When I wake up, it’s still a bit cold (okay… really cold), and I can hear the cockatoos outside being super noisy and waking everyone up. Inside, the cabin is warm and cosy, and people are starting to stir — a bit of chatting and some quiet laughing from the bunks.

One of our camp counsellors knocks on the door with a cheerful “Good morning, rise and shine!” I don’t know how they do it, but they’re always full of energy — even when we’ve kept them up talking and laughing way too late the night before. There are a few counsellors looking after our group for the week, and they’re always around if you need something or just feel like a chat.

Before breakfast, we clean our rooms. Everyone actually tries pretty hard because we want to earn points for the Cave Hill Creek Cup. Then the ‘Inspector’ comes through to check our rooms (which sounds scary but is actually very funny), and we wait to see how we did. Once we pass, we head off to eat, hoping we’ve earned some points!

We put on lots of layers and head to the pavilion, calling out to the kangaroos grazing on the oval as we go. The fire is already lit, which is the best. We sit with our colour clans, and it’s nice getting to know people my own age — the ones I’ll be hanging out with all week. I’m in Yellow Group. I grab some porridge and toast for breaky — perfect on a cold morning — and we all chat about what we’re doing today.

After breakfast, it’s time for activities. I was a bit nervous at first — especially when we got to the high ropes — but the activity instructors are really encouraging. They help you through it, cheer you on, and before you know it, you’re doing something you didn’t think you could. When you get down, everyone’s cheering and it feels awesome.

Later we go bushwalking in the Mt Cole State Forest. Everything feels different in winter — quieter and kind of peaceful. Our activity instructor shows us things we would never notice on our own, like animal tracks and cool little details. I’m also trying to find the longest leaf, because there’s a camp competition and a prize for whoever finds the biggest one – I’ve got to find a big one to beat those that other campers have already entered! After the walk, we have lunch at Richard’s Campground — hot baked jacket potatoes topped with bacon, cheese, coleslaw and all the trimmings, which taste soooo good after being out in the cold.

One of the best things about camp is that no one has phones. At first, I was worried about this, and it feels a bit weird, but then it’s actually really good. You end up talking more, laughing more, and just doing stuff instead of looking at a screen.

In the afternoon, we do more activities — maybe canoeing or something different. There’s heaps to do. It’s cold, but you warm up pretty quickly (especially if there’s a bit of splashing going on). I can’t wait to come back in Summer when we can really get wet! Later in the week we get “choose your own adventure” activities — I already know I want to do bikes and cooking (making Anzac biscuits… yum!).

Before dinner, we get some free time, which is really nice. I might play cards with some friends or have a game of table tennis, while other people are playing chess or kicking a footy on the oval.

Dinner is always great after a big day — and tonight is lasagne (my favourite!). Everyone’s chatting and laughing, and it already feels like we’ve known each other for ages.

After dinner, we all go to the campfire. It’s probably my favourite part. We toast marshmallows, tell stories, and sit around the fire keeping warm. One of the counsellors plays guitar and some of us sing along. When you look up, the sky is full of stars — way more than at home. Tomorrow night we’ve got a team challenge — Minute to Win It — and our colour clan really wants to win more points for the Cup!

By the time we go back to the cabin, everyone is tired, but in a good way. We talk about the best parts of the day and joke around a bit until someone finally says we really need to sleep.

At the start of camp, you might not know anyone. But by the end of the first day, it already feels different.

You feel braver. You’ve made new friends. And you’ve done things you didn’t think you could.

And you can’t wait to wake up and do it all again tomorrow.

If you’d like to know more about Winter Camp, give us a call on 03 5349 7381 or visit:
https://www.cavehillcreek.com.au/cave-hill-creek/holiday-programs/winter-camp/

The post A Day in the Life at Winter Camp appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

Cave Hill Creek and Silverband Lodge were well represented, with owner Ange attending alongside Leighton, Manager, Silverband Lodge and Zach, Program Coordinator, Cave Hill Creek. Ange completed the highly regarded Train the Trainer program and also assisted with the delivery of the course along with Paul from Urban Challenge in NSW and Matt from Kangaroobie in VIC, contributing practical insight and hands-on experience to support fellow camp professionals.

