Programs at Bickley

Bickley offers some great opportunities for getting active outdoors.

Contact the camp directly on 61 8 9492 9781 to discuss your group's needs.

Orienteering map reading and radio comms

General information

Programs at Bickley were first delivered in 1988. Bickley was the department's first camp to offer outdoor recreation programs. Over the next two years, under the management of Russell Small, the camp facilitated a range of activities including orienteering, low ropes, team games, bush walking, abseiling, flying fox and canoeing. Over the last two decades, the camp has expanded its range of outdoor recreation program options. It currently offers 15 different standard program options. In addition to these programs, the camp has and continues to facilitate a wide range of custom programs for school and non-school groups, including corporate work place adventures.

Programs offered at Bickley support the department's emphasis on promoting healthy and active lifestyles. By incorporating participation in recreation and physical activity during camping experiences, recreation programs provide a chance for the camp’s guests to experience new activities, learn or develop new skills, explore the benefits of physical activity and promote the maintenance of healthy lifestyles.

Challenge by Choice

All camp instructors facilitate programs in accordance with the philosophy of Challenge by Choice. This is based on experiential learning theory, which we define as being able to undertake an experience that a participant can relate back to their life or existing lifestyle in a positive way.

There is an understanding that everyone has varying thresholds for challenge and these challenges can range in their nature and variety. We aim to provide an experience that enables participants to determine their own level of challenge and broaden and develop their perceived limitations through participation in adventure activities both in individual and team environments.

All camps staff will aim to provide a safe experience in which the participant can explore and extend their abilities and limitations. Our Department Camps Program Standards and Instructor Code of Ethics encompass that overriding intent. Participation through excessive pressure and intimidation will not be supported.  

This ethos recognises that the attempt is more significant than the result.

Clothing and attire during programs

Participants are required to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. This includes:

  • Fully enclosed and secure footwear must be worn during all programs
  • Hats should be worn on all programs
  • Shorts that cover, at a minimum, half of the thigh should be worn for roping programs
  • Tee-shirts that cover shoulders
  • Midriff tops should not be worn on any programs
  • Long hair must be secured in a ponytail when participating in roping programs
  • Long necklaces, chains, scarves or similar items are to be removed before the commencement of roping programs
  • Participants should wear a tee-shirt or rash vest and shorts when participating in aquatic programs
  • Body piercings may need to be covered on request from the instructor in charge.

Programs

Bickley offers structured recreation programs. Year levels are based on recommendations from the Department of Education and the Department's Camps Chain Safety Group. Some programs are offered to younger students, however please contact the camp for more information.

Roping programs

Onsite abseiling (school year 7+)

  • Duration: 3.5 hours.
  • Perfect for learning to abseil the 5 and 10 metre abseiling program is on a natural rock adjacent to the campsite. This is a great program for personal challenge and putting participants outside their comfort zone.

Crate climb (school year 5+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Participants work together to build a large structure from crates and then take turns climbing to the top. Although only one person is climbing at a time, the rest of the group are required to stabilise the structure. This program is perfect for emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Crate climb participants Three participants smiling and holding crates Participants holding crates

Flying fox (school year 3+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • Participants zoom across a 50m high speed traverse across the picturesque Bickley Reservoir. Extra challenge and excitement can be added to the activity once participants are comfortable with the program. Flying fox is great for personal challenge and teamwork.
flying-fox flying-fox---close-up-(1) flying-fox---close-up-(2)

Leap of faith (school year 8+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • This activity consists of a 9m high wooden pole, with a small platform on top. Participants are required to climb the pole, stand on the platform and then jump for a trapeze bar. Nerves of steel are required for this leap of faith.
Leap of faith

Vertical challenge (school year 5+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • The vertical challenge activity consists of three independent climbing elements: a ladder climb,vertical cargo net and a pole climb that incorporates the use of rock climbing holds. Participants work in small groups to safely belay the climbers up each element before lowering them back to the ground.The use of belay banks allows all the participants to be involved.
vertical-challenges---belaying-(2) vertical-challenges---pole-climb-(2) vertical-challenges---cargo-net-(1) vertical-challenges---cargo-net-(5) vertical-challenges---belaying-(3) vertical-challenges---pole-climb vertical-challenges---cargo-net-(4)

