Environmental
regeneration
We spend all our time playing in the ocean, wandering around the coast, and sleeping under the stars. And we do it in the most beautiful place in the world (in our not-so-humble opinion).
The Great Ocean Road and its beautiful beaches are honestly jaw dropping, so it's not hard to see how protecting the Earth became so important to us. It's literally at the heart and soul of everything we do here.
We liked the idea of sustainability and all that jazz, but it seemed a bit vanilla in terms of how much this little ball of rock means to us. So we settled on a policy of environmental regeneration: that is, we work to leave this world better and healthier and more vital than how we found it.
We're plant powered, baby!
The scientific research has piled up and it's clear that the number one thing we can do for our environment is offer exclusively plant-based (vegan) meals to all our guests! So we do - and you better believe they'll be the most delish meals you've eaten in forever, vegan or no. Eat good food, save the planet. That's a win-win in a big way!
We like to grow!
It matters where our food, equipment, and all the bits and bobs come from. We focus on making local purchases wherever possible and minimizing our food and shipping miles. We have our own veggie gardens that we use to grow fresh as fuck produce to feed you, and we shop at our local farmers' markets and local vendors for anything we possibly can.
We're all about the RRR!
Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Leave the straw - save a turtle! We focus on minimizing our waste as much as possible. This means composts for food scrap, buying in bulk to reduce plastic packaging, and choosing environmentally conscious sunscreens, dishwashing detergents, and washing liquids. All the little decisions we make every day are influenced by this commitment we've made to help regenerate the Earth.
It takes a village to make everything possible here at camp! We carefully curate and collaborate with local businesses wherever possible to make sure that your camp experience is one to remember. We put our heart and soul into our business, so it only makes sense to partner with businesses who do the same.
Peachs
Peachs is a locally owned and family run grocery store based in Torquay that sources their produce from local farmers and suppliers. They have a large emphasis on good quality, well grown and carefully selected goods, is why they have the reputation they do. They are also known for their deli and specialty goods, they have an amazing range of vegan, vegetarian, gluten- free and dairy free options.
We source a lot of our fresh produce and plant-based alternatives from Peachs. From the fruit in your fruit bowl to the fetta added to your soup. They also have one of the most beautiful food displays you will see in a coastal grocer!
dustys bulkfoods
Dustys is a local, organic, family ran and owned bulk foods store located in the heart of Torquay. They are part of the refill revolution meaning you turn up with whatever container you like and refill items such as pantry essentials, delicious treats and you can even hand pour your own peanut butter!
A lot of our pantry items, cereals, teas and peanut butter are all sourced from Dustys. If you find yourself wanting to check it out, they have the best gluten free, nut free, vegan brownies we’ve ever tatsed!
zeally bay
sourdough
John and Jan Farnan started the leaven over 35 years ago that lives on today in the locally made Zeally Bay Sourdough. They started experimenting with fermented foods, in the 80s, during their time running the iconic Wholefood Kitchen which was based in Geelong. They were inspired by the organic movement that was taking place in California, discovering a fermented way of cooking, including tofu, tempeh and tamari. As sourdough wasn’t a household item, there was much trail and error until they realised that this form of bread had so much more flavour, character and nutrition. Their customers fell in love with their bread, starting with small batches and having built it up to what we know today as Zeally Bay Sourdough. Established in 2007, it was the first fully certified organic bakery in Victoria! Torquay is still the home of Zeally Bay Sourdough where the family can do what they love – surf, home organic gardening, eating good food and making delicious bread.
You will find a delicious loaf of Zeally Bay Sourdough in your tent! Their gluten free options are also incredible.
https://zeallybaysourdough.com.au
mikro coffee
A locally roasted coffee here in Torquay, Mikro puts a lot of heart, purpose and a whole lot of hustle. Starting from a backyard shed and a small roaster, their beans are thoughtfully sourced from Australia and Brazil, with quality and sustainability in mind. They are carbon neutral, ditching plastic as much as they can, give back 1% (actually 2%) to the planet and are B Corp Certified!
When walking past their roastery you can often smell the roasting coffee luring you in from a mile away. They’re located along the Surf Coast Highway, near the surf shops, but you will also find their coffee in a lot of the local cafes and right here inside your tent.
Tea thief
A locally owned, 100% organic tea brand that have some of the most delicious teas. Their blends include Bush Brekkie (think English breakfast with an Aussie lemon myrtle twist), Dalai Calma (to help you wind down for bed) and This Tea is Mint (to help you rest and digest after a big meal).
You will find part of their range stocked in your tent.
THE OTWAY KITCHEN
A not for profit enterprise, produce a range of jams, chutneys, pickles and relishes in small batch to provide the best taste and quality. Based in Colac, they provide a nurturing work environment for people with disability who are learning new skills, building confidence and helping to kickstart their careers.
Using only the freshest seasonal produce, make every effort to source local ingredients and their products are free from artificial colours, additives and gluten wherever possible.
You will find these goodies stocked in the fridge to enjoy on your toast in the mornings.
SUNBUTTER SKINCARE
Founders Sacha (a marine biologist) and Tom (a dive instructor and naturalist guide) first discovered the harmful impact sunscreens were having on our coral reefs, when working at Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) Reef they were inspired to create a natural sunscreen safe for both us and marine life. Since then, they have become the first vegan surf zinc on the market in Australia, Australia’s first plastic free packaged sunscreen, the world’s first palm oil free sunscreen, achieved a carbon neutral status and donate 50% of profits to charities working for a better planet. Their products include sunscreens, zincs, hair oils and skincare that are reef safe, cruelty free and made with natural ingredients.
We sell and use Sunbutter’s zincs for all our surf lessons, making sure that we’re keeping you and our oceans safe. We also love their hair oil serum recipe, which we also make for all of our lessons too.
we are feel good inc.
Australian made and owned sunscreen and skincare products with an emphasis on protecting your skin without harming your skin and tested on the toughest climates. The Australian sun does bite! Their products are made with ingredients such as vitamin E and Aloe Vera and without harmful chemicals such as parabens, oxybenzone, octinoxate or PABAs. All of their products are gentle, nourishing and non-greasy.
You will find it in our tents for you to use throughout your stay, during all of our lessons and even have a range of their different flavours for sale.
