Ginger's Bush Camp - Melbourne
Description
Ginger's Bush Camp Melbourne
Ginger's national award-winning Bush Camps sell out every time back home in NZ. This October, we're finally bringing it to Australia.
Here's what we know after running these for years: the friendships and relationships people walk away with are worth more than anything money can measure. We've watched strangers walk in on the Friday and walk out on the Sunday as chosen family. We've had people in their 70s tell us it's the first time in their whole life they've felt fully seen. We've heard from people a year later who met their partner here, or found the friend group that finally felt like home, or found the courage to leave something that wasn't working because they finally saw what it looked like to be around people who got them. That's the actual point of this thing.
So yes, the ticket includes incredible food, activities, entertainment, and two nights in nice accommodation in the bush, but what you're really paying for is the space and the people who make all of that possible. Think of it less as a weekend away, and more as an investment in your own life, your community, and the people you haven't met yet who might just change everything.
Two nights in the bush with your people. No explaining yourself, no performing, just being.
We have so many solo attendees come to this camp, and we'll connect you all beforehand - The rest of the ticket holders are already connecting, with their carpooling spreadsheet as we speak!
Take the leap. You won't regret it.
This camp is held on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and we are grateful to gather here.
16-18 October 2026. Location is secret, for the safety and security of everyone attending. About an hour from Melbourne's city centre, 1 hour 20 from international airport. Reachable by train or bus to the nearest town, then a short taxi. Exact directions go out to full ticket holders. Strictly 18+, ages typically mid-20s to 70s and healthily spread out. If you need more info on location, just shoot us a message.
What's included
Two amazing breakfasts, one delicious lunch and two incredible dinners, all cooked by incredible national award-winning chefs, honestly, the food is one of the best parts. Every dietary requirement covered. Believe us, if you think your dietaries are difficult, we've seen it all, we can do it.
You can choose whatever activities you like for your day on Saturday, if you want to be a big kid and do some archery, flying fox or a bush hike, yo can. If you want to sit in the art corner and have chill time, or go to the swimming hole you can.
The Lesbian Olympics will be happening (yes, vibrator races and arm wrestling), Bushies Got Talent, and a live Lesbian Bar Pop-up on the Saturday night with one of our famous Ginger's parties, DJ keeping the dancefloor going. It's a hoot! Wind down by the campfire with s'mores under an actual sky full of stars on Friday.
Barista coffee available to purchase each morning, and a rainbow-run bar open for purchase in the evenings along with plenty of zero options. Camp Rangers on hand the whole weekend, running the schedule, sorting problems, scolding you when you're naughty, and making sure everyone's looked after.
Accessibility: We've got accessible workshops, an art corner, and a sensory space running the whole camp. One lodge area has ramp entry and an additional accessible bathroom, and is the most accessible of our accommodation options. If step-free access is something you need, let us know when you register and we'll make sure you're placed there.
Our kaupapa
Lesbian-led, and fully inclusive of the whole FLINTA* community. Trans, takatāpui, intersex, non-binary, and gender diverse whānau belong here exactly as much as anyone else. If that's a problem for you, this isn't your camp.
FLINTA: Women, Lesbians, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, and Agender people, with the asterisk holding space for anyone else who belongs.*
Pricing (5 week payment plan available at check-out to spread out the cost)
Standard Dorm: $715 per person, rooms are clean, air conditioned, spacious and comfortable, sleep 4 to 7 people depending on the room, with shared toilets and showers down the corridor in same building (not in-room).
Ensuite Shared Hut: $795 per person (4 bunks, ensuite bathroom so you don't have to walk to communal blocks).
Bring your own Campervan (7 spots only): $750 per person, unpowered site. Campervan and Tent Spots are sold out.
Limited Hardship tickets available. Please email us if you want to enquire.
Key policies
All deposits and tickets are non-refundable.
Transfers to another person are allowed up until 2 weeks before camp.
Any questions or queries? Send us an email to gingerspopupsnz@gmail.com
Go TEAM BUSH
FAQs
- Is Ginger's Bush Camp for me?
Ginger's is lesbian led, and we celebrate lesbian culture. If you're part of the FLINTA community - that's Women, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, and Agender folks - this is your space. And that includes if you're bi, pan, ethically non-monogamous, a late bloomer to the queer community, or simply on the journey of figuring things out. If any of that resonates, bush camp is for you. We do not welcome TERFs or anyone who does not respect trans people. Full stop.
- Can I come to Bush Camp Solo?
Absolutely - a huge majority of our attendees come solo, and we connect everyone beforehand so you're not walking in cold. Take the leap. Everyone gets nervous beforehand, and nobody ever regrets it. We have lots of friends and couples that come along too.
- What are the age groups?
A beautiful variety. You need to be over 18, but most attendees tend to be late 20s, 30s, 40s, with a mix of 50s, 60s, and yes - we've even had people in their 70s who loved every second of it. Everyone blends in nicely, age is genuinely not a thing here.
- What's the camp vibe?
Bush camp means you get to be a big kid again. Unmask, adventure, take time out, dance, don't dance, connect, eat amazing food.
Some incredible relationships have formed at our camps across NZ, along with friendships that last well beyond the weekend. It's rare to leave without making a real connection. This isn't a space to come and hook up, disrespect others, or push strong opinions on controversial issues. Come with an open mind and an open heart.
- Accessibility?
We have an accommodation building on site that is accessible. Please reach out directly about your accessibility requirements to gingerspopupsnz@gmail.com so we can talk it through - we know accessibility isn't a one-size-fits-all thing, and we'll do our very best to make sure you're well looked after. This includes support for CPAP machines.
- Are there Sensory Spaces available?
Yes, we'll have time-out and sensory spaces available. We're no strangers to our neuroqueer family - we've got you.
- How far is it from Melbourne and how do I get there?
Just over an hour from the international airport. It is East / South-East of Melbourne. There are public transport options from the city and a train nearby. We keep exact locations private and only share them with ticket holders, for everyone's safety and security. If you need more info to help plan your trip, message us directly. We'll also connect ticket holders in advance via a WhatsApp group so you can arrange carpooling together.
- Do you cater to Dietary Requirements?
Yes - our chefs are highly experienced with dietary needs and we do everything we can to accommodate them. That said, the kitchen will have traces of nuts, gluten, and similar allergens, so it's not a fully allergen-free environment. We'll send out individual forms to everyone closer to the date to gather your specific requirements.
- Are tickets refundable?
No - all tickets, including deposits and payment plan instalments, are strictly non-refundable. We book and pay for catering, venue, and activities well in advance based on confirmed numbers, so we're just not able to offer refunds once you've secured your spot. You are welcome to gift your spot to a friend or on-sell but you must inform us and you cannot resell or gift a ticket within 10 days of camp the camp date.
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