Leadership, Learning and Professional Growth

The International Camp Directors Course is auspiced by the International Camping Fellowship (ICF), a global organisation dedicated to supporting quality camping and outdoor recreation experiences worldwide. Through leadership development, professional education, and international collaboration, the ICF plays a key role in strengthening the camp sector and fostering shared standards and best practice across countries and cultures.

The Australian Camps Association facilitates an Australian program, bringing together leaders from across the camp and outdoor recreation sector. Over the four-day program, participants engaged in meaningful discussions around leadership, governance, risk, culture, and the evolving role of camps in supporting young people and communities. The program ends with presentation of ‘model’ camp scenarios by participant groups, a fun way to apply the learnings of the week.

Connecting with Camp Professionals from Accross the Sector

One of the standout elements of the week was the strength of the connections formed. Camp directors and emerging leaders attended from across Australia and beyond, creating rich opportunities to share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore common challenges and opportunities.

These relationships are vital to the continued growth and innovation of the camp and outdoor education industry, helping organisations learn from one another and strengthen best practice across the sector.

A significant outcome of the course is that Ange is now qualified to deliver the International Camp Directors Course program in Australia. This is an exciting step that will allow Cave Hill Creek and Silverband Lodge to play an even stronger role in developing leadership capability within the camp industry.

By supporting current and emerging camp directors to grow their skills, confidence, and impact, we can continue to enhance the quality, safety, and inclusivity of camp experiences nationwide. We look forward to the positive flow-on effects this experience will bring to our team, our partners, and the many groups and communities who share in life-changing experiences at Cave Hill Creek and Silverband Lodge.

The post Building leadership and connections: International Camp Directors Course 2026 appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

King or double bed accommodation is now available in all rooms for group stays, offering added flexibility for leaders, couples and event guests.

This article is designed to help you understand how our accommodation works and what it looks like to make your group booking easy!

Accommodation Overview

Entire venue: sleeps up to 130 guests (minimum group size 85)

LakeView Lodge: sleeps up to 90 beds across 10 bunkrooms
(minimum group size varies – 35 during low season and weekends; 50 during school term and high‑season dates)

Glamping Village: sleeps up to 40 beds across 6 tents (minimum group size 20)

LakeView Lodge – Bunkroom Accommodation and Amenities

LakeView Lodge consists of 10 rooms around a courtyard, designed specifically for group accommodation.

Rooms include flexible bedding configurations suitable for staff, teachers and group leaders, as well as families, couples and event guests. Selected rooms include ensuite bathrooms, while other rooms are located close to shared bathroom facilities. All rooms have floor or wall heating and during the Summer months a fan is provided.

The layout of LakeView Lodge supports efficient group movement and supervision, particularly for school groups and larger stays.

Accessibility: LakeView Lodge includes accessible beds in most rooms, and an accessible toilet is available within the lodge.

Gallery of LakeView Lodge Images

Rooms 1 and 5 – Sleep up to 6 guests with 2 bunks and a double bed. Ensuite Bathroom.

Rooms 2-4 and Rooms 6-8 – Sleep up to 10 guests with 4 bunks and a king / king single option. Access to shared bathroom amenities.

Room 9 – Sleeps up to 10 guests with 4 bunks and double bed. Ensuite Bathroom

Room 10 – Sleeps up to 11 guests with flexible bedding configuration to allow king bed. Ensuite Bathroom

Shared Bathroom Amenities (separate male and female facilities) and accessible toilet

Glamping Village – Eco-Tent Accommodation and Amenities

The Glamping Village includes 6 spacious safari‑style tents, offering an alternative accommodation option for groups.

Tents feature flexible bedding layouts, with combinations of bunk beds, single beds and king beds depending on configuration. Two tents include private ensuite bathrooms, while others utilise nearby shared bathroom facilities.

In Winter, all tents are equipped with a small electric heater, additional woollen blankets, and hot water bottles (hot water bottles available for non‑school groups only). During the summer months, a fan is provided. Lucky guests staying in Glamping Tent 1 have a reverse cycle air conditioner which we are currently trialling.

Accessibility: Glamping Tent 3 features an access ramp, and the nearby shared bathroom amenities include an access ramp, accessible toilet and shower.

