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At the foothills of the Blue Mountains, something pretty special is taking shape – on a site that’s played host to core memories for a whole lot of Sydneysiders. With development approval now secured, Camp Yarramundi (likely the place you learnt to rock climb as a kid) is preparing to relaunch as one of Australia’s first purpose-built bush retreats where children and families of all abilities can dive headfirst into adventure – not just watch from the sidelines.
Designed with accessibility front and centre, the camp will make canyoning, ropes courses and pathways winding through ironbark forests accessible for people of all abilities: no awkward retrofits, no “special” alternatives tucked away – one seamless, fun experience.
“Accessibility is often treated as an add-on,” says COX Director Alex Small. “At Camp Yarramundi, it is the foundation. Every activity, trail and cabin has been designed from the outset to support kids of all abilities.”
The reimagined camp – created for The Y NSW by Cox Architecture in collaboration with Invoke Property and Arcadia Landscape Architecture – sits on Dharug Country and has been carefully tuned to its natural surrounds. Low-impact, modular buildings make a light impact on the earth, and raised boardwalks weave through native landscaping. Verandas and clustered cabins are arranged around outdoor garden rooms in a layout that echoes a kangaroo pawprint.
For context, a stay at Camp Yarramundi has been a rite of passage for young people across NSW for more than 90 years. According to The Y NSW CEO Rob Kennaugh, the redesign ensures that legacy continues – just more inclusively than before. “By connecting with nature, they can learn to overcome their fears and grow in confidence,” he says. And now, more kids will get to do exactly that.
Beyond the adrenaline-fuelled activities, the upgrade expands accommodation to host up to 400 students, with zuzhed-up dining and recreation facilities. A new multi-purpose building will open the doors to community groups, wellness programs and team-building retreats, cementing the camp’s status as a year-round hub for connection.
The revitalised camp is expected to open in 2028. Stay in the loop over here.
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