The Y NSW has reached a major milestone in its mission to transform Camp Yarramundi into one of Australia’s most inclusive outdoor education destinations, with Development Consent now officially granted by Hawkesbury City Council. The green light unlocks the next phase of its transformational redevelopment that will modernise the 35-acre site along the Grose River and strengthen its legacy as a hub for learning, culture and community, one that has served NSW since 1937.
Backed by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grant Program, the project will significantly expand capacity, elevate safety and accessibility, and deliver contemporary outdoor learning experiences that meet the needs of children, young people and communities across the state.
"Camp Yarramundi has shaped generations of young people through adventure, learning and connection to nature. This redevelopment allows us to build a safe, inclusive camp that will empower children and young people to grow, learn and thrive,” said the Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh.
“We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for supporting our vision of a world class outdoor education destination; an adventure for all."
For nearly 90 years, Camp Yarramundi has welcomed school groups, families, cultural organisations and community groups. The redevelopment strengthens this legacy with upgraded accommodation, expanded program areas and modernised facilities designed to enhance participation and impact. At the heart of the redevelopment is a major expansion of Camp Yarramundi’s adventure and activity offering, with new and upgraded all-abilities programs designed to run at scale.
The site will include high and low ropes courses, giant single and dual swings, rock climbing and abseiling, team challenge zones and accessible adventure infrastructure, enabling up to 466 participants to take part in outdoor activities at the same time across the site. These purpose-built activity zones position Camp Yarramundi as one of the largest and most inclusive outdoor education environments in Australia, supporting school-aligned learning, wellbeing and confidence-building through shared challenge and play.
Government Spokesperson for Hawkesbury, Hon. Peter Primrose MLC, said: “The $49 million Camp Yarramundi Facility is great news for Yarramundi and the whole Hawkesbury Community. The new facilities will encourage healthy, outdoor activities at a special place already loved by locals and visitors.”
Furthermore, the approved plans include six new architect-designed lodges providing approximately 466 beds, alongside upgrades to existing cabins to meet contemporary accessibility standards. Once complete, total capacity will increase from 260 to 466 guests.
Safety, sustainability and environmental responsibility remain core priorities. Lighting upgrades, improved pathways and new access points will improve movement across the camp, while solar systems, water-saving measures and on-site storage will reduce environmental impact and support long-term resilience.
“Our priority is delivering the project safely, on time and on budget, so even more people can experience world-class outdoor education in this special part of Western Sydney,” Mr Kennaugh said.
We acknowledge and thank INVOKE Property and Cox Architecture for their leadership and collaboration in reaching this milestone. We look forward to continuing this work together as the project moves into its next phase of delivery.
With Development Consent secured, the Y NSW will now progress to construction, with work expected to commence in the coming months following the appointment of a head contractor. The transformed Camp Yarramundi is aiming to reopen in late 2027.
For more information or to register interest for future bookings, visit bit.ly/YarraExpressionofInterest
Back to news