The Glamping Village can be booked on its own or in combination with LakeView Lodge.

Gallery of Glamping Village Images

Glamping Tents 1-4 – Sleeps up to 8 guests with flexible bedding configuration to allow king bed. Access to shared bathroom amenities.

Glamping Tent 5 – Sleeps up to 4 guests with bunk and flexible bedding configuration to allow King bed. Ensuite Bathroom.

Glamping Tent 6 – Sleeps up to 4 guests with flexible bedding configuration to allow King bed and optional bunk bed. Ensuite Bathroom. This tent is often used as our ‘bridal’ suite.

Shared Bathroom Amenities (separate male and female facilities) and accessible toilet and shower.

Linen

School and other group stays – beds are supplied with a bottom sheet, pillow and pillow slip; guests bring their own sleeping bags or top bedding / doona.

Wedding packages – full linen is provided

Linen bundles: available for hire with advance notice at a per‑person charge (2026 rate: $25 pp). Linen bundles include doona/cover and towels to use with base bedding.

Shared Facilities

Guests have access to a range of shared indoor and outdoor facilities, including:

• A large dining / conference / recreation room
• An outdoor pavilion
• Large bluestone fireplaces in both spaces
• Picturesque lake views from key communal areas
• The Burrow – a versitile gathering space in the the LakeView Lodge Courtyard

These shared spaces support meals, meetings, activities and group gatherings.

When two groups are on site, facilities are allocated to support a positive and seamless guest experience. The Glamping Village group uses the Outdoor Pavilion, and the LakeView Lodge group uses the LakeView Lodge dining, conference and recreation room with access to the Burrow.

Got a question about our accommodation? Feel free to reach out here.

The post Sleep Easy in Nature: Accommodation Options at Cave Hill Creek appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

Natural hollows can take over 100 years to form, yet they were lost in a single fire event. Across Australia, around 17% of bird species, 42% of mammals and 28% of reptiles rely on hollows for nesting, roosting and shelter, making them vital to survival.

With so many hollow‑bearing trees destroyed, wildlife searching for safe places to live now face a critical shortage.

A community-led boost for local wildlife

To help fill this gap, last year the Mt Cole–Pyrenees Nature Group organised a community workshop where volunteers came together to assemble nesting boxes. Some of the finished boxes were then generously donated to us to support hollow‑dependent wildlife as the forest regenerates.

These nesting boxes are especially suited to gliders and phascogales—small arboreal mammals that depend heavily on hollows for denning and breeding. La Trobe University notes that species such as sugar gliders, feathertail gliders and brush‑tailed phascogales are among the most frequent users of nesting boxes because they rely so strongly on hollow shelter.

We have installed a number of these boxes on and around our site, creating much‑needed refuges for animals returning to the recovering forest.

Small Structures, Big Impact

Although simple, nesting boxes can make a powerful difference after fire. They help by:

• Providing immediate places to roost and nest
• Supporting the return of gliders, phascogales, possums, microbats and hollow‑nesting birds
• Helping stabilise wildlife populations as habitat slowly reforms
• Bridging the decades‑long gap before new hollows naturally develop

We are incredibly grateful to the Mt Cole–Pyrenees Nature Group for their initiative, generosity and commitment to supporting local wildlife.

As the Mt Cole State Forest continues to recover, these nesting boxes will give wildlife a safe head start during the crucial early years of regrowth. Over time, monitoring will help us understand which species adopt them and how they contribute to the wider ecosystem.

It’s a wonderful example of community‑driven conservation—restoring forest resilience one nesting box at a time. Keep an eye out around camp and see if you can spot one on your next visit!

The post Nesting Boxes Helping Wildlife Recover in the Mt Cole State Forest appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

The fire tore through the bushland around the tank, but the steel walls offered just enough protection for the equipment to… well… gently collapse into itself. The radiant heat melted the plastic and rope, fusing it all together into a surreal, drippy, technicolour sculpture. Not what we expected to find — but strangely captivating in its own way.

A little bit of accidental art in the middle of the clean‑up — and a great reminder of the humour, heart and creativity in the Cave Hill Creek community.

We shared the image online, and our community jumped in with clever, funny and creative caption ideas. Here are some of the favourites. Our favourite was HOT UNDER THE HELMET. Which one gets your vote?

