Survival skills to help thrive in the wild

LEARNING new skills on how to survive in the wild has become a daily routine for Byron Bay resident Holly Robertson.

The self-confessed nomad has made a name for herself running the Australian Bush Survival School.

The school takes small groups of backpackers on overnight survival camps where they learn essential skills in the wild.

The locations include the Rummery Park campground, Minyon Falls and national parks with groups of up to eight people attending.

“I’ve always been a bit of a nomad and this has something that has really changed the way I approach life,” Holly said.

“To see other people grow in confidence and pick up the skills during the camps is an amazing feeling.”

The vibrant 24-year-old brings her own style of flair to the camps.

The teaching focuses on how to create fire using natural materials and building traps and snares for survival hunting.

There is also shelter building, tracking and navigation, spear throwing and machete craft and usage.

People also learn about water purification and plant identification.

Holly said the camps are all about empowering people and teaching them valuable life skills.

“Plant identification is important because it can be the difference between life and death,” she said.

“I was taught well and I’m constantly learning new skills that I can pass on.”

She was trained by Paul Meloury, who was a self-taught expert in bushfoods and survival skills.

He was better known around Byron Bay as Cockatoo Paul, with the pair going into business together before his death last year.

Since then, Holly has kept the business running and operates workshops at the Arts Factory Lodge.

She said her survival school is the only one in Australia that provides accommodation, food and transport.

“It’s been a lot of work, I’m still surprised how fast it’s all come together.”

The next available survival camp is set down for February 22-23.

For bookings and information contact [email protected]