Survival and Emergency Preparedness
Bushcraft Survival course
Our courses are conducted entirely outdoors from an expedition style base camp in natural surroundings
Be prepared
We never know when we may be placed in a lost or stranded situation for which we have not planned, a disaster situation without electricity or an urban crisis that takes us out of our comfort zone. Many people do not consider ‘what could go wrong’ and are, therefore, unprepared both mentally and physically for such a situation. This, in turn, can leave them poorly equipped to deal with a challenge of this type.
The better prepared people are, the less affected and vulnerable they will feel, helping them to react properly and make better decisions when they need to.
Whether you are a hiker, bush walker, camper, cyclist, skier, kayaker, 4WD enthusiast or anyone who works in the outdoors or ventures into remote areas, basic survival and bushcraft skills can save your life!
Our one day Survival Essentials course is designed to teach you the key survival techniques in case of emergency in both a wilderness environment or an urban one and is a great introduction into the core skills of bushcraft and our other courses.
Survival
Primarily equipment focused and originally designed to teach our military personnel (in the shortest possible time) a variety of necessary skills to enable them to survive in a remote or hostile environment, long enough to be rescued or to get out of that emergency situation (usually 72 hours) and back to safety in the fastest way possible.
Realistic survival training is based around the priorities of survival and what to do in what order (first-aid, clothing, shelter, fire, location, water, food and navigation). Survival skills are important skills to know for anyone who spends time out in nature or any activity or work that takes them “off the beaten track”.
Bushcraft
Focuses on maximum use of knowledge and skills with “minimal” reliance on equipment. Bushcraft is the parent subject that all survival training comes from and has a genuine direct relationship with the land and a deeper connection to nature.
Bushcraft draws from the knowledge and skills that traditional cultures across the world have used to survive and live comfortably in the wilderness for thousands of years and includes a variety of disciplines such as shelter-craft, fire-craft, botany, butchery, natural navigation, bind-craft, tool making,
The Difference
Bushcraft and survival overlap in terms of their desire for self-reliance but move away from each other in their desire for connection and relationship to the natural world. They both have two different ethical standpoints. In practise we can move from one to the other as they have very similar skill sets but ethically and philosophically bushcraft and survival are different. You will be taught a mix of both these perspectives from our small friendly team of well trained and passionate instructors who will ensure a rewarding and friendly learning environment. We provide an emphasis on teaching rather than just instruction. This provides the opportunity for real skill and knowledge acquisition and personal development.
Learn essential skills
The skills taught on the 1 Day Survival Essentials course will develop confidence, keep you safe and increase your overall competence level.
Even if you never find yourself in a survival situation, the knowledge and skills of bushcraft and survival training, which are also applicable in an urban environment, are fun and interesting in their own right and will enhance all your outdoor experiences and develop a deeper respect for nature.
You will learn skills gleaned from both military survival concepts and up to date civilian search and rescue concepts.
The baseline skills you will be taught on this course are the most important and immediately retainable. They cover a range of concepts and techniques centred around the Priorities of Survival: shelter, fire, water, rescue, food, navigation and essential equipment.
The invaluable life skills you will learn on a Bushcraft Survival Australia course will help to instil self-confidence and help you to become more self-reliant
PRE-REQUISITES
No prior training or experience is necessary to attend this course, you will be taught everything from scratch you need to know. This course is great as an introduction to the fields of bushcraft and survival or as a refresher for the more experienced.
These core wilderness skills which are also applicable to an urban environment, will concentrate mainly on modern survival methods and equipment.
- Priorities of Survival and the rule of 3’s: there are certain things you have to take care of and prioritise in an emergency, these are not set in stone but are dependent on the particular situation and the environment.
- Survival psychology: emergency situations are not just physical! 60% of most survival and emergency situations are mental and dependent upon your ability to think clearly, act under pressure and maintain a positive mental attitude when the chips are down.
- Essential Equipment and clothing: what to wear and pack in a day pack in case you have to spend an unplaned night in the bush.
- Proper planning and home preparedness: what can you do to prepare yourself for an emergency or crisis in an urban environment.
- Knife safety and usage
- Shelter: heat loss/gain mechanisms, where to site your shelter and where not to, three simple and retainable knots, emergency shelter construction using man made and natural resources
- Fire: selection and preparation of natural tinders, kindling and fuel, core fire lighting techniques including correct ferro rod use, correct safe fire management and how to ‘leave no trace’.
- Water: how to find and source water, the five water contaminants, making water safe to drink through filtration and purification.
- Rescue: essential safety equipment, passive and active signalling methods to attract attention, why things are seen, search patterns
- Food: although this is the last priority in a short term survival situation, you will learn some useful plants of the local area.
- Simple retainable navigation techniques to find direction.
This course is run at both our NSW and NT locations and is conducted in natural surroundings from an outdoor expedition style base camp. The outdoor campfire classroom provides an enlightening immersion into nature, helping our students to re-connect with the natural world on their journey to becoming more self-reliant. The outdoor setting provides a wonderful wilderness experience.
Specific directions and where to meet will be provided once your booking is confirmed.
Amenities
This course is run entirely outdoors in a field environment. A screened trench latrine and gravity fed canvas bush shower in a secluded private spot, along with strict camp hygiene measures will give a natural wilderness expedition feel to your experience as well as teaching you essential outdoor toilet etiquette and how to leave no trace. You will be taught how to wash with limited water and stay clean in the bush. Our measures are low-impact and environmentally friendly.
Food
All food for the day will be provided. If you have any allergies or intolerances you will have an opportunity to let us know upon booking. Tea, coffee, biscuits, fresh water, as well as a fruit bowl will also be provided at the base camp.
Whilst we try to cater for most dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, lactose intolerant etc.), we cannot cater for lifestyle choices or ultra fussy eaters due to the remote nature of our courses. You can supplement the provided food with your own snacks/food, but unless you are allergic/intolerant, you will be expected to eat the food supplied, as this provides in-context learning. After all, this is a bushcraft/survival course, not a wellness retreat and in a real survival situation you eat what you have or you go without!
View the Equipment and Clothing List for a detailed list of what else you will need to bring for the course.
View frequently asked questions on our dedicated FAQ page.
If your question is not answered on the FAQ page, please contact us.
A photo gallery for every course can be found on the Bushcraft Survival Australia Facebook Page and the BSA Graduates Facebook page.
Duration: 1 day (8:30am – 5:00pm)
Price: $340 (adult), $170 (child)
Minimum age: 12 years (participants under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult)
Inclusions: One full day of instruction from fully qualified instructors, all food and beverages, land use fees and insurance
Number of places: 15
Upon making your booking you will receive a link to the participant consent form (which must be filled out and returned immediately), along with other documentation about what to bring and where to go.
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations made within 6 weeks of a course start date will be refunded less 10%
- Cancellations made within 2 weeks of a course start date will be refunded less 25%
- Cancellations made less than 48 hours before a course commences will be refunded less 50%
Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Upcoming Survival and Emergency Preparedness Courses
No courses currently available