Water programs

Canoeing (school year 4+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • Participants are guided through basic canoe maneuverability and safety aspects, including the techniques of rafting up and capsize recovery. Each participant is provided with a personal flotation device (PFD) and a paddle. During the session participants may be involved in a number of activities including shuttle and obstacle course races, canoe polo, balancing challenges or simply a leisurely paddle on the reservoir.
Canoes and jetty at Bickley canoeing---new-canoes-and-pfds-(2) canoeing---new-canoes-and-pfds---close-up-(2) canoe---3-boys canoeing-(3) canoeing---new-canoes-and-pfds---close-up-(3)

Raft making (school year 4+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • Participants are given advice on how to construct rafts using ropes, planks and drums. They then build rafts in teams in preparation for a major paddle challenge. This program is a unique team building activity aimed at encouraging a group to work together more effectively.
Raft making paddling raft-making---paddling-(4) raft-making---paddling-(6) raft-making---paddling-(3)

Swimming supervision (school year 1+)

  • Duration: 1 hour including brief.  
  • Supervision for swimming can be provided to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
  • Staff are trained to perform rescues and provide first aid if required.

Land programs

Flora and Fauna bush walk (school year 3+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Participants are led on a 4.5km circuit by a qualified instructor through the Bickley valley adjacent to the camp. A wide variety of plant and animal life can usually be observed while completing this bushwalk. Participants use a flora map to spot different plant species. A great way to experience some amazing views from the top of the hill.
A water stream over some rocks in the bush bickley-guided-bush-walk guided-bush-walk

Hut building (school year 1+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • A storm is coming!
  • Participants need to work in small groups to construct emergency makeshift shelters in a bush environment. Before dismantling the shelters they are tested for their sturdiness and their ability to repel rain.
A group of young participants building a hut Hut building participants inside a hut they have built hut-building

Catapults (school year 5+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • A team focused activity in which participants plan and assemble large catapults using logs, bolts, nuts and washers. The teams then engage in several competitive games involving launching various projectiles.
A participant pulling on a catapult launching-the-catapult catapults catapult-activity

Icebreakers (school year 3+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • A series of fun and interactive activities designed to break the ice. Participants work together with their group members to gain a greater understanding of themselves as a person and as a team member. These games are entertaining and a great way to begin your camp experience.

Mountain biking beginner (school year 7+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • The beginners program requires a reasonable level of fitness and basic bike handling skills. This ride is 7km in length and takes you from Bickley Camp to Victoria Reservoir and back.This ride takes in the scenery of the Victoria Reservoir Catchment Area.
mountain-bike---beginners-(1) mountain-bike-beginners-(5) mountain-bike---beginners-(3)

 Mountain biking advanced (school year 8+)

  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • The advanced program requires a moderate level of fitness and moderate bike handling skills. The advanced program is 13.5km in length and includes some downhill track and sections of rocky descent. This ride takes in the scenery of the Victoria Reservoir Catchment Area.
A group of three people mountain biking on a gravel trail

Orienteering (school year 4+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • Participants use topographical maps of the Bickley Valley to search for and locate markers in the surrounding area. Two-way radios are provided for Orienteering teams to keep in contact with the instructor. This program supports map reading skills, teamwork, prioritising, communication and cooperation to obtain more points than other teams. For groups with minimal experience in the use of topographical maps, the instructor will teach the participants how to use these maps effectively.
Orienteering instructor helping participants with a map orienteering---searching-for-markers Orienteering map reading and radio comms

Search and rescue (school year 4+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • This program is popular as it supports map reading and deciphering skills in a team setting. Participants use detailed topographical maps of the Bickley Valley area and two-way radios to locate the missing military remnants and obtain the code words. They must be on the look-out for the enemy to avoid being captured.
search-and-rescue---remnant-found-(1) search-and-rescue---participants search-and-rescue---instructor-being-chased

