Waves to Wilderness

Waves to Wilderness Expedition

November 24-28, 2025

Key Program Information

·      Monday November 24 – 8am

All students who are embarking on the Waves to Wilderness program to meet at Kelso Pavillion at 8am. Roll call will be conducted by school staff who will be joining the groups for the week, then all students and staff will board a coach bound for Vision Valley where their adventure begins.

   Friday November 28 – 4:00pm

Student pick up for this program will be at Kelso Pavilion on the Pymble Ladies’ College Main Campus at 4pm. Program staff will send an update if there is a meaningful change from this time.

The Waves to Wilderness expedition is an exciting and immersive outdoor adventure designed to challenge and inspire Year 10 girls. This program builds on the skills developed during the Year 9 residential experience, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones, develop independence and strengthen teamwork while exploring both coastal and wilderness environments.

2025 is the first time we are running Waves to Wilderness, so unfortunately there are no photos to share yet!

A Journey Through Land and Sea

Students will embark on a multi-day adventure, with some groups beginning at the coast and others starting in the wilderness before swapping locations. Regardless of the starting point, every participant will experience both the power of the ocean and the beauty of the bush.

Coastal Adventure at Umina Beach

The Waves component takes place at Umina Beach, where students will take part in a surf lesson led by experienced instructors. This session will focus on building confidence in the water, refining surfing techniques and reinforcing surf safety skills. In addition to riding the waves, students will learn about marine ecosystems and coastal conservation, gaining a deeper appreciation for the ocean environment.

Wilderness Exploration and Camping

The Wilderness phase will take students deep into nature, where they will:

• Undertake two challenging hikes: Students will navigate diverse landscapes, testing their endurance and resilience while developing navigation and survival skills.

• Camp under the stars every night: Girls will camp each night of this program, and will have one night in bell tents at Vision Valley where they will have the opportunity to cook and share a camp oven meal around the campfire.

• Complete advanced courses: Building on skills developed on the Year 9 Residential Program, girls will continue with advanced levels of activities they may have experienced around Vision Valley.

• Develop leadership and reflection skills: Team-building exercises and guided reflection sessions will help students strengthen their confidence, resilience, and friendships.

With expert guidance and a strong emphasis on safety, Waves to Wilderness offers a truly unforgettable adventure, blending excitement, skill-building, and personal growth. Through this journey, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the outdoors while creating lasting memories with their peers.

Packing List 

Please see a detailed packing list below.

PACKING LIST

Note: Each student must bring a functioning Opal card, as there are parts of this journey that include using public transport.

Gear & Equipment 

Pymble Ladies’ College is proud to partner with Equipped Outdoors, who provide our students with the best quality outdoor adventure equipment at discounted prices. Each of the items available are both highly recommended by our expedition leaders and available at below-retail prices. 

Purchasing quality equipment, such as that available through Equipped Outdoors, will allow girls to own durable gear which they can use for many years to come. For those girls interested in the ‘Adventure Extensions’ opportunities available in Years 11 and 12, quality equipment will continue to be vital. 

Equipped Outdoors Information and order form can be found below: 

• Equipped Information  

• Equipped Order Form 

The following items are available from Vision Valley for girls to use on the program at no charge:

-        Hiking Pack

-        Pack Liner

-        Rain Jacket

-        Rain Pants

-        Gaiters

Medications 

All essential medications must be packed by parents/carers in their daughter's baggage. Parents/carers should place medication in a snap lock bag, clearly labelled with the student’s name and accompanied by instructions including dosage and time of administration. These must be handed to your daughter’s expedition staff at the commencement of the program. 

If students have undeclared medication with them on the program, our staff may be legally required to not administer these medications. 

Accommodation 

Students will be accommodated in tents for the duration of the program. Supervision is provided overnight by College staff in nearby tents. 

Meals 

All meals will be provided to students from dinner on the first day of the program, to Lunch on the day of their departure. 

Technology while away – No phones 

Pymble has asked students to leave technology behind for their Outdoor Education Programs. This affords students the chance to have a digital detox and be present in the experiences they are having whilst away without the distractions. It is not often that students get this opportunity to switch off and enjoy what is happening in the here and now, so we appreciate your support around this.