Our Journey Starts Outside
Bring learning to life in the Snowy Mountains and surrounds.
We design custom experiences that build confidence, resilience, and community through challenge and connection. For over 40 years, we’ve partnered with schools and youth programs to bring learning to life in the Snowy Mountains and the far South Coast.
Tailored programs to suit your needs.
We custom-build every program to align with your school’s learning outcomes and wellbeing goals — from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, riding, and paddling.
Our Home
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We Live & Work on Ngarigo Country
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We acknowledge the Ngarigo people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and honour their enduring spiritual and cultural connection to Country. We’re committed to working together to protect and restore the environment and preserve it for future generations.
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Bungarra Alpine Centre
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Our base for over 40 years — 150 acres of alpine landscape just minutes from Jindabyne. With accommodation for up to 250 guests and a commercial kitchen and option for self-cater, it’s the ideal base for year group programs and expeditions into the Snowy Mountains.
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Kosciuszko National Park
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Our backyard is home to Australia’s highest peak, the mighty snowy river and rare alpine ecosystems. Our team brings decades of local expertise in program delivery in KNP and a deep respect for this unique natural environment.
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Coastal Programs
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Journey from Kosci to the Coast along the traditional Bundian Way, a significant indigenous track connecting the mountains with the sea. Or, explore expeditions in Beowa National Park.
Our Values Shape Every Journey.
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We maintain comprehensive risk management frameworks, with staff tailoring their approach to manage dynamic conditions in the field and adapt to each group’s unique circumstances.
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With an NPWS Eco Pass held for over 25 years, we operate under ‘Leave No Trace’ principles and inspire young people to apply these values on their own adventures after they leave us.
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Developing resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness through hands-on experiences. Our programs challenge students to grow, reflect, and consider the kind of global citizens they aspire to become.
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As a locally based outdoor education provider embedded in the Snowy Mountains community, we’re proud to partner with schools to help grow stronger individuals and communities. Our programs support local employment initiatives, connecting students with the region’s people and places, and strengthening partnerships with major industry partners.
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We continuously evolve our programs to inspire new generations. By exploring Indigenous ways of knowing and being, students are encouraged to reflect on how First Nations communities have lived in deep connection with Country — and what we can learn from these enduring relationships with the land.
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We bring learning to life in the outdoor classroom. Our programs align with the Australian Curriculum and connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences that deepen understanding, spark curiosity, and build practical skills.
Meet Our Team
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![Portrait of Kevin Brown, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Kevin Brown
Director
Kevin brings decades of experience across outdoor education, welfare, and senior executive roles in Australia and overseas. A former CEO, Earnst and Young consultant, and long-time Deputy Chairman of Redlands school, he combines business acumen with a deep understanding of school education. As a founding Director of Bungarra, Action Learning Initiatives and Venture Outdoors Co, Kevin’s focus is on strategy, investment, and the delivery of safe, high-quality experiences for schools and community groups.
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![Portrait of Nate Brown, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Nate Brown
Director/CEO
A long-time member of the ALI (now Venture Outdoors Co.) family , Nate has dedicated his career to helping young people build confidence, resilience, and leadership through outdoor experiences. A qualified social worker, he’s passionate about the power of nature to shape character and community. As the leader of Venture Outdoors Co. and long time director Outdoors NSW & ACT and board member of Tourism Snowy Mountains, Nate channels his deep connection to the region into every program he leads.
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![Portrait of Ashley Butler, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Ashley Butler
Operations Director
Ash has spent the past decade mastering every corner of our operations. A born adventurer with 15 years in guiding, ski patrol, and canyoning, she brings the same fearless energy to the desk that she does to the mountains. Efficient, driven, and deeply capable, Ash is a powerhouse both on and off the trail.
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![Portrait of Danielle Marks, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Danielle Marks
Business Manager
Danielle works closely with our team to oversee the administrative function of our work, she also works alongside schools and youth groups to design programs that immerse young people in the Snowy Mountains. Having lived in Jindabyne for more than a decade with her husband and three boys, she brings a deep love for the region and a commitment to creating opportunities that inspire, challenge, and support young people.
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![Portrait of Stefan Klem, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Stefan Klemm
Site & Facilities Director
Stefan moved to Jindabyne in 1978 and is a proud dad of four and grandfather to two lively boys. He loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s golfing, fishing, or skiing and brings a deep connection to everything he does. With a strong background in logistics management, Stefan oversees our Site, Facilities and Catering related activities.
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![Portrait of Kirra Attiken, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Kirra Atiken
Program Coordinator (Resort and Residential)
Kirra has been delivering transformative student experiences since 2021. With a degree in Outdoor and Sustainability Education and having graduated from the Pinnacle Leadership Program in 2025, she brings a thoughtful approach to teaching and wellbeing. Her guiding expertise, attention to detail, and joyful spirit (plus her legendary birthday baking!) make her an invaluable team member who inspires learning through meaningful outdoor adventures.
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![Portrait of Jacob Lockley, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Jacob Lockley
Program Coordinator (Expedition)
A gravity chaser, hydraulics enthusiast, and adventure curator, Jacob brings over a decade of outdoor education experience across Australia and beyond. Specialising in extended journeys, training, and leadership, he inspires students to go further, climb higher, and think deeper while always approaching each journey with purpose, passion and safety.
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![Portrait of Ellie Flanagan, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Ellie Flanagan
Senior Guide (People)
Ellie leads our outdoor guide recruitment, induction, and ongoing development program, and is often found working in the field on our summer outdoor programs. In winter, she takes a lead role in our snowsports hire operations. She’s passionate about getting students outdoors and supporting staff to create meaningful, well-supported adventures.. With a background in child psychology and teaching, Ellie brings heart, energy, and a love for nature to every aspect of her role.
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![Portrait of Rachel Petrou, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Rachel Petrou
Partnerships
Rachael helps people connect with the outdoors through programs that spark curiosity and confidence. With experience in guest services and outdoor program coordination, she values supporting clients, strengthening community relationships and sharing the region’s unique environment. She inspires others to explore, learn and embrace all the adventures the mountains have to offer.
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![Portrait of Josh Shukor, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Josh Shukor
Program Planning
With seven years of guiding experience – three of them in the Snowy Mountains – Josh splits his year between ski instructing in winter and mountain bike guiding in summer. He specialises in expedition-based programs and has a long-standing passion for mountain biking, canoeing, rock climbing, and backcountry touring. When the day winds down, he’s usually by the fire, stargazing and sharing stories under the night sky.
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![Portrait of Anni Cole, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Ani Cole
Program Planning
Ani has embraced Jindabyne’s year-round outdoor lifestyle after several winter seasons in the region. Now a local, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and watersports. Currently studying Health Science with a major in Sport & Exercise, she’s passionate about outdoor wellbeing and proud that her planning role with us helps young people access the benefits of nature.
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![Portrait of Sonia Burkett, Venture Outdoors Co. team member wearing uniform outdoors.]()
Sonia Burkett
Accounts
Originating from the Gold Coast and now a Jindabyne local of more than 20 years, Sonia manages our accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll. She keeps our operations running smoothly behind the scenes, bringing care and consistency to her detail-driven approach.
40 Years Setting the Standard in Outdoor Ed.
We’ve brought together the strengths of Bungarra and Action Learning Initiatives (ALI) under one banner. For more than 40 years, this combined legacy has shaped our approach to safe, high-quality outdoor programs trusted by schools and youth groups across Australia. We’re proud of our outstanding safety record and our long-standing connection to the Snowy Mountains community. Ready to plan your next program?