Team building (school year 1+)

  • Duration: 1.5 hours.
  • This program is a collection of team challenges designed to make participants think outside the square to solve an array of problems. The problems are designed to develop and improve group skills. Improved communication, cooperation, trust and leadership can be achieved through this program.
team-building---minefield-(2) team-building---minefield-(1)

Corporate activities

 

Bickley challenge

  • Duration: half or full day.
  • Participate in the Bickley challenge with your work colleagues to develop team building, communication, and leadership skills. This activity can be facilitated as a half or full day activity.
  • During your journey, your team will need to locate clues, find equipment, and complete a series of challenges to enable your team to successfully complete their mission.
Bickley Challenge particpants smiling Bickley Challenge participants in a line standing on matts A group of adults getting on a raft

Self-directed activities

There are a number of activities that are free of charge in the Bickley Valley area including numerous walking and mountain biking opportunities adjacent to the camp.

The camp has a multipurpose court area that is available to Kookaburra dormitory clients for free play, however please check the availability with our staff. Groups are advised to bring their own sporting equipment.

Further information about self-directed activities can be obtained by contacting the camp on 61 8 9492 9781.

Victoria Dam bush walk

Duration: Allow 2 to 3 hours.

The 7.2km return easy/moderate walk from Bickley Camp to Victoria Reservoir is steeped in local history. Walk on the track constructed for the very first saw mill in WA, cross the oldest wooden bridge in Australia and arrive at the first dam built in WA, constructed in 1891. Admire the Old Victoria Dam wall as well as taking in the spectacular bushland and city views from the top of the new Victoria Reservoir.

Directions and map for the Victoria Dam walk below.

Internal Orienteering (school year 1+)

Duration: 1 hour.

A small orienteering course within the Kookaburra camp area is available for dormitory groups. Using the camp buildings to navigate, participants will find markers with letters on them to create a word.

Raft making at Bickley

Pricing

Prices are tiered for school groups, not-for-profit community groups and corporate groups.

Pricing for school groups
ProgramType Cost per person 2025Minimum charges 2025
 Abseiling Roping$29$464
 Crate climb Roping$16.50$264
 Flying fox Roping$16.50$264
 Leap of faith Roping$16.50$264
 Vertical challenges Roping$16.50$264
 Canoeing Water$20.50$328
 Raft making Water$20.50$328
 Ice breaking games Land$9.25$148
 Catapults Land
$12.25$196
 Bush hut building Land$12.25$196
 Guided bush walk Land$12$192
 Mountain biking (beginner) Land$20.50$328
 Mountain biking (advanced) Land$32.50$520
 Orienteering Land$16.50$264
 Search and rescue Land$16.50$264
 Team building Land$12.25$196

 

Booking conditions for school groups 2025

  1. All bookings are subject to availability of facilities, instructors etc.
  2. Rates charged are those current at the time of occupancy and are inclusive of GST.
  3. Self-catering charge $4 per person per day (no charge for 4 years old or under).
  4. Aquatic supervisor must be booked in advance and is assigned to approved supervision ratios.
  5. Bookings for day programs in term one and four subject to camp management approval.
  6. Day programs will only be secured on receipt of deposit.
  7. The minimum charge is the deposit for a single activity day program to proceed.
  8. A deposit of 80% of the total per person charge is required for multiple activity day programs.
  9. The camp reserves the right to cancel an activity for any group.
  10. Day visitor charge of $4 per person applies to non-residential day programs that exceed three hours onsite.
  11. Check-in time is 2pm (5pm Sunday) and check-out is 10am (2pm Sunday) or as arranged with camp prior to event.
  12. A child or young person is one under 18 years of age.
  13. DLGSC Recreation Camps are child safe environments — client and visitor behaviour must support that outcome.
  14. Agree to terms and conditions pursuant to your booking.
Pricing for community groups
ProgramType Cost per person 2025Minimum charge 2025
 Abseiling Roping$42$672
 Crate climb Roping$20.25$324
 Flying fox Roping$20.25$324
 Leap of faith Roping$20.25$324
 Vertical challenges Roping$20.25$324
 Canoeing Water$29.50$472
 Raft making Water$29.50$472
 Ice breaking games Land$13.25$212
 Catapults Land$13.25$212
 Bush hut building Land$13.25$212
 Guided bush walk Land$13.25$212
 Mountain biking (beginner) Land$29.25$468
 Mountain biking (advanced) Land$46$736
 Orienteering Land$20.25$324
 Search and rescue Land$20.25$324
 Team building Land$13.25$212
 Bickley challenge (half day) Land$60$900
 Bickley challenge (full day) Land$90$1,800

