Ever wanted to build your own canoe, learn how to play the ukulele, master the art of bushcraft or take your painting to the next level? At Camp Creative, you can – and that’s just the beginning.
Every January, Bellingen hums with energy as the town fills with people ready to learn, share and create. For five days, classrooms, halls and community spaces transform into workshops where people of all ages and abilities sit alongside experienced artists to discover the joy of learning a new skill and getting creative. Here’s the lowdown:
Meet the organiser, Nicole Ruigrok
When Nicole Ruigrok joins our Zoom call, Jelly the parrot is perched happily on her shoulder, chattering as though part of the conversation. It’s a fitting introduction to the organiser of one of regional Australia’s most dynamic summer events: Camp Creative. From 12 to 16 January 2026, Nicole and Camp Creative’s extensive team of committed volunteers will oversee a week-long program that transforms Bellingen into a creative hot spot. Now in its 40th year, Camp Creative is preparing to welcome over 1000 people of all ages to try something new, learn a skill, or simply spend a week immersed in creativity.
“People arrive as strangers and leave with new skills, new friends and a real sense of connection,” Nicole says. “That’s the beauty of it.”
Four decades of creativity
Camp Creative first began in 1987 with a handful of classes advertised through brochures and phone bookings. Forty years on, it has grown into one of Bellingen’s most-loved summer events. “Three-quarters of participants now come from outside the region, and most of them are adults,” Nicole says. “Our largest group is actually women over 55, but the program is designed for everyone.” For many, Camp Creative has become somewhat of a family tradition. Nicole has seen people return year after year, “We’ve got students who’ve been coming for 10 years in a row,” she says. “They might have started off coming on their own, then later with a partner, and eventually they bring their kids along. It just grows and grows.”
A workshop for everyone
Most workshops run across the full five days, giving people the chance to really sink in and see how far they can take their new found skills. From discovering the fundamentals of Acroyoga to learning the alchemy of bread, painting landscapes to playing in an orchestra, writing your life story, hand-stitching clothing, mastering ceramics or learning how to play Dungeons and Dragons, these courses are about depth as much as they are about creativity.
“You don’t need to be an expert,” Nicole says. “You just need to be willing to give it a go.”
For those who prefer to sample a few things, there are also shorter two and three-day courses available. “That might look like spending the morning behind a camera lens and an afternoon in the woodwork room learning bowl turning,” Nicole adds. “It’s set up so everyone can shape their own kind of creative adventure.” To find out the full list of what’s on offer, click here.
The week in full swing
Ask Nicole about her favourite part of the camp and she doesn’t hesitate: the first morning. “Cars line the streets outside Bellingen High and volunteers point people towards classrooms. It’s absolute chaos for about an hour,” she says with a grin. “And then suddenly, at nine o’clock, it all hushes as everyone disappears into their courses. That’s when our team in the office finally grab a coffee.”
From there, the week settles into its rhythm. Days are filled with hands-on learning, while evenings bring their own kind of magic. “On Tuesday, talented local youth and tutors take the stage for a classical concert in the high school hall. Wednesday opens the floor with an open mic night, Thursday sees the community spill into the streets for a lively town party, and Friday night brings the grand finale – singers, dancers and musicians from the week’s performance courses share what they’ve created,” Nicole says.
“There’s a real buzz by the end of the week. People are tired but so energised. You can see how much it means to them.”
Why book now
With so much on offer, it’s little wonder demand is strong. Nicole encourages anyone considering Camp Creative to book early: “If you’ve got your eye on a course, don’t wait too long. Almost a third of the courses are sold out already, and local accommodation is being snapped up fast.” So, whether you’re 17 or 85, whether your dream is to play the blues harp, paint a wall with street art, find your rhythm on African drums or finally sit down to write that poem, Camp Creative is your invitation to try.
The 40th Camp Creative runs 12–16 January 2026 in Bellingen. View the full program and book your place at campcreative.com.au.
Meg Miller
Digital Marketing Manager. Adventure seeking writer, free spirit, smitten aunt and dog mum.
