Urban Camp wins Victorian Tourism Award

Urban Camp Melbourne, a school camp facility located in Royal Park, has been recognised at the 2022 Victorian Tourism Awards, winning the “3-3.5-star” rating category.

The Victorian Tourism Awards, hosted annually by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), honours business excellence and performance within the tourism industry.

Urban Camp is an experienced operator in the Victorian camping arena providing low-cost camps primarily for regional and rural Victorian students as well as metropolitan schools, and community groups outside of school terms. The facility, located only three kilometres from the CBD, accommodates and caters for 114 guests.

In accepting the award at a gala dinner in December, Urban Camp CEO Daniel Whykes said, “this award recognises the dedication of our small team of staff to ensuring students from regional Victoria have an opportunity to experience a whole raft of new experiences, learn about diversity and difference and have a chance to explore Melbourne’s top attractions while on school camp.”

“By providing and enabling experiences in Melbourne, we aim to continue to raise the confidence and capabilities of young Australians coming from rural and regional communities. This supports the resilience they need to thrive and perhaps access city-based educational and career opportunities later in life.”

Urban Camp’s dedicated programs team collaborates with schools to design an exciting itinerary specifically for their school. On average each school group visits eight of Melbourne’s most impressive attractions across the city over three days, contributing to the local economy through increasing venue and activity patronage, restaurant bookings and trips on public transport.

Urban Camp is now a finalist in the Australian Tourism Awards; winners will be announced in Sydney in March. •