Favourite Captions…

Helmets in Blue
Oooy Gooy

Hot mess or Hot stuff
Safety scorched

Knot Giving Up
Aftermath

Bushfire Belay
A little heat won’t stop us

H’Art Melt
We didn’t start the fire

Fire vs Figure 8
Melted but not defeated

Melting Moments
Don’t play with fire

Melt Down
Action ablaze

Melted dreams
Harness the heat

Melted memories
Tangled

Too hot to play today
Hot pursuits

Heat
Molten conundrum

Phoenix
Lucky

Kookaburra sits on the Burnt Wire Fence

By Marg Watts

Created by BlazeAid volunteer Marg Watts during the post‑fire recovery at Cave Hill Creek, this kookaburra is crafted from burnt fence wire, a fire‑scarred fence post, and fragments salvaged from the debris. As Marg worked helping to rebuild the fences, she was inspired by the local kookaburras overseeing the team’s efforts. A few months after the blaze, she gifted the finished sculpture to Tim and Ange. Now permanently on display at Cave Hill Creek, it stands as a gentle symbol of resilience, generosity and the beauty that emerges from what the fire left behind.

The post Accidental Art – 2 Years on from the Bayindeen Rocky Road Bushfires appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

In 1999, Tim’s dad, Ian, inspired and encouraged by legendary former Mount Langi Ghiran winemaker, Trevor Mast, planted a small vineyard at Cave Hill Creek. Fondly named The Patch after the “patched‑on” residence he and Julie lived in at Cave Hill Creek, the vineyard was predominantly Pinot Noir with a small planting of Shiraz.

For Ian, it was a hobby he genuinely loved — a chance to explore the alchemy of soil, climate, and hard work coming together to create something as expressive and rewarding as wine. He spent countless hours tending the vines and learning as he went.

When Tim and Ange took over Cave Hill Creek in 2009, they joined the vineyard project with Ian. Over time, winemaking became something they enjoyed doing together — learning about grape growing, experimenting with small‑batch winemaking, and sharing the results with friends, family, and guests. One of their favourite traditions became placing a bottle of Patch Pinot Noir in the glamping tent bridal suite for wedding couples and inviting interested friends and guests to help with harvest each year.

During COVID, when connecting with people felt difficult, The Patch played a small but meaningful role. Surprising members of the Cave Hill Creek community with a bottle on their doorstep became a simple way to check in and brighten spirits.

Fire, Loss and Recovery

In 2024, the Bayindeen Rocky Road bushfires swept through the area and caused significant damage to the vineyard. Nets, trellising, and irrigation were destroyed, and many vines appeared beyond saving. It was an emotional blow, made even harder when Ian passed away not long after. So much of the vineyard’s identity was tied to him.

Despite the destruction, vines have a remarkable ability to regenerate. Over the months that followed, around two‑thirds of the vineyard resprouted, showing clear signs of life. That sparked the decision to try and bring The Patch back.

Rebuilding The Patch

In January, a group of friends came together for a working bee to help reinstate trellising posts, wires, and irrigation. Since then, many evenings have been spent walking the rows, supporting regrowth and restoring order to the vineyard.

The progress has been encouraging. A portion of the vines are now carrying healthy bunches, and last weekend new nets went on — an uplifting milestone.

With 22 February marking two years since the bushfires, it feels especially meaningful to have the vineyard operational again. The timing is a powerful reminder of how far things have come.

Looking ahead to the 2026 vintage

While there’s still a way to go, and the vines are still recovering, things are looking positive for a 2026 vintage. The Patch has always been about more than wine; it reflects the importance of family and friends, persistence, and a passion for learning.

Our wine offers a way to share the uniqueness of Cave Hill Creek — a taste of this place we love — with our community. Despite the setback of the fires, the heart of the vineyard remains the same, and carrying it forward feels like an important way of honouring Ian’s contribution to Cave Hill Creek.

The post The Patch Vineyard: A Story of Family, Resilience and a Passion for Learning appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

Celebrate your dream wedding year-round at Cave Hill Creek, where every season unveils breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable outdoor charm.

