Planning a school camp takes a lot of time and effort. Teachers and coordinators spend months checking safety, activities, and logistics. Finding the right venue is often the hardest part. You need a place that works for your students and your budget.
Berrima Retreat in the Southern Highlands NSW makes it simple. It is private, exclusive, and just 90 minutes from Sydney. Your group gets the whole property to yourselves. No shared spaces. No strangers.
Here are 10 things to do at Berrima Retreat for school camps. From onsite activities to nearby day trips, there is something for every student.
Why Teachers Choose Berrima Retreat for School Camps
Berrima Retreat is one of the best school camp options near Sydney. It offers group accommodation in the Southern Highlands for 20 to 55 guests. The property is private and fully exclusive during your stay.
Private and Exclusive: No Strangers Onsite
When you book Berrima Retreat, your group has the property to yourselves. There are no other guests onsite during your stay. This makes supervision much easier for teachers. It also keeps students safe and focused.
The exclusive-hire setup gives your school full control. You decide how the day runs. There are no noise complaints or interruptions from other guests.
Safe, Spacious, and Close to Sydney
Berrima Retreat is just 90 minutes from Sydney via the M5 and Hume Highway. It sits in the heart of the Southern Highlands. The property has large open lawns, gardens, and indoor spaces for all ages. Everything is contained within the private grounds.
ACT schools and regional schools will appreciate the location too. Canberra is roughly 2 hours away via the Hume Highway. Coach access is available with ample parking onsite.
Accommodation for Up to 55 Students and Teachers
The retreat has 11 to 15 bedrooms. King beds split into king singles for flexible sleeping arrangements. Family rooms allow teachers and students to be near each other on the same floor.
The accommodation is comfortable and practical. There are no cramped bunk rooms or sofa beds. Students and staff sleep well and start each day refreshed.
10 Things to Do at Berrima Retreat for School Groups
When it comes to things to do at Berrima Retreat, school groups are spoiled for choice. Most activities are onsite and within the private grounds. Day trips extend the learning beyond the property.
There is something here for every age group and interest.
1. Swimming in the Private Pool
First up on the list of things to do at Berrima Retreat is a swim in the private pool. The onsite pool gives students a safe and fun space to cool down. There are no public crowds or strangers to worry about.
Teachers can supervise with ease from the pool deck. It works perfectly as a reward activity at the end of a full camp day. Students look forward to it all day, and it gives teachers a natural way to close out the afternoon.
2. Kayaking at the Private Dam
One of the best things to do at Berrima Retreat is head down to the private dam. Eight kayaks are provided onsite for guest use, no hire fees, no queues. Students can also try paddleboarding or fishing from the designated water access points.
The calm, reflective water and surrounding trees make it a beautiful spot at any time of day. Sunrises and sunsets here are hard to beat, and evening campfires by the water are unforgettable.
The dam paddock is a shared farm zone, so it is sometimes grazed by sheep and alpacas. As a result, this area may occasionally be locked or in use. Guests access the water safely from set recreation points along the bank.
It builds teamwork, coordination, and water confidence in a genuinely stunning setting. Students remember this one long after camp ends.
3. Bike Riding Around the Property
Another great option is bike riding across the open grounds. Students can explore the property freely and stay active at the same time. The wide-open space makes it easy for teachers to keep an eye on everyone.
As a result, it works well as a morning warm-up or an afternoon wind-down. It gives students a sense of freedom that feels different from a regular school day.
4. Volleyball: Team Building in Action
Moving on, volleyball is set up onsite and ready to go from day one. It is one of the most natural team-building activities for any school group. Students cheer each other on, learn to communicate, and build trust quickly.
Furthermore, even students who do not usually enjoy sport tend to get involved. It is easy to run, needs no special equipment, and brings groups together fast.
Indoor Fun: Table Tennis and Pool Table
In addition to the outdoor activities, the games room has both a pool table and a table tennis table. It is perfect for cooler days or relaxed evenings after dinner. Students naturally form small groups, take turns, and connect over friendly competition.
The games room also gives teachers a calm indoor space to wind the group down. It is one of those low-key activities that students gravitate to again and again.
Giant Outdoor Chess and Sandpit
Another favourite among the things to do at Berrima Retreat is the giant outdoor chess and sandpit. Giant chess builds strategic thinking in a fun and physical format.
