News
New Industry Standard Released:  Australian Standard: AS 2316.2 Artificial Climbing Structures and Challenge Courses

Australian camps and outdoor providers now have access to the new Australian Standard - AS 2316.2.1:2025, Artificial climbing structures and challenge courses

• Part 2.1: Flying foxes and challenge ropes courses — Construction and safety requirements 
• Part 2.2: Flying foxes and challenge ropes courses — Operations requirements. 

These Standards provide a clear benchmark for safe operation of aerial challenge activities including flying foxes, giant swings, crate stack, high ropes and facilitated swings.

For the camps and led outdoor activity sector, this means stronger guidance, clearer operational expectations and better protection for participants, staff and organisations. The new Standards bring national consistency to design, inspection, supervision, risk assessments, rescue plans and material requirements.

These Standards outline:

• How Flying Foxes and Challenge Ropes Courses shall be engineered, built and operated.
• Inspection and maintenance expectations, including daily, periodic and annual checks.
• All requirements and documentation.
• How rescue must be planned, practiced and resourced.
• Identify job roles and the competencies needed to undertake them.  
• New testing requirements for crates used in Crate Stack activities.

This is a practical resource that helps camps identify what “good practice” looks like, and how to run high-challenge activities with confidence and defendable compliance.

ACA 'High-Level' Summary

The Australian Camps Association has produced a short summary, specifically for members, highlighting some of the key aspects of the Standards. Giving guidance on important additions, inspection schedules, supervision expectations, rescue requirements and what is now mandatory.

The summary document is intended to highlight some of the key details the owners and operators need to make sure they are addressing; however, it does not replace the need for owners and operators of Artificial Climbing Structures and Challenge Courses to know and understand the Standard.

Click here to view.

Purchase the Australian Standard

You can purchase copies of the Standard (in two parts) via the Australian Standards website - https://store.standards.org.au/ (the standards will be available for purchase from approximately 12 of December 2025):
•    AS 2316.2.1 (Construction and safety requirements)
•    AS 2316.2.2 (Operations requirements.)

Standard-Compliant Crates Now Available

With new testing requirements for Crate used in crate stacking activities, ACA members can now order Standard-compliant, load-rated crates via the link below.

Express Your Interest for Crate Purchases Here

Why These Ropes Course Standards Matter

The new Standards are not just for builders, engineers or regulators, they help everyday camp operators:

• Plan and document safe practices
• Ensure staff are trained qualified 
• Inspect and maintain equipment properly
• Reduce risks and increase safety
• Improve confidence with schools, insurers and regulators

These Standards support safe adventure, shared expectations and professional practices across the sector.

Let’s Lift the Standard Together

ACA encourages all members and sector colleagues operating Flying foxes and challenge ropes activities to purchase the Standard and apply it across their sites. It’s a practical investment that lifts the quality, safety and reputation of the outdoor sector.

For questions or help implementing the Standard, contact Dwight Hulme, ACA Membership & Partnerships Manager via email or contact the ACA Office on 03 9863 6822. We’re here to support every camp on the journey to a safer, more sustainable adventure.

Australian Camps Association    
03 9863 6822
www.auscamps.asn.au 
info@auscamps.asn.au