Oot & Aboot – Community Camp (Sep 2026 Edition | Drouin West 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 is our fifth 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. Across one night, you can look forward to: • A self-paced 1-1.5 hour hike to Mount Cannibal (Saturday morning, optional) • A welcoming and inclusive camp environment • Lawn and board games • Swimming • Plenty of unstructured community time to talk, laugh, and connect • A simple self-serve breakfast on Sunday morning 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 Drouin West, 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 • 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 • 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.