Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre

A good place to do your bronze hike for Duke of Ed but a 50/50 for silver. I did both bronze and silver here for school and the hikes themselves weren't challenging, just extremely difficult to navigate (trail markers not obvious at all need map skills). Definitely prepare yourself for some back pain but if you've been bushwalking before, it's all grade 3- 4 difficultly so not bad. The only difficult section is the silver hike where uphill trekking is a pain.Somerset leaders are mostly great people but there are a few who are downers. Campsite quality especially at Wheelbarrow Ridge poor as the groud is imepntable and leaves the tent vulnerable to flying away.Equipment always dirty and muddy definitely don't expect clean gear. Canoes are extremely muddy and have not been cleaned in some time. Tent not waterproof either.Advice is to not rely on Somerset for equipment or help, rather buy your own gear and research basic compass skills. You can count on Somerset for food though. It's decent.

Best Camp. Just finished a 3 day practice hike and qualifying hike program for my Duke of Ed Bronze. Very well run and organised. Group leaders are well trained and very good at what they do. Rented gear is good quality, provided food was great and the scenery was amazing. 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a good school or Duke of Ed camp. Dan is a legend by the way.

In year 9 2022, I went on a school camp here and it sucked. I was sleeping in a tent and it had so much dirt on it. So much bushwalking. My leader said it's only a 4km bushwalk, but it was like 400km and we only had 1 break. After we woke up, we did canoeing and like 1 hour later I asked my leader how much longer. She said it's around the corner but it was around 50 corners and it was so hard. There was a bus to meet us on the other side, although the bus didn't fit my whole group.

The best river camp My son has ever experienced! Jim also helped my son have the best camp because my son had a camp for the first time.

Excellent programs and logistically the best. Campers have their boundaries expanded in a safe yet appropriately demanding camping program. Accommodation is in tents so this is true camping, you are immersed in the the outdoors and learn to appreciate what you have at home. Here are flushing toilets. Teachers are well looked after. Food is plentiful and often campers are involved in its preparation. I personally love the journey element of the programs.

Two of my children have attended Duke of Ed camps here and I have found them very professionally run. During covid we had to reschedule and Somerset were very accimodating.

This was an incredible camp and experience, with ranging activities and fun for all ages.~~~~~~Came to this camp for a class trip and was amazed with the quality. Awesome views, guides and so much more so I highly recommend it for begginer campers.Activities range from milk crate stacking to kayaking, river runs and obstacle courses with the choice of cabins or tents and a HUGE landscape to enjoy!Overall this camp provides an amazing experience and is highly customisable for what you're wanting to get back!5 Stars

It's a great experience for those who don't camp regularly. It lets you know how lucky you are at home compared to others living outside. There are lots of activities that are fun and the food is amazing!!!However, the tents were too small, too many insects in out tents, and I got 20 mozzie bites. Our tent even leaked at night. We couldn't shower for 4 days, which made me develop this allergy on me :(Other than that I had a great time at the camp. Hopefully next time I come well prepared :)

this is the worst camp ive ever been to. we had to walk and the people forced us to drink poo water out of crusty looking taps. the staff were also really rude, they shoved us in the tent saying 'we dont get paid after 9pm'. our group leader forced me to give my food to him since he was hungry, and just because i had spare food, he forced me to share half of my food. he made us sleep in wet clothes since it was raining , told us to bring one spare piece of clothing for the 3 whole days. he didnt let our group have a shower and instead made us swim in a muddy river as a replacement. this camp is such a waste of money which is a shame since i was looking forward to it. i got tonnes of scratches, bruises and cuts and our group leader laughed and made us walk down bush and trees with spiders and disgusting insects. this camp is great as a suicide mission to fall of the cliffs we had to climb. make sure to hide good food from the camp leaders since they will just take it from you and eat it themselves, and they make it so obvious they hate their jobs judging from what they say.