News
Updated Australian Adventure Activity Standard and Core Good Practice Guide (GPG)

On 1 October 2026, the Outdoor Council of Australia released the updated Australian Adventure Activity Standard and Core Good Practice Guide (GPGs), with updated Activity GPGs to come over the next few months.

The OCA website states - "First launched in 2019, the national AAAS framework brought together the previous state and territory adventure activity standards into one consistent approach. The 2026 editions of the Standard and Core Good Practice Guide follow a comprehensive review undertaken in 2025–26. Overseen by the AAAS Steering Committee and maintained by the Outdoor Council of Australia (OCA), the review combined legislative and regulatory analysis, specialist expertise, stakeholder engagement and public consultation. 

Dr David Marsden of The OREAS Group facilitated the review and drafted the documents on behalf of OCA, with contributions from Expert Advisory Groups, activity providers, education authorities, peak bodies and individuals.

The updated documents address risk management, activity planning, diversity, equity and inclusion, participant wellbeing, environmental and cultural responsibilities, equipment and logistics, and leadership responsibilities and competence."

The Australian Camps Association (ACA) attended over 55 advisory group meetings and contributed over 100 hours supporting the development of the updated AAAS on behalf of members.  We will continue to contribute to further advisory meetings and provide ongoing support to the AAAS development to ensure the AAAS remains relevant to camp operators and the sector broadly.  ACA Members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the latest updates. 

Image Source: Outdoor Council of Australia.

The OCA website also reminds operators of "Responsibilities and legal obligations - The AAAS and Good Practice Guides are not, of themselves, legally binding and do not replace legislation or constitute a complete legal compliance framework. They refer to laws and regulations that may be binding, and some land managers or organisations may require compliance as a condition of a licence, permit or contract.​ Providers remain responsible for understanding their obligations, exercising appropriate care and determining how the framework applies to their circumstances. The documents do not provide legal advice; providers should obtain independent professional and legal advice where appropriate."

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is available specifically for the AAAS via OCA. ACA Membership & Partnerships Manager, Dwight Hulme, is also happy to take questions to support members where needed.