Summer

Take advantage of long summer days, warm and vibrant, with exquisite sunsets. Live and Love the outdoors at Cave Hill Creek whilst savouring the true beauty of the Pyrenees ranges, the romance of the lake and what nature brings.

Spring

The spring brings vibrant wildflowers and flora flourishing with new growth in green, yellow and pink hues and unique fauna and wildlife enchantingly emerging at Cave Hill Creek—where the landscape offers plenty of opportunity for spectacular images.

Autumn

Filled with spectacular colour in the autumn months, blending the bush foliage with reds, oranges and yellows of the changing season, Cave Hill Creek offers a unique, peaceful and tranquil experience to celebrate your special day.

Winter

Imagine… a misty mountain Winter Wedding at Cave Hill Creek. Embrace the perfect bush setting with a timeless ceremony by the warmth and ambience of our large bluestone fireplaces—crackling logs, mulled wine and a hearty winter spread, whilst overlooking the breathtakingly beautiful lake.

Plan Your All-Season Wedding at Cave Hill Creek

Inspired by our year-round beauty? Explore ceremony spaces, weekend packages and on-site accommodation on our Weddings Page, then Enquire with our Team to check dates or request a tailored quote.

The post A Venue For All Seasons appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

MAY E-NEWS

Welcome to Cave Hill Creek and Silverband Lodge E-news! Keeping you up-to-date with our latest camp, event and group stay news.

AUTUMN GLORY
Autumn is definitely one of our favourite times of the year! There’s something special about those crisp, quiet mornings, golden sunshine, and all the beautiful colours in the trees (and crunching underfoot).

It’s the perfect season for slow walks, cosy moments by the fire, and soaking up the beauty all around. Stay warm and savour the season!

DON’T MISS OUT – WINTER CAMP BOOKINGS NOW OPEN

Give your child a tech-free school holiday with canoeing, hiking, high ropes, & team challenges. It’s all about building confidence, friendships, & lifelong skills.

Click here for FAQ or to find out more…

Spots are filling fast so get in quick to secure your place!

TOO OLD FOR WINTER CAMP? PERHAPS WINTER CAMP OUT IS FOR YOU?

If you’re 14-15 years of age and regular camp just isn’t cutting it any more, Winter Camp OUT is where it’s at.

4 days / 5 nights of epic outdoor adventures, hanging out with new mates and living the tent life under the stars. Slightly different to Summer Camp OUT, this is a base camp set up – one spot, your crew, and every day brings a new challenge.

Think stuff like abseiling and biking on the forest trails in Mt Cole State Forest, camp cooking (yes, you are in charge), an awesome day hike with killer views, and plenty of chill time round the campfire. Find out more here!

WELCOMING NEW FACES TO OUR TEAM!

Bianca – Functions Manager, Cave Hill Creek

With an executive assistant and administrative career background, as well as actively volunteering with community-based sporting clubs and events, Bianca’s strengths lie heavily in planning, organising and coordinating – she can’t wait to help you with your special day, weekend or event!

Relocating to the Pyrenees region in 2021 with her family and a menagerie of farm animals and pets, Bianca enjoys creating craft projects, gardening, music & sunset bonfires.

Dion – Facilities Manager, Cave Hill Creek

Dion’s been in the building industry all his life, having completed his carpentry apprenticeship straight out of school. He comes to us with extensive site management and project development experience and we are looking forward to utilising these skills as we continue to make Cave Hill Creek bigger and better.

Dion is also our After-Hours Manager and is married to Kim (who has also joined our team) – so you’ll often see them round about! He has 3 adult children and now one little grandson to keep him on his toes when not looking after everyone at Cave Hill Creek.

Leighton – Guest Experience and Risk Manager, Silverband Lodge

Recently relocated from Adelaide, Leighton is also our After-Hours Manager so you will regularly see him around on site! He is married to Pip and they have three primary school aged boys.

Leighton has 20+ years’ experience working in management roles at campsites, not for profits, sporting organisations and youth work. He loves the outdoors and is passionate about providing the opportunity for people to experience positive connections with nature and each other – especially in the amazing Halls Gap!

Nathaniel – Apprentice Chef, Silverband Lodge

Meet Nathaniel. We love nothing more than developing and supporting young people to grow. Nathaniel will be working with Michelle to serve up lots of delicious food for your stay.

