Explorers | YWAM Tahlee
You were made for this

Be Visionary

In a chaotic world where online comparison is constant, many of us struggle with feelings of invisibility, anxiety, and self-doubt.

But what if you could leave that noise behind and step into a journey that not only helps you discover your true self but also connects you with God?

The Explorers DTS experience offers just that: a unique opportunity to seek God while out on the water or in the Tahlee bushland.

Your adventure begins when you step onto one of our small boats, leaving the distractions behind. This isn’t just a journey across the beautiful Port Stephens waterways; it’s a journey directly into the heart of God.

Join us to discover your true voice and lead your generation with confidence!

You were made for this

What’s Involved

  • About the Stream

  • Explorers are often gifted with unique abilities and motivations. Because of this we think you’ll love our stunning waterfront property directly on the shores of Port Stephens, NSW. We believe that God’s wilderness is not something just to be looked at, but to be engaged with, both in finding God and in outreach. Throughout Scripture, we read countless examples of people encountering God in the wilderness, and throughout the Gospels we see repeated ministry taking place in and around boats and water.

    Past students testify that they gained confidence learning these new boating skills, and grew closer to God by pursuing him in his creation. As part of the Tahlee DTS  we provide you with the opportunity to gain your own NSW boating license, guided by mentors with more than 30 years boating experience.

    Alongside boating, students will experience elements of outdoor adventure that help build both confidence and connection with creation. Activities may include camping at the Myall Lakes, short treks such as hiking “Tahlee Mountain”, trailblazing through local bushland, and even the odd 4WD adventure, depending on weather and conditions. These are designed to encourage exploration, teamwork, and quiet encounters with God in the outdoors.

    Example stream features:

    • Get Your NSW Boat License: Gain essential skills and navigate the waters with confidence.
    • Camping & Fishing: Immerse yourself in nature and create lasting memories.
    • Myall Lakes Excursions: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the region.
    • Combined Boating with Community Outreach: Make a difference while enjoying the water.
    • Explore 150 Acres of Bushland: Enjoy direct access to National Parks and find your own quiet spot to connect with God.
  • How the Streams Work

  • At YWAM Tahlee, we offer two streams. These streams aren’t rigid or seperate tracks—they overlap, interact, and flow together, with each stream having a slightly different emphasis during the lecture phase. This structure allows you to dive deeper into your chosen stream while remaining united to the broader community, teaching, and heart of our DTS. They may look like small group activities, planning for outreaches, training skills

    You’ll have set, recurring times dedicated to your elective, without it taking priority over the core purpose of DTS.

    A stream is defined by:

    • Gathering Like-Minded Individuals: Connect with others who share your interests.
    • Passionate Leadership: Engage with inspiring leaders who guide your journey.
    • Regular Programming : Enjoy organised, low-level activities during the lecture phase.
  • Outreach

  • Make God known as you give away what you’ve received during the lecture phase. Step into purpose and grow in confidence as you share your testimony.

    Outreach is a chance to pause your everyday routines and enter a devoted season of serving others. For many, it means exchanging constant online noise or inner turmoil for mission, community, and clarity.

    Outreach opportunities may include:

    • Kids Ministry: Impact the lives of children in your community.
    • Sports Ministry: Foster teamwork and connection through sports.
    • Street Evangelism: Share your faith in a meaningful way.
    • Teaching English: Equip others with valuable language skills.
    • Acts of Compassion: Serve those in need with love and kindness.

    We make no promise that this will be easy. But here’s the truth: there is real joy when we engage with God’s purpose and give ourselves fully to His plan—recognising that you were made for this.

  • Costs & Dates

  • Lecture Phase: $4,990 AUD

    Outreach Phase: $4,000 – $6,000 AUD

    February 23rd 2026 – July 17th 2026

    February 22nd 2027 – July 16th 2027

Explorers are often gifted with unique abilities and motivations. Because of this we think you’ll love our stunning waterfront property directly on the shores of Port Stephens, NSW. We believe that God’s wilderness is not something just to be looked at, but to be engaged with, both in finding God and in outreach. Throughout Scripture, we read countless examples of people encountering God in the wilderness, and throughout the Gospels we see repeated ministry taking place in and around boats and water.

Past students testify that they gained confidence learning these new boating skills, and grew closer to God by pursuing him in his creation. As part of the Tahlee DTS  we provide you with the opportunity to gain your own NSW boating license, guided by mentors with more than 30 years boating experience.

Alongside boating, students will experience elements of outdoor adventure that help build both confidence and connection with creation. Activities may include camping at the Myall Lakes, short treks such as hiking “Tahlee Mountain”, trailblazing through local bushland, and even the odd 4WD adventure, depending on weather and conditions. These are designed to encourage exploration, teamwork, and quiet encounters with God in the outdoors.

Example stream features:

  • Get Your NSW Boat License: Gain essential skills and navigate the waters with confidence.
  • Camping & Fishing: Immerse yourself in nature and create lasting memories.
  • Myall Lakes Excursions: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the region.
  • Combined Boating with Community Outreach: Make a difference while enjoying the water.
  • Explore 150 Acres of Bushland: Enjoy direct access to National Parks and find your own quiet spot to connect with God.

