Tourist shapers and memory makers in the nation’s capital

Canberra really brings the fun when it comes to school excursions. Gone are the days of tired school students looking bored with having to traipse through the next cultural attraction, today’s students get it all.

The Canberra school excursion is a young child’s formative trip. It’s the place they learn about science at Questacon, democracy at Old and New Parliament Houses, art at the National Gallery of Australia, and old and recent history at the Australian War Memorial. It’s educational and impactful.

Canberra inspires young minds, which is what the Y Canberra Region invests in through its youth programs and operations at Leumeah Lodge, specialists in group accommodation for Canberra’s significant education tourism market, the majority of which are primary school children. Together, it’s a winning combination.

Leumeah Lodge, owned and operated by the Y Canberra Region, is the launchpad to life and memory shaping of the Canberra experience. In 23/24 alone, 13,320 students and teachers stayed at Leumeah Lodge from Australia and overseas. And so, Leumeah itself is an important first step in initiating the tourism life cycle for one of the facility’s key demographics – school aged children.

From the minute those children depart Leumeah’s front doors, they become ambassadors for Leumeah, for travel and for Canberra. They enjoy a safe and happy tourism experience that will be told and re-told for years to come.

Specialists in group accommodation

Leumeah Lodge is an accommodation provider specialising in school and group accommodation, conferences and events. Ideal for schools and large sporting groups, Leumeah’s group facilities meet the safety, quality and comfort standards of the education tourism market, via inclusion of segregated sleeping arrangements and accessible room options. Leumeah can accommodate up to six schools simultaneously, with a capacity of 300. Six schools is the maximum in line with safeguarding of children protocols.

Accredited in safeguarding

So, what sets Leumeah apart from other group accommodation? It is managed by the Y which puts safeguarding of children and vulnerable people first in all programs and activities. Accredited as a Safeguarding Children and Young People organisation with the Australian Childhood Foundation, they provide healthy environments for children to grow in body, mind and spirit.

No other accommodation provider in Canberra, or Australia, can say the same as Leumeah is the only accommodation provider to achieve the highest standard in safeguarding.

What can groups expect?

It is Leumeah’s close contact with teachers, supervisors and booking agents throughout the duration of the group stay that sets its education tourism program apart from competitors.

Accommodation provides 1:10 teacher-student ratio, with 35 purpose-built dormitories, each with eight bunk-beds and attached bathrooms. In addition, there are 25 private ensuite rooms available for teachers/leaders and/or drivers. School groups who stay at Leumeah Lodge can also expect:

• The promotion of equity and diversity as part of safeguarding of children policy
• Staff approach and interactions with school children is sensitive, respectful and inclusive of all backgrounds and abilities
• Complimentary meals and accommodation for teachers/drivers
• Package pricing including meal options
• Staff with First Aid certificates, EpiPen training and Working with Vulnerable People registrations
• Emergency transport available (for food delivery or to accompany teacher and sick children to medical centre)
• Nightly security patrol after hours (security can be stationed onsite by request from education tourism groups)
• Manager on-call after hours
• Provision of accommodation for parents if required
• Mid-stay service
• Common rooms with entertainment

What if you’re travelling with your family?

No problem. Leumeah has the perfect mix of adaptable rooms and amenities to easily transform and meet the needs of other visitor segments in addition to groups, including singles, couples and families.

Consisting of a private accommodation wing for short-term leisure travellers, families, corporate and wedding guests, the beautifully appointed 3.5 star self-rated rooms are within walking distance of major attractions, and a short drive from the Canberra CBD.

If you’re seeking group accommodation in Canberra and would like to find out more about the options available, get in touch with Leumeah Lodge today.