The next Bimblebox art, science, nature camp is proposed for the 27 August – 4 September, 2023 (these dates coincide with The Spirit of the Outback train through Alpha). I will look at calling for EOI’s from April/May 2023.

Please understand that the camp going ahead is contingent on drought/rain conditions.

To hear about future camps click follow on this website and follow via social media, @bimblebox153 @bimblebox_nature_refuge f/b Bimblebox 153 Birds and Bimblebox Nature Refuge

These camps give attendees the opportunity to explore the Bimblebox Nature Refuge and pursue their area of interest, be it botany, drawing, painting, writing, wood carving, music, film, performance art, photography, bird watching, sound recording or exploring the night sky. The camps usually run for one week and are catered with one main cook and volunteers, while attendees are expected to pitch in and help at different times.

The Bimblebox Nature Refuge is a remote location and the camp attendees must fund, organise and manage their own travel to and from site. There will be a low, daily cost that goes toward food. You need to bring your own tents or swags.

Annual Bimblebox art, science and nature camps were held from 2012 to 2017.  In 2018 deepening drought conditions cancelled that years camp while subsequent years saw continuing drought and then covid19, keeping the camp on pause. In 2020 The Bimblebox Alliance fundraised to upgrade camp facilities and in 2022 the camps resumed.

Read about previous camps here
Scroll down for photos.

The Bimblebox Nature Refuge is in central western Queensland. It is approximately 450km west of Rockhampton and then 50km north of Alpha (see map below). The nearest airpot is at Emerald from where you would need to hire a vehicle to drive the rest of the 220km to Bimblebox. A twice weekly train travels from Brisbane to Longreach, stopping in Alpha on the way. To learn more about the Bimblebox Nature Refuge.

Interested in volunteering on the Bimblebox Nature Refuge? Go here.

Past camps:

4 – 12 September, 2022
3 – 11 September, 2017
3 – 11 September, 2016
3 – 13 September, 2015
13 – 20 September, 2014
7 – 15  September, 2013
8 – 17 September 2012

Artist Alan Tulloch, Bimblebox Nature Refuge, 2016, photo Tangible Media