Friday 27th February to Sunday 1st March 2026
Each year all the AYO ensembles and families travel to Sawtell Beach for a wonderful weekend of music making. This is an essential component of AYO’s program for the year and is loved by the players and families alike. In fact, it is the highlight of the year for most players! Please note that there is car pooling available and often beds available in family cabins.
The AYO’s invite external student musicians that are not part of the AYO orchestras to participate in the Sawtell camp for 2026. Please click on the link to register https://www.trybooking.com/DHSWT . For visiting students of the AYO’s groups, there is an extra registration at 7pm on the Friday night.
Sawtell Events:
FRIDAY PIZZA NIGHT
Friday 27th February 6:00pm - 8:00pm Woodfire Pizza at the Sawtell Beach Caravan Park (BBQ Area)
MAIN VENUE
Sawtell Public School, 32 Eleventh Avenue Sawtell
REHEARSAL TIMES
FRIDAY 7:30pm - 8:30pm (AYO Orchestra only at Sawtell Caravan Park Hall)
SATURDAY Morning - Registration at 8am (All orchestras at Sawtell Public School)
Rehearsal 8:30am - 12:15pm
SATURDAY LUNCH with the parents/ guardians 12:15pm - 2:30pm
SATURDAY afternoon 2:30pm - 4:30pm
SUNDAY 8:30am - 11:00am (All orchestras at Sawtell Public School)
CONCERT
SUNDAY 10:30am - 11:30am (Sawtell Public School Hall)
PACK-UP
Musicians and parents help to pack up and we finish by 12:30pm
ACCOMMODATION:
Sawtell Beach Caravan Park - cabins, on-site vans or camping sites.
We strongly advise to book early on 6653 1379 or 1800 200 111. Note that we will advise the dates for the next years camp before the end of each camp as most families will endeavour to book their cabin for the next year when they are checking out. Check out time strictly 10am.
Alternatively, motel and other accommodation is avaiable at Sawtell, including: Sundeck Flats 6653 1064; The Coasters Motel and Holiday Units 6653 1541; Beach Haven Motel 6653 1659; Boambee Bay Resort and Units 66532700; Sawtell Motor Inn 6658 9872.
LEISURE
There will be a Meet & Greet on the Friday
Where: The common BBQ area of the Sawtell Beach Caravan Park.
There will be pizza to purchase for all the AYO’s orchestras (AYO, AYS and AYWE musicians). There will also be an opt in pizza for the whole family. (Please use try booking link below for catering options).
7:30pm - 8:30pm the AYO orchestra (AYO) will be rehearsing at the Sawtell caravan park hall (behind the BBQ area) .
BBQ on Saturday evening at 6:00pm
All families are welcome to join in the communal BBQ on Saturday evening beginning at 6.00pm. Please bring your own food and supplies (or book in to be catered for with catering link below).
TRANSPORT
Parents need to ensure the safe transit of the children to and from Sawtell School. This is not the responsibility of the conductors, tutors or the AYO committee. The AYO cannot legally accept responsibility for any players during break times or on the Saturday evening. Players and their families are requested to behave in a considerate and courteous manner towards other Park patrons.
AYO COMMITTEE
Please feel free to chat with one of the volunteers at the camp about helping out on the committee.
We would love help with fundraising or concerts throughout the year or just general support.
WHAT TO BRING
Instrument
Folding music stand CLEARLY LABELLED
Pencil and eraser
Pegs for securing music
Casual clothes for the Saturday and Sunday concert
Swimmers and towel
Share plate for morning teas for Saturday and Sunday (or use the try booking link below)
If cooking your own BBQ, Items for Saturday BBQ (food, drink, cutlery, etc.), otherwise use the catering option for BBQ dinner
CATERING OPTIONS
The AYO committee has set up an initiative to make Sawtell camp a little easier for the parents. We are offering an opt in for;
*Friday night pizza for the whole family
*Saturday night BBQ
*Saturday and Sunday morning tea
Catering, Sawtell camp 2026 https://www.trybooking.com/DHWEU