Wollangarra’s introductory program, “Meeting the Mountains”, offers young people from 14 17 years the chance to discover the heart of Victoria’s high country in small, well organised and supervised hiking groups. The major aim of these expeditions is to encourage an awareness of our environment.

“Meeting the Mountains” expeditions are normally a five-day course with a two night, three-day hike and time to also experience the pioneer lifestyle of Wollangarra. The first day is spent doing activities around the property and preparing for the hike. This may include baking bread in the wood fired oven, planting in the veggie patch, or fixing up fences and timber work using pioneer skills, as well as packing their packs (all hiking equipment is supplied). During term time these courses are filled by school groups, however in holidays there are a number of opportunities for other young people to experience this introduction to Wollangarra.

These special holiday “Meeting the Mountains” expeditions are challenging, rewarding and lots of fun, and also provide a chance for enthusiastic young people to meet others interested in Wollangarra’s philosophy of active, practical and positive conservation.

They then go hiking in small groups with two Wollangarra hike staff members. The hikes take place, in either the Alpine National Park or locally in the mountains surrounding Wollangarra.

The hike is designed to be an enjoyable experience for the young people, as we are looking to establish a positive connection between them and the mountains. The hikers return on the Thursday evening to a hot shower and a lamb roast waiting for them. After which we all sit around open living room fire and swap stories of the week. Friday is clean up and leave day. Everyone finishes the Wollangarra Stage One by walking without bags out the telephone track, from Wollangarra to Cheynes Bridge.

12 ha on a river flat on the Macalister River, surrounded by bushland.

Pioneer style buildings, with no electricity.

Wollangarra endeavours to be accessible to all young people. However we are in a very remote location and access to our property is via flying fox. All paths on the property are unpaved and occasionally slanting and steep, including paths to the toilets. Wollangarra has no access to electricity and is a 45 minute journey to the nearest regional hospital (for non-emergency cases). Please contact Wollangarra to discuss the particular needs of a potential participant.

Catering Details: Full Catering Only

Attractions Nearby: Wollangarra is situated on the banks of the beautiful Macalister River. The pioneer style homestead is one of a kind and a beautiful base for our programs. Participant's have the chance to help with farm jobs such as kitchen gardening, baking using a wood-fired stove, using pioneer style tools and working with sheep and chickens. The camp is at the foothills of some of Victoria's most impressive mountain ranges and our courses involve hiking within these places.