Students have to move the pieces themselves, which keeps them engaged and active. Meanwhile, the sandpit is a hit with younger primary school groups. Both activities are easy to supervise and need no special setup.
Kangaroo Jumper
Similarly, the kangaroo jumper are a big hit with school groups onsite. These activities build confidence, balance, and coordination in a short time. They also burn energy fast, which is great before a group meal or quiet session.
Supervision is simple because the equipment is contained within the private grounds. It is one of the first things students notice when they arrive.
Campfire Evenings at the Fire Pit
As the day winds down, the fire pit becomes one of the most memorable things to do at Berrima Retreat. Students gather around the fire, share stories, and connect as a group.
There is something about a campfire that brings even the quietest students out of their shell. As a result, it creates a calm and memorable close to each day. Many teachers say it is the moment students talk about most when they get home.
Exploring Historic Berrima Village
Beyond the property, Berrima is one of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian villages. Students can walk through the village and visit the Berrima Courthouse and Gaol.
The site connects directly to history and geography curriculum outcomes for Stage 2 and Stage 3. For example, teachers can use the visit to bring classroom units on colonial Australia to life. It is an easy and meaningful excursion just minutes from the retreat.
Day Trip to Fitzroy Falls
Finally, no school camp at Berrima Retreat is complete without a trip to Fitzroy Falls. The falls are just 30 minutes away and one of the most impressive natural sights in NSW.
The 81-metre waterfall and bush walking tracks suit all fitness levels. In short, it is a natural science and geography excursion rolled into one great visit. The fresh air, bush landscape, and stunning views make it a highlight of any school camp.
From the pool to the dam, the fire pit to the chess board, there is never a dull moment at Berrima Retreat. Every activity is designed to keep students engaged, active, and connected. Best of all, most of it happens right on the property, no long drives or complicated logistics.
Teachers can relax knowing everything is safe, supervised, and in one place. That is what makes Berrima Retreat one of the best things to do at Berrima for school groups.
Curriculum Links: How This Camp Supports Learning Outcomes
A great school camp connects to real classroom learning. Berrima Retreat gives teachers activities that link naturally to NSW curriculum outcomes. Here is how each experience maps to key areas of learning.
- Personal and Social Capability
- Kayaking, volleyball, and team games build cooperation and resilience. Students develop leadership and communication skills naturally. These skills transfer back into the classroom and beyond.
- Physical Education and Health
- The pool, bikes, trampoline, and volleyball all support PDHPE outcomes. Active movement is built into every hour of the camp day. Students meet physical activity goals while having fun.
- History and Geography
- Berrima Village and Fitzroy Falls support Stage 2 and Stage 3 outcomes. Teachers can link heritage walks to classroom units on colonial Australia. The Berrima Courthouse visit brings history to life in a real setting.
Practical Information for School Organisers
Here is everything you need to know before booking your school camp at Berrima Retreat. From group size to catering, we have the details that matter most.
How Many Students Can Attend?
Berrima Retreat accommodates 20 to 55 guests per booking. Adjoining properties can host larger groups of 90 or more. Contact the team directly for group pricing and availability. Early bookings are strongly recommended for Term 2 and Term 4.
Self-Catered Kitchen: Flexible and Budget-Friendly
The property has a large commercial self-catered kitchen. Schools can organise their own catering to manage costs. The main dining table seats 20 guests. There is extra seating at the breakfast bar area for larger groups.
Self-catering gives your school full control over menus. You can meet student dietary needs without the extra expense of outside catering.
How to Book Your School Camp at Berrima Retreat
Booking is simple. Follow these three steps:
- Step 1: Check availability via the website or call directly.
- Step 2: Request the free info pack with pricing and activities.
- Step 3: Confirm your group size and preferred dates.
Bookings fill fast in Term 2 and Term 4. Book early to secure your preferred dates.
Working With Children and Student Safety
When planning things to do at Berrima Retreat, student safety is always the top priority. The retreat is private and exclusive for the full duration of your stay. There is no public access to the property while your group is onsite. This means no strangers, no unexpected visitors, and no shared spaces with other guests.
