PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES

If you are looking to pursue an outcome while you are staying with us, our program team can help. Whether you want a fun breakout session to blow off some steam or a fully programmed stay our program team can guide you through a number of programs or activities we have on offer, or help you build a unique experience. From design to delivery we will help you shape an adventure or an experience that’s designed just for you.

Working Together

Theme:

‘Working Together’ programs place participants in environments and situations where working in a team is necessary. Participants are able to develop teamwork and leadership qualities, whilst gaining greater communication and conflict management skills.

Outcomes:

  • Team work
  • Cooperation
  • Everyday leadership
  • The power of a team
  • Conflict resolution
  • Communication
  • Strength Finders
  • Leadership roles
  • Peer support
Build your custom ‘Working Together’ experience today

Personal Health & Wellbeing

Theme:

‘Personal Health and Wellbeing’ programs give participants opportunities to explore aspects of their personal world and identity in an adventurous context alongside their peers.

Outcomes:

  • Resilience
  • Pushing Comfort Zones
  • Building Courage
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Confidence
  • Self Care Skills
Build your custom 'Personal Health & Wellbeing' experience today

Active & Safe

Theme:

‘Active & Safe’ programs allow participants to engage in fun, outdoor experiences that invite them to understand the importance of being safe.

Outcomes:

  • Becoming life ready
  • Making wise choices
  • Personal identity
  • Personal values
  • Navigating challenges

Life ready:

Our Life Ready Program helps facilitate the mandatory ‘Life Ready’ curriculum NSW schools are required to complete. The aim is to prepare and support senior students as they encounter situations related to health and safety as they become more.

Build your custom 'Active & safe' experience today

Environment & Culture

Theme:

‘Environment and Culture’ programs encourage participants to discover more about natural environments and increase engagement with a variety of cultures as they interact with the world around them.

Outcomes:

  • Awareness
  • Sustainable options
  • Understanding culture
  • Our responsibility
  • Protecting ecosystems
  • Learning more about Indigenous culture
Build your custom 'Environment & sustainability' experience today

GUIDED ACTIVITIES

The Tops provides a range of outdoor education activities for our guests that are exciting, challenging and fun!

Programmed to suit the outcome objectives of your group all activities are run by experienced and friendly guides, providing your group with an unforgettable experience.

Whether it is to stimulate personal evaluation, group interaction, and team development or simply to have a great time, we have an activity to suit your outcome and budget.

We can tailor a program of activities to compliment your own schedule or provide a full program for your stay. A wide range of guided and recreational activities are available to our guests.

Challenging & thrilling
Fun & relaxing
Team building
Clear selections

Abseiling – Cliff

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Abseiling – Cliff

For those looking for a thrill in an amazing environment, it’s hard to beat abseiling on a natural cliff face. With fantastic views over Stanwell Park this is a great activity for groups looking for an activity to challenge the individual and provide a shared experience for the entire group.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 7 (12 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Abseiling – Tower

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Abseiling – Tower

Abseiling offers a great individual challenge that provides a shared experience that the group will talk about long after your visit ends.

Our purpose built tower provides easy access to a 5 metre wall that is great for practicing your technique. If you’re up to the challenge, you can then experience the exposure of the 10-metre wall.

The tower abseil is ideal for particiants with little or no abseiling experience.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 4 (9 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Archery

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Archery

Archery provides its own unique sense of fun, competition and personal achievement whilst also encouraging concentration, patience and perseverance.

Your professional instructor will teach you techniques that will help you get closer to that elusive bulls eye.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 3 (8 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Beach Walk

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Beach Walk

The Tops sits perched on the side of the Illawarra Escarpment and overlooks the beautiful Stanwell Park Beach. Our Beach walk activity takes you on a beautiful winding track down through the escarpment and across to Stanwell Park beach to play some games in the sand and relax with afternoon tea. A bus arrives near the end of the activity to transport you safely back to The Tops.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 4 (9 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Bush Cooking

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Bush Cooking

Bush Cooking gives students the opportunity to learn practical outdoor skills in a hands-on setting. Participants are guided through how to safely build and manage a fire, constructing it themselves and understanding the key principles of fire safety and preparation.

Students then prepare their own damper from scratch and cook it over the coals, learning simple bush cooking techniques along the way. The recipe can be adapted to cater for a range of dietary requirements, ensuring everyone can take part.

This activity encourages teamwork, patience and responsibility, while giving students the chance to slow down, work together and enjoy the results of their efforts around the fire.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 5 (10 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Bubble Soccer

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Bubble Soccer

Bubble Soccer is a high-energy, laughter-filled activity that combines traditional soccer with a fun and physical twist. Participants are strapped into inflatable bubble suits that cover the upper body and head, allowing them to bump, roll and bounce safely as they compete.

Teams face off in short, fast-paced matches where balance, coordination and teamwork are just as important as ball skills. While scoring goals is the aim, the unpredictable movement and light-hearted collisions make every game engaging and memorable.

Sessions are facilitated by our experienced staff, who provide a safety briefing, fit participants with their bubble suits and referee the games to ensure a safe and structured experience.

