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7 months
Face-to-face training sessions with indoor and outdoor learning experience; most instruction takes place in the field
On campus · Typically 3 days per week of class attendance, plus self-study, assignments and practice outside of class
23 February 2026
Course Overview
Where You Can Study
Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia
Eligibility
Domestic Students:
International Students:
English Language Requirements (International Students):
Application Process — all applicants must provide:
Course Requirements:
Career & Study Pathways
Outdoor Leadership graduates leave with skills that support a range of careers, including:
The leadership and personal skills taught in the course are diverse and graduates find them useful in any career they choose.
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
ASQA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCourse Content
Manage work health and safety
Plan outdoor activity sessions
Identify hazards, assess and control risks for outdoor recreation activities
Plan for minimal environmental impact
Facilitate groups
Coordinate emergency responses
Manage legal compliance in sport and recreation
Operate communications systems and equipment
Develop outdoor recreation programs
Interpret weather and environmental conditions for outdoor recreation activities
Manage risk for outdoor programs
Coordinate client service activities
Coordinate work teams or groups
Bushwalk in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments
Elective unit
Lead bushwalks in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments
Elective unit
Navigate in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments
Elective unit
Lead climb single pitches, natural surfaces
Elective unit
Establish belays for single pitch climbing on natural surfaces
Elective unit
Lead single pitch climbing activities on natural surfaces, lead climbing
Elective unit
Navigate in tracked environments
Elective unit
Perform vertical rescues
Elective unit
Paddle a kayak on inland flatwater
Elective unit
Paddle a kayak on moving water up to grade 1 rivers
Elective unit
Lead kayaking activities on inland flatwater
Elective unit
Lead kayaking activities on moving water up to grade 1 rivers
Elective unit
Navigate waterway courses
Elective unit
Paddle a sea kayak in exposed coastal waters
Elective unit
Lead sea kayaking activities in exposed coastal waters
Elective unit
Common Questions
Domestic and international students must be 18 years or older, demonstrate Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 12 level or AQF 4 or higher, and have a Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership or be able to demonstrate significant outdoor recreation experience — for example, through organisations such as Pathfinders or Scouts, or through prior work in outdoor recreation and leadership roles.
The course is delivered on campus at Lake Macquarie over 12 months (30 weeks excluding holiday periods). Students typically attend class 3 days a week with additional time outside of class for self-study, assignments and practice. Most of the instruction takes place in the field, allowing students to travel and experience parts of Australia. Practicals can be done during the week or over weekends and are weather dependent.
The course covers a range of outdoor activities including bushwalking in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments, climbing on natural surfaces (lead, single pitch), kayaking on moving water, and sea kayaking in exposed coastal waters. Field trips can range from excursions of a few hours to local abseiling sites, to extended expeditions such as trips in the high country of the Snowy Mountains.
The Diploma of Outdoor Leadership is offered on a full fee-paying basis. Financial assistance is available through VET Student Loans for eligible students. Students can also explore scholarships, student loans and payment plans through VET Financial Assistance. For more information, contact the admissions team at study@avondale.edu.au or call +61 02 4980 2377.
Yes. A SIS50421 Diploma of Outdoor Leadership can be used as a steppingstone to further education, including university entrance into undergraduate courses. Specifically, the Diploma qualification from Avondale or another Registered Training Organisation will provide students with Advanced Standing at Avondale for the Outdoor Education Minor elective under the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary).
Application
Three simple steps to get enrolled
Step 01
Enquire
Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Step 02
Submit Documents
Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.
Step 03
Get Enrolled
Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!
Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.
Priya Sharma
India
Master of Nursing · Griffith University
