For nearly 90 years, generations of campers have come to the banks of the Grose River. Now, Camp Yarramundi is being reimagined for a new generation.
Work is officially underway on the $49 million redevelopment of Camp Yarramundi, transforming the long-running Western Sydney outdoor education site into a purpose-built destination for school camps, community retreats, corporate events and outdoor adventure.
Set near the foothills of the Blue Mountains, just an hour from Sydney, the revamped camp will welcome visitors from early 2028.
The project will almost double the site’s capacity and create one of Australia’s largest and most inclusive outdoor education facilities.
A new chapter for a 90-year-old camp
Camp Yarramundi has been operating since 1937, welcoming generations of school students, families and community groups to its riverside setting. The NSW Government is investing more than $44 million through its Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program, with construction set to finish by late 2027.
The revamped site will feature 84 new cabins capable of accommodating more than 430 guests, alongside upgraded dining and recreation facilities.
There will also be a new conference and events centre, teacher workspaces, a business hub, outdoor kitchens and an amphitheatre designed to accommodate everything from community gatherings to music events.
A new garden will provide opportunities for both growing produce and outdoor education, while the caretaker’s lodge will also receive an upgrade.
Adventure activities with accessibility built in
Adventure remains at the heart of Camp Yarramundi, with the redevelopment opening up more activities to more people. The redevelopment will include high and low ropes courses, giant single and dual swings, rock climbing and abseiling facilities, as well as river-based activities and archery.
Accessibility extends throughout the site, with wheelchair-accessible infrastructure allowing more people to take part in the high and low ropes, giant swing, flying fox and archery.
The camp will also have 12 dedicated accessible cabins with accessible bathrooms, alongside facilities designed to support people with limited mobility, low vision or hearing, intellectual disability and neurodiversity.
The venue is intended to be a place where participation isn’t limited by whether someone can access the usual camp activities. “Whether a student uses a wheelchair, is neurodiverse, has low vision or simply gets a little anxious from time to time, they will find their place here,” said Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh.
From school camps to corporate retreats
School camps may remain central to Camp Yarramundi’s future but the revamped facility will cater to a much broader range of groups. The centre will offer curriculum-aligned outdoor education programs, alongside youth programs, adult leader training, workshops and community events.
Corporate groups will have access to a purpose-built conference centre surrounded by 35 acres of Australian bush, with meeting spaces, accommodation and outdoor challenge activities all on site.
Community groups and retreat organisers will also be able to book the accommodation and shared facilities, with the camp promising comfortable stays, shared meals and plenty of space to spend time outdoors.
Activities will range from archery and river activities to rock climbing, flying foxes, high ropes and team-building challenges.
Keeping the spirit of Camp Yarramundi
The redevelopment will transform Camp Yarramundi while keeping its original spirit alive, getting people outdoors, building confidence and encouraging them to discover what they can do.
Kennaugh says the site’s history is visible in the generations of campers who have passed through its gates. “Every generation has its Camp Yarramundi story. We’re proud to be investing in the next chapter of the camp’s history, ensuring it continues to inspire adventure and personal growth for generations to come.”
The camp takes its name from Yarramundi, a garadyi of the Boorooberongal clan of the Dharug people, and its future programs will include curriculum-aligned outdoor education designed with respect for Dharug knowledge.
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2027, with the new Camp Yarramundi set to open to visitors in early 2028.
