Camp network in NSW, Victoria and Queensland
Great Aussie Bush Camp
An instructor-development pathway with January and July intakes. This is a training and recruitment pathway rather than a listed immediate instructor vacancy.
AUSTRALIA · JOB GUIDE
Outdoor activity instructor jobs in Australia
School camps and outdoor-education providers need people who can lead groups, explain activities and maintain safety. Some have a route for new staff; expedition-leading jobs can require substantial training and experience.
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This could suit you if…
You enjoy encouraging people, teaching practical skills and working outdoors within your assessed abilities.
The trade-offs
You are responsible for participants, not just your own adventure. Independent leadership and trainee support have different entry requirements.
What would I actually do?
Explain activities, encourage hesitant participants, prepare equipment and keep a programme running with the rest of the team. Your responsibility is the participants’ experience and safety.
Independent group leadership, assisting an instructor and supporting camp logistics are different jobs. Trainee programmes develop skills under supervision; qualified instructor roles expect existing competence in the activities being taught.
What do I need before applying?
Outdoor instruction needs demonstrated competence in the activities and conditions you will supervise, alongside group leadership. Entry routes include supervised employer development programmes and formal outdoor qualifications.
Qualified group-leader roles can require outdoor leadership qualifications, wilderness first aid, child-related checks and documented practical experience. A trainee route is different: it develops competence under supervision rather than placing a beginner in charge of technical activities.
Courses & training
Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership — TAFE Queensland
SIS40621 provides a structured outdoor-leadership qualification. Review the provider’s activity units and assessment setting to see how they match your intended work; employers still need evidence that you can deliver the specific activities they run. Check delivery mode, full fees and how the study commitment fits your plans.
TAFE Queensland Outdoor Leadership
Remote first aid — St John NSW
St John NSW’s HLTAID013 Provide Remote First Aid is a three-day course with pre-learning. It is designed for delayed access to medical help, making it relevant to remote and multi-day trips. The workplace offering may require a group booking.
Employer development pathway — Great Aussie Bush Camp
Great Aussie Bush Camp advertises an instructor development pathway with January and July intakes. This is an employer recruitment and development route; use its careers page for the next intake’s application details.
Which companies can I contact?
Official recruitment routes checked 17 October 2026. Read the role details for current vacancies and work-rights requirements.
Tharwa, ACT; programs also in NSW, Victoria and WA
Outward Bound Australia
Group-leader and activity/logistics recruitment, with a CV and activities logbook. Fixed-term Group Leader pay is $61,600–$62,130 a year; the casual advert spans $32.32–$46 an hour across leadership and support roles.
How to apply
Send an activities logbook alongside your CV: activity, location, duration, group size and the responsibility you held. Separate personal adventures from paid or supervised leadership experience.
List technical qualifications, wilderness first aid, child-safety clearance and driving status. Match the application to an instructor or support role; Outward Bound’s support pathway has different qualification requirements from group leadership.
What can you earn?
Outward Bound publishes both a salaried instructor route and casual work across its outdoor programmes.
| Published role | Advertised pay | Entry route |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-term Group Leader | $61,600–$62,130 a year | Cert IV Outdoor Leadership or equivalent, wilderness first aid and expedition leadership experience |
| Casual Group Leader / Activity & Logistics Support | $32.32–$46 an hour | Combined range for different roles; qualified leaders and activity-support staff have different requirements |
These are Outward Bound’s advertised figures checked 17 October 2026. The page does not state whether super is included. The casual upper rate is not presented as beginner pay.
Sources & further reading
Bush Camp locations and activities
Outward Bound Australia jobs and requirements
Employer information and requirements checked 17 October 2026. Recruitment pages may change; confirm the terms of your own role.
Check specified-work requirements for your visa
Course providers and qualification pathways
Training information checked 17 October 2026. Compare the full fee, study dates and eligibility for your situation.