From the classroom to the campfire
Two former PE / Outdoor Ed teachers who swapped the classroom for sixteen years of camps, weddings, and campfire smoke.
Meet Kate & Matt
Kate and Matt Hope own and operate Camp Sunnystones. Both former teachers who’d rather be outdoors than almost anywhere, they bought the property sixteen years ago, thinking what a great way to bring up kids, living on a school camp. Summer was four (now 21), Jesse was two (now 18), and Mahli was born in the second year of owning Camp Sunnystones (now 15). Many cubbies were built, and the sleepovers and birthday parties with friends were the best.
Somewhere along the way, couples started asking if they could get married here too, and it turned out the same things that make a great camp make an unforgettable wedding: room to roam, big views, campfires and a team that genuinely cares.
You’ll usually find one of them on site, with the kettle on, a story about the property, and time for a proper chat.
Stone by stone
The homestead was designed by architect Robin Boyd and built by hand in the 1970s as a private residence. Around 1980 it was sold and turned into a school camp, sleeping 90 across nine ensuite rooms, with a commercial kitchen, a games room and three fireplaces. Outside, 50 acres of bushland run down to a spring-fed dam, which borders the Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve, home to rare flora found almost nowhere else near Melbourne.
Walk around from your couch
Step inside the homestead, wander the bunk rooms and the hall, and get the measure of the place before you visit in person.
Vision, mission & values
Our vision
To create deeper connections to self, each other, and the natural world, to encourage all to live harmoniously and sustainably.
Our mission
We provide valuable opportunities for meaningful connections to self, nature, and each other.
Our values
Kids are amazing
Support, encourage and respect all kids.
Bring your energy
Spread happiness and have fun.
Exceed all expectations
Of students, teachers and our staff, always going above and beyond.
We are passionate
We care, and our actions come from the heart.
Make it happen
Take responsibility and get the job done.
Connections are everything
Create meaningful moments daily.
The people who make it hum
Behind every smooth camp and every relaxed wedding weekend is a crew who love this place as much as we do.
Managers
Instructors
Kitchen
On Country
Camp Sunnystones sits on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples as the Traditional Owners of this Country, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. Bruce’s Walk, our environmental education program, shares some of the deep stories of Long Forest with every group that visits.
Accreditation & memberships
We are a member of the Australian Camps Association, the national peak body for camps and outdoor activity providers, and accredited under the Quality Tourism Framework. Couples can also find us featured on WedShed.
Come say hello
The kettle’s always warm and someone will wave you down the driveway. Come and see the place for yourself.