Bubble Soccer is ideal for building team spirit, encouraging active participation and creating plenty of shared moments of fun.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 5 (10 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Bottle Rockets

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Bottle Rockets

Who can shoot the highest, the farthest and most accurately? This activity is sure to bring a smile to your face as you create & launch your own bottle rocket into the sky.

Our rockets are made with an empty two-litre plastic bottle, adding water and pressurizing it with air for launching. Rockets can be used to help participants understand the principles of aeronautics, gravity, relationships between work and energy and also encourage creative design.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 3 (8 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Cart Racing

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Cart Racing

Cart racing is an exciting, high-energy activity with races conducted in pursuit, relay and time trial formats. Participants race three wheeled, pedal powered, carts on a purpose built track. This activity is guaranteed to burn some energy!

Minimum age recommendation – Year 5 (10 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Climbing Tower

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Climbing Tower

Solid wall climbs are conducted on our tower with a variety of climbing holds offering different levels of challenge to cater for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Participants climb in a controlled environment using the latest equipment and industry approved techniques supervised by our professional instructors.

This is a great activity for younger ages because they only have to climb to the level that they are comfortable with.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 4 (9 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Disco

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Disco

Our Disco is a high-energy evening event designed to bring everyone together. Featuring a varied playlist, dynamic lighting and plenty of space to dance, it’s a great way for groups to connect and celebrate their time at camp.

Throughout the night, staff also run a range of disco games and interactive challenges to keep the energy up and encourage everyone to get involved. Hosted by our enthusiastic staff, the disco provides a fun and inclusive environment where participants can dance, take part in activities and enjoy a shared social experience.

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Drifters

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Drifters

Drifters is a high-energy, skill-based activity that always brings the fun! Riders develop control and coordination as they learn to drift smoothly through corners and navigate the course with speed and precision.

Sessions can include structured relay races and team challenges, as well as Drifter Basketball, where participants pass and shoot while riding. Drifters is a great way to build confidence, teamwork and resilience — while keeping everyone active and engaged.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 3 (8 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Evening & Large Group Activities

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Evening & Large Group Activities

As the sun goes down over Stanwell Tops, that doesn’t need to signify the end of a busy day at camp. There are a number of exciting activities we can run with large groups.

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Giant Swing

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Giant Swing

One of our most popular activities and it’s no wonder! Your teammates pull on a rope that raises you up to 26* metres in height. Your anxiety builds as you grip the release cord. Feel the G-forces when you pull the cord and start plummeting towards the ground. Then the massive cables take hold and swing you out towards the valley below. 
*(Our giant swings range in height from 15-26 metres)

The adrenaline still pumps as you climb down the ladder and run to the haul rope to give your next teammate the ride of their life.

The Giant Swing is suitable for a wide range of participants who can choose the height from which they wish to swing. A great activity that stimulates maximum challenge, excitement and interaction for the entire group.

Professional instructors facilitate your session and will set you up with your harnesses, helmets and safety gear. Participants swing in a controlled environment using industry approved techniques.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 3 (8 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Group Games

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Group Games

Form teams and join the fun. Through some funny and challenging high energy games our instructors will encourage your group to mix and enjoy their time together.

A great way to start your camp or spend a night. 

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

High Ropes Course

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High Ropes Course

The high ropes course tests your initiative and balance to negotiate the 5 element, 5 metre high obstacle course. Face your fears and take the challenge to make it through the course without holding on to your personal safety lines.

A buddy checking system is used which makes this an excellent activity for developing communication between pairs and provides a challenging and shared experience for your group that’s fun too!

Professional instructors facilitate your session and will set you up with your harnesses, helmets and safety lines. The activity is conducted in a controlled environment using industry approved techniques.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 7 (12 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Kelly’s Falls Walk

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Kelly’s Falls Walk

Kelly’s Falls is a waterfall near Helensburgh which marks the top of the Hacking River. There are two main lookouts at Kelly’s Falls, one looks down the falls from the top of it, and the second looks at the falls from out in front of it. There are in fact two large waterfalls and a series of smaller waterfalls set among lush vegetation. Along the track from The Tops to the falls there is seating and viewing platforms that offer some great scenery and amazing views.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 3 (8 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Kite Making

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Kite Making

We supply all materials, including framing rods, kite body, string and winder, tape, design templates and art supplies. Each participant has the opportunity to design and colour their kite before completing the construction.

Once all kites are finished we head outside, into a clear area and fly our creations.

While these kite are of simple construction, they fly incredibly well even in very calm conditions. Younger groups of children love this activity and get to take their kite home as a souvenir.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 3 (8 years).

Younger children may participate, however, they may require assistance from parents / teachers / caregivers. 

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Leap of Faith

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Leap of Faith

The Leap of Faith provides a great opportunity to challenge and encourage individuals through personal achievement. Participants first climb up a pole and stand on the leap platform. After a short pause the participant leaps off the platform and attempts to grab the ring that dangles precariously in front of them.

Our professional instructors will help encourage participants to break personal barriers of fear within an environment of heightened encouragement from onlookers.

