The review of the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and Good Practice Guides (GPGs) represents a significant step forward in establishing rigorous, empirically supported, and broadly consultative frameworks for outdoor adventure activities that are led by outdoor guides or facilitators in Australia.
Initiated in response to the evolving demands of regulatory bodies, insurers, and other stakeholders, this review aims to connect a wider group of stakeholders to ensure robust guidelines that meet the evolving industry expectations.
The new methodology adopted for the 2025–26 review cycle emphasizes a mixed-methods empirical research approach and extensive stakeholder engagement. This strategic shift is critical for ensuring that the standards are not only defensible and valid but also practical and applicable across diverse contexts, thus enhancing safety and inclusivity in outdoor adventure activities.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
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Register to attend events
Whether in person or online, various events will be on offer, watch for them in your inbox.
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Complete your details in the form here to be kept up to date on briefings, webinars, forums and links to platforms to add your input into the AAAS Review process. The process is due to conclude in June 2026.
The Future of the AAAS
Looking ahead, the hopes for the AAAS are to establish a more integrated, whole-of-sector perspective that acknowledges and addresses cross-cutting themes such as inclusion, land access, diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and Indigenous heritage.
The new review methodology seeks to foster a more inclusive consultation process and structured expert input through later phases for technical review. These changes are anticipated to result in guidelines that are not only technically rigorous but also more adaptable and responsive to the needs of a wide array of stakeholders, thereby ensuring broader acceptance and more effective implementation. This future-oriented approach aims to solidify the AAAS as a critical, trusted framework that supports the ongoing development and safety of the outdoor adventure sector in Australia.
Dates for Briefings
Phase 1 briefing dates are from May 2025.
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Have your say
You have access to a platform for all your comments and feedback on various areas relating to the AAAS.
Need to get in touch
The Project Lead is Dr David Marsden and you can reach out to the consultation inbox by emailing engagement@outdoorcouncilaustralia.com
Who is the Project Lead
Neil Le Febvre
Chair, Outdoor Council of Australia
Neil Le Febvre is the Chair of Outdoor Council of Australia and will lead the AAAS Advisory Board in the AAAS Review. Through a rigorous recruitment process, Oreas Group was awarded the contract with Dr David Marsden being the Project Lead.
Dr. David Marsden is a Director at The OREAS Group, which includes Journey 4 Good, Travel 4 Good, and OREAS Consulting. He has amassed over 30 years of expertise in the field, distinguishing himself as a leader in education, experiential learning, and adventure education.
His extensive career covers roles as an educator, academic, consultant, outdoor leader, SME and executive. Notably, he served as the Executive Director of The Outdoor Education Group, where he introduced 35,000 young Australians annually to the natural world. Dr. Marsden is a fervent advocate for environmental stewardship and outdoor safety, and his contributions extend to chairing the Adventure Activities Standards nationalisation project in 2016-18 and engaging in global initiatives that enhance outdoor leadership and recreation.
Dr David Marsden
Project Lead
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stay informed about this review?
Register your details via the form on this page or click here to be taken directly to the form. You will then receive regular updates on the process.
When are the sessions I can register for?
Updates will be sent to the database for events as they are announced. To be kept informed, join the updates' database via the form above.
When is this process meant to conclude?
We expect to have the process complete by June 2026.
Where can I share my feedback?
You can attend consultation sessions or share your feedback online via the consultation hub. You can access the online hub here.
What are the new activities being considered?
This will be based on industry feedback, so it's important to have your say on areas you feel are missing good practice guidelines.
Where can I lodge and idea or complaint?
The project email address is the best contact for you to use. It is engagement@outdoorcouncilaustralia.com
Alternatively if you wish to get in touch with the Chair of the Outdoor Council of Australia email them on chair@outdoorcouncilaustralia.com
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