place from Monday 2 - Friday 6 March, 2026.
The adventure comprises the iconic 4-day Three Capes bushwalk in South East Tasmania, on the Tasman Peninsula.
You, a pack, and 48 kilometres of cliff-hugging wildness in Australia's far south-east. The next stop is Antarctica. Tasmania's Three Capes Track is not just about reaching the destination - it’s about the journey. Few places on Earth remain that feel so remote, so raw, so removed from the ordinary.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service’s ambitious track is an artwork rivalled only by the landscape.
World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is your start point and the stunning Fortescue Bay, your end point. A purpose-built Pennicott Wilderness Journeys' boat delivers you to the track start. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, or fur seals along the way - nature’s complimentary companions. Pack light; the overnight stops are equipped with gas cooktops, comfy mattresses and generous dining tables where new friendships may forge.
They say walking can be transformative and this is Tasmania's natural pathway. Four days and three nights on a track so meticulously crafted, you're free to enjoy your experience rather than watching every step. Look up, look out, look within.
Walk side by side up mosaic stone steps and let nature’s drama unfold. Here, your senses will be refreshed and your heart will skip a beat (regularly) as you stand on nature’s edge. Hear the silence and be overcome with awe. Move through shadows of tall eucalypt forest and colourful coastal heath. The Tasman Sea is your constant.
As part of this journey we will fly to Hobart airport on Monday 2 March, be transferred to Port Arthur to begin our journey, finishing with an overnight camp at Fortescue Bay and a final shuttle for our return to Hobart airport on Friday 6 March.
This hike is an intermediate hike and requires students to be fit, comfortable carrying a pack and capable of cooking for themselves each night in the amazing Three Capes Huts. Students will need to carry a tent, thermarest and Trangia’s for our last night camping in Fortescue Bay.
PRICE RANGE: $1,200 - $1,400 (which includes flights, transfers and track/camping costs).
CAMP COORDINATOR: Mr Beckley
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
WEST COAST GOLF TOUR
MONDAY 2 MARCH TO FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
Students will stay in cabin-style accommodation at the Ocean Grove Holiday Park, in groups of 4 or 5. All activities for the week will involve playing golf each day and students are encouraged to try and hone their golfing skills and understanding of course etiquette over the summer break.
Golf will be played at Barwon Heads GC, Ocean Grove GC, Queenscliff GC and Lonsdale Links. While buggies will be provided at some courses, students are required to bring their own golf clubs and a carry bag. Other activities will include the annual 36 hole mini-golf masters, movie night, night driving range session. The camp culminates with an 18 Ambrose tournament at Mornington GC, where teams can include a parent or grandparent. Breakfast each day will be set up in the gazebo, lunches and evening meals are included in the price of the camp. The cost includes accommodation, transport and petrol, most food, green fees, and buggy hire.
PRICE RANGE: $1,100 - $1,250
CAMP COORDINATOR: TBC
CAMP RATING : Social / Physical / Creative