Professional instructors facilitate your session and will set you up with your harnesses, helmets and safety lines. Participants climb in a controlled environment using industry approved techniques.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 7 (12 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Mission Rescue

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Mission Rescue

Step into the shoes of young secret agents and join an epic search-and-rescue mission to find missing agent Casey Carter. Your team will split into two groups to cover more ground, solving riddles, cracking codes, and uncovering hidden clues that lead to Casey’s location.

Armed with maps, compasses, grid references, decoders, and even a radio, you’ll navigate the bush and tackle exciting challenges that test your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Facilitated by experienced guides, this adventure is safe, fun, action-packed and builds confidence and collaboration.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 4 (9 years)
Experience includes: Outdoor exploration, spy-themed puzzles, and physical challenges

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Newspaper Fashion

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Newspaper Fashion

A fantastic activity, for large or small groups. Each group is asked to create a fashion wardrobe from newspaper and sticky tape. A fashion parade and voting round out a great evening of creative indulgence. 

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Orienteering

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Orienteering

Orienteering turns the outdoors into a real-life adventure challenge. Participants work in small teams to learn the fundamentals of navigation; reading a map, using a compass and planning the smartest route before setting off.

Once briefed, teams head out into the bushland to track down hidden markers and work together as a team through all the markers. Throughout the activity, teams stay connected with The Tops staff via handheld radios, adding an extra layer of independence while ensuring support is always close by.

Orienteering builds problem-solving skills, communication and teamwork, all while exploring the outdoors in an engaging way.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 3 (8 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Ponding

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Ponding

If you have never taken a small net and explored a creek, then Ponding is for you. Take a walk to a local creek and discover the world of the pond – yabbies, tadpoles, frogs & all sorts of other animals. A great activity for younger groups.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 3 (8 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Silent Disco

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Silent Disco

A Silent Disco offers a unique and engaging way to celebrate and unwind. Participants are provided with wireless headphones and can choose between different music channels, creating a personalised experience while sharing the dance floor together.

With a mix of playlists available, there’s something to suit a range of tastes, and the novelty of switching between channels adds an extra level of fun. The session is hosted by our experienced staff, who manage the music and create an energetic, inclusive atmosphere for the whole group.

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Speed Stacks

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Speed Stacks

Sport Stacking is an exciting individual and team sport where participants of all ages and abilities stack and unstack 12 specially designed cups (Speed Stacks) in pre-determined sequence with amazing precision and dexterity.

While stacking cups might sound a little strange, it is a fantastic high energy activity that includes both individual and team challenges. 

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Survivor

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Survivor

Survivor involves two tribes with up to 13 members each of whom compete for glory on up to 8 challenging initiative and low ropes elements. No eliminations, just plenty of competition and good fun. Survivor encourages teams to assess and develop their communication skills, gain an understanding of team dynamics and seeks to encourage cooperation.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 4 (9 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Treeline Adventure

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Treeline Adventure

The Treeline Adventure course challenges your balance, coordination and confidence as you navigate six elevated elements set among the trees. Suspended above the ground, each obstacle requires focus and teamwork as you move from platform to platform, building momentum and skill along the way.

The experience finishes with an exhilarating 70m zipline, giving participants a rewarding and memorable end to the course.

A buddy checking system is used throughout the session, making this an excellent activity for strengthening communication between pairs and encouraging shared responsibility. It provides a supportive yet challenging experience that promotes resilience and teamwork.

Our experienced guides will equip you with harnesses, helmets and safety systems, and oversee the session in a controlled environment using industry-approved techniques.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 7 (12 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Trivia Night

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Trivia Night

What is a group of owls called? What is the 23rd word of the National Anthem? Form teams and amaze your friends with your wealth of general knowledge. Our instructors will facilitate your group through rounds of questions to determine the ultimate trivia winners. 

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Team Initiatives

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Team Initiatives

Form a small team and work together to complete an array of fun problem solving tasks. Your instructor will encourage the team to use initiative and work together to solve all manner of tricky situations.

A fun activity that uses a variety of interesting props. Initiatives encourages group interaction whilst developing problem solving and communication skills.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 4 (9 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Vertical Cluster

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Vertical Cluster

Suspended climbs are offered on our vertical cluster activity centre. A variety of 12 metre hanging climbs provides pairs of participants with the chance to climb on the same element. There are 5 challenging elements for 8 climbers at any time.

These climbs are more difficult than the solid wall climbs. Participants climb in a controlled environment using the latest equipment and industry approved techniques supervised by our professional instructors.

Minimum age recommendation – Year 3 (8 years)

This form must be completed by / for every participant on activities conducted by the Outdoor Education and Recreation Department.

Acknowledgement of Risk Form

OFF-SITE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Off-site activities are available at nearby locations. Bookings are to be made with the respective provider.

  • Beach
  • Symbio Wildlife Park
  • Science Centre
  • Golf Course
  • Helensburgh Golf Driving Range
    & Putt Putt Complex
  • Horse Riding
  • Industry World
  • Jamberoo Recreation Park
  • Royal National Park
  • Hang Gliding
  • Paint Ball
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