Oot & Aboot – Halloween Themed Community Camp (Oct 2026 Edition | Healesville VIC | 1.5 Hours from Melbourne CBD)

Oot & Aboot’s Community Camp is a relaxed, low-pressure overnight camping experience designed to bring LGBTQIA+ people and allies together in nature — this time with a Halloween twist!.

This is our sixth camping event, and we’re intentionally keeping it simple. There’s no packed schedule or expectations — just space to slow down, connect, and enjoy the outdoors in good company (maybe with a few pumpkins and cobwebs thrown in).

Across one night, you can look forward to:

• A self-paced 1.5 hour hike to Maroondah Reservoir Park (Saturday morning, optional)

• A welcoming and inclusive camp environment, dressed up for the season

• Lawn and board games

• Swimming

• Spooky storytelling around the campfire (bring a tale to share, or just come listen)

• A Halloween-spirited campfire hangout — costumes and Halloween makeup welcome (but never required!)

• Plenty of unstructured community time to talk, laugh, and connect

• A simple self-serve breakfast on Sunday morning

Feel free to bring a costume, some face paint or Halloween makeup, decorations for your site, or just your regular camping gear — however much (or little) Halloween spirit you're in the mood for is totally fine with us.

This is an adults-only (18+) event with a maximum of 15 participants, creating an intimate and friendly atmosphere. No prior camping experience is required.

New: pre-event WhatsApp group
For this event, we're trialling an opt-in WhatsApp group for confirmed ticket holders. It's a relaxed space to say hi, ask questions, or get to know a few faces before the day — especially handy if you're coming solo and want a bit of a heads-up on who else will be there. Joining is completely optional — your phone number may be visible to other members — and the group will be deleted 3 days after the event.

The campsite is located in Healesville, VIC, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne CBD.

For safety and privacy reasons, the exact location will be provided only to confirmed ticket holders and can be found on the ticket sent via email after payment. Please remember to check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.

Know before you go:

• Participants should bring their own camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, pillow, etc.), warm clothes, food, cooking stove, utensils and drinks (except breakfast). Please reach out if you don't have any or missing some of the camping gear, we may have a solution for you

• If you'd like to get into the Halloween spirit, feel free to bring a costume and/or Halloween makeup — face paint and makeup remover are worth packing if you go this route

• Alcohol may be consumed responsibly

• As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we are not able to guarantee accommodation of specific dietary or allergy requirements. We encourage you to contact us in advance at hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au to discuss whether this event is right for you. Please ensure your own needs are met by bringing food that suits your requirements

• Our events take place in outdoor environments across various locations in Victoria, which may involve uneven ground and bush walking. Some venues may not meet all accessibility needs. As a 100% volunteer-run charity, we are not able to guarantee accessibility assistance. We encourage you to contact us in advance at hello@ootandabootoutdoors.org.au to discuss whether a specific event is right for you. If you feel you may need support on the day, we encourage you to bring a carer or support person

• Dogs and other pets are not permitted due to our insurance, though registered assistance animals are welcome

Park Facilities (shared with other guests):

• Powered and grassed/gravelled sites

• Camp Kitchen: Includes microwave, toaster, kettle, fridge and free barbeques

• Swimming pool

• Water taps throughout the park

• Toilets and showers

• Campfire is allowed when conditions are suitable

Oot & Aboot events are grounded in respect, inclusion, and care. We aim to create spaces where LGBTQIA+ people and allies feel safe, welcome, and supported.

If you’re looking for a gentle way to reconnect with nature and community, we’d love to have you join us.