 

Booking conditions for community groups 2025

  1. All bookings are subject to availability of facilities, instructors etc.
  2. Rates charged are those current at the time of occupancy and are inclusive of GST.
  3. Self-catering charge $4 per person per day (no charge for 4 years old or under).
  4. Aquatic Supervisor must be booked in advance and is assigned to approved supervision ratios.
  5. Bookings for day programs only in term one and four subject to camp management approval.
  6. Day programs will only be secured on receipt of deposit.
  7. The minimum charge is the deposit for a single activity day program to proceed.
  8. A deposit of 80% of the total per person charge is required for multiple activity day programs.
  9. The camp reserves the right to cancel an activity for any group.
  10. Day visitor charge of $5 per person applies to non-residential day programs that exceed 3 hours onsite.
  11. Check-in time is 2pm (5pm Sunday) and check-out time is 10am (2pm Sunday) or as arranged with camp prior to event.
  12. A child or young person is one under 18 years of age.
  13. DLGSC Recreation Camps are child safe environments — client and visitor behaviour must support that outcome.
  14. Agree to terms and conditions pursuant to your booking.
Pricing for corporate groups
ProgramType Cost per person 2025Minimum charge 2025
 Abseiling Roping$60$960
 Crate climb Roping$28.75$460
 Flying fox Roping$28.75$460
 Leap of faith Roping$28.75$460
 Vertical challenges Roping$28.75$460
 Canoeing Water$40.50$648
 Raft making Water$40.50$648
 Ice breaking games Land$18.75$300
 Catapults Land$18.75$300
 Mountain biking (beginner) Land$40.50$648
 Mountain biking (advanced) Land$65$1,040
 Orienteering Land$28.75$460
 Search and rescue Land$28.75$460
 Team building Land$18.75$300
 Bickley challenge (half day) Land$85$1,275
 Bickley challenge (full day) Land$130$2,600

 

Booking conditions for corporate groups 2025

    1. All bookings are subject to availability of facilities, instructors etc.
    2. Rates charged are those current at the time of occupancy and are inclusive of GST.
    3. Self-catering charge $4 per person per day (no charge for 4 years old or under).
    4. Aquatic supervisor must be booked in advance and is assigned to approved supervision ratios.
    5. Bookings for day programs in term one and four subject to camp management approval.
    6. Day programs will only be secured on receipt of deposit.
    7. The minimum charge is the deposit for a single activity day program to proceed.
    8. A deposit of 80% of the total per person charge is required for multiple activity day programs.
    9. The camp reserves the right to cancel an activity for any group.
    10. Day visitor charge of $6.50 per person applies to non-residential day programs that exceed 3 hours onsite.
    11. Check-in time is 2pm (5pm Sunday) and check-out time is 10am (2pm Sunday) or as arranged with camp prior to event.
    12. A chid or young person is one under 18 years of age.
    13. DLGSC Recreation Camps are child safe environments — client and visitor behaviour must support that outcome.
    14. Agree to terms and conditions pursuant to your booking.

More information

Bickley Outdoor Recreation Camp

Whadjuk Noongar Country
Hardinge Road Orange Grove WA 6109
Telephone 61 8 9492 9781
Mobile 0429 115 723 (emergency and urgent matters only)
Page reviewed 23 October 2023
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