
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ironbark Adventure Mentoring for?
Ironbark is open to anyone aged 8 and up, including teens, adults, and parents. We work one-on-one or in small groups to build confidence, connection, and skills through meaningful outdoor activities.
How do you assess and manage risks to ensure adventures are safe and professional?
All Ironbark adventures are guided by the framework of the Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS) and related Good Practice Guides, developed by the Outdoor Council of Australia. These standards outline best-practice safety, planning, and participant care for outdoor programs. Every adventure is individually risk assessed, with emergency protocols in place, and activities are adapted to each participant’s needs and abilities. Our framework also draws on professional mentoring, coaching, and outdoor leadership principles to support safe and meaningful experiences.
Learn more about the AAAS and Good Practice Guides
Do I need to be fit or have experience to join?
Not at all. We tailor each session to your pace, skill level, and interests. Whether you're completely new to the outdoors or already active, we’ll meet you where you're at.
Is this like counselling or therapy?
No. This is not a counselling service. Our approach is about being alongside participants in the outdoors, offering a trusted and qualified professional adult presence through activity and conversation, without pressure or clinical goals.
How long are the adventures and how often do they run?
One-on-one and group adventures run between 2 and 7 hours. We also offer full (5-7 hours) or half-day (3-5 hours) adventures, depending on the activity and location. These can be coupled with groups. Camping sessions are currently run over a minimum 24-hour period. Frequency is flexible, weekly, fortnightly, or as needed.
How much does it cost?
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Ironbark offer four (4) flexible pricing options
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Adventure Packs are tiered, offering discounts for longer commitments
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Group Adventures are discounted, the more that sign up, the better the rate
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For camping/groups/one-offs, pricing varies. Please get in touch with any questions.
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For the full Service & Pricing Guide please click here
Do you provide gear like bikes or fishing rods?
We don’t supply mountain bikes, but we're happy to recommend local hire options or assist with buying advice.
We do provide fishing rods and tackle, however participants are encouraged to bring their own. We also have a selection of balls for various ball sports, available at no extra cost.
Can parents or carers come along?
​Absolutely. Some participants come with a parent or guardian, others prefer one-on-one time. We're flexible, it’s all about what makes the experience most comfortable and beneficial for you.
Where do sessions take place?
We use a range of outdoor locations in the region, including local trails, national parks, fishing spots, and bushland areas. We’ll choose locations that suit the activity and are accessible to you.
Can I try just one session to see if it’s a good fit?
Yes. We encourage new participants to start with a 2 hour adventure. It’s a great way to get a feel for the experience before committing to anything ongoing.
What happens in bad weather?
Rain won’t stop us. Getting a bit wet is part of the adventure! However, if there are high winds, lightning, or dangerous storms, we’ll reschedule the adventure to ensure everyone’s safety.
Can I use NDIS funding for these sessions?
If you’re self-managed or plan-managed, yes we can provide adventures funded with your NDIS funding. However, we liaise with plan managers to ensure correct and detailed invoices. Click here for NDIS info.
Do you offer mentoring for adults as well?
Yes. We work with adults too. While many participants are teens, adults (including parents, carers, and young adults) often join for their own personal growth, reconnection with nature, or to build skills and confidence outdoors.
What should I bring to a session?
We’ll bring most of the gear, depending on the activity. You’ll just need to bring personal items like water, closed shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything we specifically mention before the adventure. A list will be provided before commencing adventures.
What if my child is shy or anxious?
That’s completely okay, many young people start out feeling unsure. We take a gentle, patient approach, building trust gradually through low-pressure, engaging activities in nature. There’s no expectation to talk or perform, the focus is simply being together outdoors, moving at their own pace, with lots of flexibility and support.
Can siblings or friends join a session together?
Yes. We offer adventures for small groups of siblings or friends, as long as the group is a good fit in terms of age, needs, and dynamic. We’ll chat with you beforehand to make sure the adventure is safe, enjoyable, and beneficial for everyone involved.
Are your sessions suitable for neurodiverse participants?
Absolutely. We work with many neurodiverse young people and adults, and our adventures are highly adaptable, calm, and sensory-aware. We take the time to understand individual preferences and needs, and build a predictable, respectful experience that suits each person.
Do you offer multi-session packages or ongoing mentoring?
Yes, many participants benefit from ongoing weekly or fortnightly sessions, and we’re happy to work out a rhythm that suits you. We offer discounted adventure packs if you’re looking for consistency over time, please get in touch with us for more information.
How far do you travel for sessions?
We operate across Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and the Gold Coast using a range of local trails, parks, and natural areas. If you're located further out, we may be able to accommodate with a travel fee depending on distance, just ask and we’ll let you know.
What’s your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change! Our full cancellation terms, including fees for late cancellations and rescheduling options, are outlined in our Terms and Conditions. You can read the full policy here to see how cancellations are handled for all sessions and adventures.