All bedrooms are within easy reach of shared teacher spaces. Teachers can move between rooms quickly and check on students with ease. The layout of the property is practical and supervision-friendly. Everything is contained within the one private grounds, so no one gets lost or wanders far.
The property is also well suited to Working With Children requirements. The exclusive-hire model means your school group has full control of the environment. There are no mixed groups, no public pools, and no shared dining areas with outside guests. Your students are in a closed, managed setting from arrival to departure.
For schools researching things to do at Berrima Retreat, safety is built into every part of the experience. The team at Berrima Retreat understands the responsibility that comes with hosting school groups. They are happy to discuss your school’s specific safety requirements before you book.
Simply call or email the team to talk through your needs and get any questions answered.
What Other Schools Say: Why They Come Back
Schools that stay at Berrima Retreat often return year after year. It is not hard to see why. The private setting gives teachers peace of mind from the moment they arrive. Students feel like they are on a real getaway, not just another excursion ticked off the calendar. That feeling makes all the difference.
A Venue That Feels Like a Real Getaway
The property is set in the calm and quiet of the Southern Highlands. Green lawns, fresh air, and wide open spaces make it feel completely different from school. There are no distractions, no traffic noise, and no rush. Students have room to breathe, move, and just be themselves. Teachers often say the change of environment alone shifts the whole group dynamic for the better.
From the moment students step off the coach, the atmosphere changes. They notice the space, the trees, and the quiet straight away. With so many things to do at Berrima Retreat, from kayaking on the dam and swimming in the pool to volleyball, table tennis, bikes, the giant inflatable kangaroo jumper, and quiet walks around the paddocks, students are engaged from the first hour.
By the end of day one, walls come down and connections start to form. Students arrive as a class and leave as a team. That transformation is one of the reasons schools keep coming back.
Students Talk About It for Months After
The campfire evenings, the dam kayaking, the pool, the giant inflatable kangaroo jumper, these are the moments students carry home with them. There is no shortage of things to do at Berrima Retreat, and that variety matters. Different activities reach different students.
The child who hangs back on the volleyball court finds their confidence on a kayak. The student who struggles in the classroom surprises everyone on the obstacle course. A great school camp leaves a lasting impression, and Berrima Retreat is designed to create exactly that. These are not just activities. They are the kind of shared experiences that shape friendships and build character.
Teachers notice it too. Students who were quiet on day one are leading games by day two. Students who struggled to connect find their place around the fire pit or on the volleyball court. By the time the coach pulls away, the group feels different. Closer. More confident. Ready to take that energy back into the classroom.
Berrima Retreat is built for that kind of outcome. It is why so many schools make it their annual camp destination. And it is why students start asking about next year before they even get home
How to Get to Berrima Retreat From Sydney and Canberra
Driving From Sydney
Berrima is about 130 kilometres south-west of Sydney. The drive takes roughly 90 minutes via the M5 and Hume Highway. Exit at Medway Road or the Mittagong Old Hume Highway exit. It is a smooth, easy drive for school coaches.
Driving From Canberra
Canberra is approximately 90 min or so from Berrima Retreat. Travel via the Federal and Hume Highways. It is a convenient option for ACT schools and nearby regional schools.
Getting There by Coach
The retreat is fully coach-accessible. There is ample parking onsite for large vehicles. This makes group travel simple and stress-free for school organisers.
Frequently Asked Questions — School Camps at Berrima Retreat
Ready to Book Your School Camp at Berrima Retreat?
A great school camp does not have to be complicated. Berrima Retreat keeps everything in one place, accommodation, activities, and space to breathe.
When you look at all the things to do at Berrima Retreat, kayaking on the dam, swimming in the pool, the giant inflatable kangaroo jumper, volleyball, table tennis, bikes, the fire pit, farm animals, and wide open paddocks, there is genuinely something for every student.
You do not need to organise transport to multiple locations or coordinate with outside providers. Everything is already there, on one private property, ready for your group. Your students get a real experience. You get a private, manageable venue just 90 minutes from home.
Download the free info pack or call the team to check availability. Dates fill fast, especially in Term 2 and Term 4. Start the conversation today and give your students a camp they will never forget.
Visit berrimaretreat.com.au to check availability and download your free school camp info pack.
Call: 1300 76 13 76 | Email: bookings@berrimaretreat.com.au