Nathaniel loves food and is looking forward to learning more about the industry and developing his skills. He spends his spare time fishing and gaming. Pop your head into the kitchen to say hi when next at Silverband Lodge!

Visit Cave Hill Creek Jobs

View Silverband Lodge Jobs

The post May 2025 E-News appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

APRIL E-NEWS

Welcome to combined Cave Hill Creek and Silverband Lodge E-news! Stay tuned for our regular updates about both our wonderful locations.

NEW YEAR, NEW ACTIVITIES

Check out our great new Vertical Challenge and replacement Low Ropes

Course at Cave Hill Creek! Great to have these in action.

What’s next??? Keep an eye out for our new Bouldering Wall mid-year!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR – CAVE HILL CREEK WINTER CAMP ON SALE SOON!

Give your child a tech-free school holiday with canoeing, hiking, high ropes, and team challenges. It’s all about building confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills.

Tickets on sale 29 April, so register your interest and/ or watch for our E-news Subscriber presale email!

Silverband Lodge, and the Grampians National Park, are OPEN for business!

December and January’s bushfires impacted Grampians National Park, but the landscape is recovering, and many areas are open again. Silverband Lodge and Halls Gap are open for business, and you can still enjoy many of your favourite local landmarks like the Pinnacle, McKenzie Falls, and Boroka Lookout when you visit. Halls Gap wasn’t affected by the fires, and much of the northern end of the Grampians is open, so let’s encourage visitors to return and experience its beauty.

Our fabulous team helped out providing 2,500 meals for Emergency Services heroes, and we’re proud of their incredible community spirit.

BEERIPMO WALK IS BACK!

After 12 months, Beeripmo Walk is finally reopened. It’s heartwarming to see our beloved hike restored after the Bayindeen bushfires. The beautiful regrowth is amazing, and it’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying the stunning 21km walk, whether as an overnight adventure or a day trip, in the Mt Cole State Forest and Mt Buangor State Park.

Visit Cave Hill Creek Jobs

View Silverband Lodge Jobs

The post April E-News appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.

DECEMBER E-NEWS

Welcome to the first combined Cave Hill Creek and Silverband Lodge E-news! Stay tuned for our regular updates about both our wonderful locations!

What a fantastic first year it’s been in the beautiful Grampians! We’re thrilled to share with you exciting upgrades we’ve made to Silverband Lodge. Whether you’re visiting for a school camp, a group retreat, or a hiking adventure, we’ve got something new to enhance your stay.

Here’s what’s new:
•    Fresh signage showing off our new name and brand
•    Air conditioning and heating in the Pinnacle, keeping you comfortable year round
•    A swimming pool refurb, with new tables and umbrellas
•    New furniture in the dining rooms making meals, meetings & hangouts more comfortable
•    A revamped Orchard and Kitchen Garden
•    Campsite upgrade for tent, hiking and journey groups

In 2025 there will be more improvements, including room upgrades increasing capacity to 242 guests.

Thanks to all our guests, suppliers, and staff for your support and making our first year a success. Here’s to 2025 and beyond!

You can find out more about Silverband Lodge here.

Get in quick… it’s nearly time for Summer Camp and places are filling fast!

Give your child an unforgettable summer at a Cave Hill Creek Summer Camp! Nestled in nature, our camp is packed with exciting adventures—canoeing, hiking, high ropes, and team challenges—all designed to build confidence, friendship, and lifelong skills. And it is tech free…

Send your child to Cave Hill Creek for a summer of fun, growth, and adventure! The perfect Christmas Gift idea for your 8-15 year old!

New beginnings are flourishing…

The wedding season has kicked off with a bang at Cave Hill Creek. The forest is springing back to life after the bushfires, providing an inspiring backdrop for the wedding season. The scenic beauty resonates with hope and fresh starts, reflecting the journey of our newlyweds. As nature renews itself, it becomes a haven for the celebration of love.

Images by @danielturnerweddings and @marcuscarterphotography

Meet our new staff

We’d love to introduce you Brigitta, Cave Hill Creek’s new Holiday Camp Director, and Simone, our Function Manager.

Find out a bit more about them here!

The post December Newsletter 2024 appeared first on Cave Hill Creek.