AABR Fest II - Return of the Regenerators is a spring gathering for bush regenerators and all those interested in ecological restoration to learn and connect with one another. AABR Fest is an opportunity to connect with the wider bush regeneration community, forge new connections and rekindle old friendships. This family friendly event offers a rejuvenating, enlightening and entertaining experience at the Scout Camp Kariong, on the Central Coast of NSW.

Established in 1986, AABR has played a vital role in promoting high-quality ecological restoration across Australia. Last year the inaugural AABR Fest, held at Topi Topi, reflected these commitments to advancing the industry by offering an exciting array of activities, engaging presentations and immersive workshops. AABR Fest II - Return of the Regenerators is on building on best from AABR Fest.

Burst your brains with the bush regen trivia quiz, exciting prizes on offer for the group that knows their bush regen business
Tune up your entertainment tribe for the Bush Regen Shindig - bush regen inspired songs, poetry or interpretative dance around a bush regen theme of your choosing performed to an admiring crowd
Experience the nightlife with a guided spotlight tour and presentation courtesy of Jayden Walsh
Bring your binoculars to explore the birdlife with Ross Rapmund
Open your senses with a rainforest ID walk led by Scott Meier
Get savvy about sedges with this introductory session hosted by Karen Wilson
Enhance key knowledge with insights into botanical keys and their use from a guest speaker from theRoyal Botanic Gardens
Catch a movie - a selection of eco-inspired viewing with lively discussion
Sit around a campfire and engage in fascinating and inspiring conversation with like-minded mortals
Share your thoughts for the future of the bush regen sector at the World cafe
Be captivated by the wisdom and knowledge of the AABR Board and members as they share their insights in informal discussions
Learn about the recent happenings and hopes for AABR at the Annual General Meeting
Connect the kids to nature and explore the Bush Kids Zone and the scout camp activities and equipment*
Enjoy the various walks available on the Scout Camp property

The program

More activities and details as they come to hand will be on the AABR FestII event page.

*Scout Camp Activities and Equipment

Activities and equipment available around the camp include bush walks, aboriginal carvings, a compass course, a glide ride, a small obstacle course, construction poles, two small swimming water holes, a campfire circle and a bush chapel. The Glide Ride must be supervised by an adult at each end whenever in use.

Arrival

Gate times for entering the festival are as follows;

Friday noon - 7pm.
Saturday 7am - 4pm.

Please ensure that the Main Gate into the Camp is closed at all times - even if you are only dropping someone off – The Camp is not as isolated as it seems and members of the public continually take the chance to come and have a look around if the main gate is left open.

Please ensure that you park your car rear in when parking in the car park. This is to ensure that if there is a need to evacuate the Camp it is easy to do so.

Accommodation

There is limited capacity for dormitory lodgings please email whatson@aabr.org.au if a bed is required.

There will be plenty of camping options available. There is no vehicle access to the actual campsites. Please park in the car park and use the trolleys to move your personal gear to and from the sites.

Property Facilities

The Chapman Centre buildings include 80 seat dining hall, fully equipped commercial style kitchen
All of the water is supplied by a creek fed dam. It is filtered and sterilised and very safe to drink
Shared toilet and shower amenities.

The Camp Environment

WE are aiming for a Leave No Trace Event. Please minimise your effect. Do not damage plants, trees or any of the wildlife or to leave any rubbish around the grounds whatsoever. To protect the area, and your children, there is no vehicle access to the campsites and buildings. Vehicles must stay in the carpark. Personal gear can be walked into Camp using the trolleys provided. Only a couple of cars with the main food or activity equipment for your stay will be allowed up to the buildings. No domestic pets are allowed in the Camp.

Glass Bottles & Return and Earn

Please do not bring any glass bottles into the Camp. The glass bottles seem to end up in the campfires and they do not melt. The bottle tops end up all over the Camp. If you bring these into Camp ensure all goes in the Return and Earn bins.

Swimming

Swimming may be available in the small water holes, one next to the dam and the other ten minutes’ walk into Brisbane Waters National Park (ask for directions). Shoes should be worn whilst swimming for your own protection. If there has been no rain at the Camp for a long period of time the water holes may be stagnant so please check with the Camp Supervisor .

Getting there

The Camp is surrounded by Brisbane Waters National Park

The property is accessible via well-maintained all-weather gravel roads.

1 hour 30 minutes drive south of Newcastle
1 hour drive north of Sydney

AABRFest is a community-run event. If you would like to contribute by offering a workshop, assisting with setup or pack down, or participating in event operations, please reach out to Charlie whatson@aabr.org.au

Check in on the AABR Event page for more details

Join the bush regen community at AABR Fest to celebrate the achievements and ongoing efforts of bush regenerators across the generations as they contribute to the future of biodiversity restoration and protection.