Summer Camp
2026 dates
I liked trying something I would never usually do and having fun with people around my own age.
- Camp One: Monday 29 December 2025 – Monday 5 January 2026
- Camp Two: Friday 9 January – Friday 16 January 2026
Applications for next summer are now open!
What will I do?
So much! A typical week at Cooinda includes:
- Learning to canoe, kayak and sail
- Exploring the lakes, rivers and islands around camp
- Camping out overnight at places like Nicholson River, the 90-Mile Beach and Cooinda Island
- Playing team games, swimming, fishing or trying archery
- Cooking dinner over a campfire and chilling under the stars
We spend the first couple of days getting you set up and confident in boats and on the water.
Then your group gets to choose where to explore — it's your expedition.
This isn't a classroom. You'll learn by doing. And there's no judgment — at Cooinda we all thrive on being ourselves and supporting each other to have fun and challenge ourselves.
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Who comes to Cooinda?
Campers come from all over Victoria and even further afield — some with friends, some on their own (don't worry, you'll make new ones fast). If you're aged 12 to 18 on December 29 and up for a week of paddling, camping and adventure, you're in the right place.
You'll be in a small group with other campers your age, plus two trained volunteer leaders. We call this a patrol — and it'll feel like your own little team by the end of the week.
We welcome all campers who can work well with other people. You must be able to swim at least 100 metres. And, because of the kind of program we run, you need to be available for the full eight days. It’s not possible to come in late or leave early.
Do I need to be outdoorsy?
You don’t need to be an expert — but you do need to be comfortable spending time outdoors.
At Camp Cooinda, we spend almost all our time outside: paddling, swimming, cooking, sleeping in tents, and exploring the lakes. It’s okay if you’ve never camped before — we’ll teach you what to do — but you need to enjoy being outside in the fresh air, whatever the weather.
You’ll also need to be able to swim at least 100 metres, as much of the camp takes place on the water.
Still not sure if it's for you? We've put together this information sheet to help families, guardians, youth workers, and social workers explore about whether Camp Cooinda is a good fit for their young people.
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What's the vibe?
It's chilled, friendly, and full of laughs.
No phones. No scrolling. Just real people, real conversations and a real adventure.
One of the things people love about Cooinda is that you have choice. You and your group get to plan your own adventure. We give you the info about the places you could go on an overnight expedition, how you might get there (canoe, sail or hike), and what you might cook… and you and your group get to decide.
Expect to:
- Sleep in a tent (that we provide)
- Get a bit sandy
- Learn new things
- Make new friends
- Go to new locations using your own muscles
- Be part of a team
- Come home with great stories.
And yes — the food is good. Nothing like school camps!
Our Camper Code of Conduct gives you a bit more understanding of the expectations of you at camp. We ask campers to sign up to this code when applying for camp.
This blog gives a glimpse of what a first-time camper might say about their week at Camp Cooinda.
Download our Summer 2026 flyer
Share it with your networks and friends!
Cost
- $675 per camper, plus $95 for return bus travel (or $48 one-way) from Melbourne
- Concession rate: $440 (+$95 for return bus travel or $48 one-way) for families who need it
- Subsidised places available: If cost is a barrier, you can request additional support in your application. We have a small number of assisted places thanks to some generous donors. Please apply early so we can help.
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Staying safe at camp
We know this matters (and your parents will have questions). Here's what you need to know:
- Camp Cooinda is a child-safe organisation and has been running camp programs since 1960 with strong safety protocols in place.
- All campers are supervised 24/7 by trained volunteer leaders.
- Activities are risk-managed and carefully planned with attention to weather, safety and group dynamics.
- We have safety powerboats, radio systems, and during expeditions, each group has a direct line back to camp for communication and backup.
Read more about how we manage program risks and safety at Camp Cooinda.
Where is Camp Cooinda?
Camp Cooinda is located on the Banksia Peninsula, on the shores of Lake Victoria in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes — about 20 km from Bairnsdale and 300 km east of Melbourne. We also run expeditions to nearby places like 90 Mile Beach, Nicholson River, Emu Bight and our very own Cooinda Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
All campers must attend for the full eight days so they can complete training, bond with their patrol, and join expeditions safely.
Definitely. Many campers come solo and make friends quickly — as soon as you arrive at camp you are placed with your own special group (we call them a patrol).
Yes. As long as you’re close to the same age, we’ll do our best to place you in the same patrol. You can list a friend on your application form. We sometimes limit this to two friends together so everyone feels included.
No. Camp Cooinda provides all tents, waterproof barrels and camp cooking gear. You just bring your own sleeping gear and personal items. Here’s the packing list we will send you before camp. Essentials include a brimmed hat, waterproof/windproof jacket, sleeping bag, drink bottle, shoes that can get wet for boating, and clothes for hot, cool, and wet weather.
Our per-night cost is low because of our fantastic volunteer team and the annual dividends we receive from some smart investing we made about 25 years ago. We also have some generous donors who help us offer a small number of assisted places at camp for families who need extra help.
Most campers take our return charter bus from Melbourne or Traralgon (cost $95 return or $45 one-way) as it’s a great way to meet your fellow campers. Parents can also drive you — we’ll send directions in the lead up to camp.
Yes. We’ve been running camps since 1960 with strong safety protocols in place. All leaders are trained volunteers with First Aid and Working With Children Checks. We use safety boats, radios, and 24/7 supervision.
We keep the program running! We adjust activities for safety and fun, and your packing list includes the wet-weather gear you’ll need. We hire out good waterproof japara jackets at camp if you don’t have your own.
You must be able to swim at least 100 metres without stopping. This is essential for safety, as we spend a LOT of time in boats on the water.
It’s great! We cook healthy, filling meals at camp and you’ll help prepare food on expedition. We know you need lots of healthy fuel for your adventures! We cater for dietary needs — just let us know when you apply.