At YWAM Tahlee, we offer two streams. These streams aren’t rigid or seperate tracks—they overlap, interact, and flow together, with each stream having a slightly different emphasis during the lecture phase. This structure allows you to dive deeper into your chosen stream while remaining united to the broader community, teaching, and heart of our DTS. They may look like small group activities, planning for outreaches, training skills

You’ll have set, recurring times dedicated to your elective, without it taking priority over the core purpose of DTS.

A stream is defined by:

  • Gathering Like-Minded Individuals: Connect with others who share your interests.
  • Passionate Leadership: Engage with inspiring leaders who guide your journey.
  • Regular Programming : Enjoy organised, low-level activities during the lecture phase.

Make God known as you give away what you’ve received during the lecture phase. Step into purpose and grow in confidence as you share your testimony.

Outreach is a chance to pause your everyday routines and enter a devoted season of serving others. For many, it means exchanging constant online noise or inner turmoil for mission, community, and clarity.

Outreach opportunities may include:

  • Kids Ministry: Impact the lives of children in your community.
  • Sports Ministry: Foster teamwork and connection through sports.
  • Street Evangelism: Share your faith in a meaningful way.
  • Teaching English: Equip others with valuable language skills.
  • Acts of Compassion: Serve those in need with love and kindness.

We make no promise that this will be easy. But here’s the truth: there is real joy when we engage with God’s purpose and give ourselves fully to His plan—recognising that you were made for this.

Lecture Phase: $4,990 AUD

Outreach Phase: $4,000 – $6,000 AUD

February 23rd 2026 – July 17th 2026

February 22nd 2027 – July 16th 2027

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

We believe all are called to live with a missional mindset and serve God wherever you are, whether that is in a foreign country or your workplace at home. Our training will equip you with practical skills to live and serve in whichever area of society God has called you to.

MDS

Ministry Development School (MDS) is designed to help your roots grow deeper in God. With weekly mentoring and quarterly training intensives led by leaders with over 30 years’ experience, this course will continue equipping you to Know God, Live Brave, and Love Your Generation.

TAE

Training & Assessment (TAE) equips you to teach, mentor, and assess others with confidence. Combining practical, hands-on training with essential theory, TAE empowers you to become the mentor who shapes the next generation of nation shakers.

Ukraine Outreach

Each year, the YWAM Newcastle/Tahlee team heads to Ukraine for an unforgettable outreach. We focus on reaching high school youth while partnering with local communities and churches, stepping in as the hands and feet of Jesus to bring hope, encouragement, and lasting impact.

YWAM Staff

This all begins by joining our YWAM staff team! Alongside ongoing training, you’ll be immersed in our vibrant family community—taking on daily roles, collaborating in passionate team environments, and engaging in regular ministry opportunities.

You were made for this

FAQ'S

Where do your students come from?

Our students and staff come from all around the world, we are a multicultural campus and are always looking to meet friends from new nations.

What's the average age of your students?

Most of our students are aged between 18-30 but we often have people join us who are outside that age range. If you feel like joining us don’t hesitate to get in contact with our communications team.

Where do you go on outreach?

Each outreach is unique. Here are a few places we have been recently: 
Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Cambodia, The Philippines, Uganda, South Africa, Spain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Australia & New Zealand.

Are there any prerequisites for DTS?

Successful completion of the Australian Year 10 Certificate (or equivalent) and a sufficient standard of oral and written English proficiency is needed in order to benefit from our training.

There are no prerequisites for DTS. However, we ask that you are over the age of 18 by the time you leave for outreach.

Can I come for only lecture phase or only outreach phase?

The DTS program is 6-months long and the lecture phase and outreach phase are designed to compliment each other. We highly value the equipping and training of students, as well as giving them practical experience in missions. If you are considering this course it would be beneficial for you to find a time in your schedule where you can commit to the full program.

Can I get Centrelink while doing DTS?

DTS is a Centrelink approved course. If you are an Australian you may be eligible for financial assistance from Centrelink. Information about Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY and other payments are available on their website. Please talk to our communication team for further assistance.

Can I get a job while on DTS?

The course schedule does not allow time for outside work. In addition to this, we want you to get the most out of your course and advise against anything that would distract you from being fully involved.

What will my schedule be like?

Our courses run Monday to Friday with lecture times in the morning and work duties/free time in the afternoon.

What are work duties?

Work Duties are a chance for our students to interact with the wider YWAM Tahlee community. Students are allocated into teams to serve in our kitchen, hospitality department, media team, building team, cafe and more.

What are electives and what do they look like?

We like to say that electives add a bit of “flavour” to the DTS. They are a way of gathering together people that are passionate about similar things. Electives don’t limit you from getting involved in other areas you are passionate about around campus or in your own time. Chat with your DTS staff about what this looks like for your school and how you can take initiative outside of class time to incorporate your elective into your DTS experience.

What can I do with my spare time?

Your weekends are your own and there is always something to do at Tahlee. Go for a swim in our ocean pool or take the canoes out on the water. Enjoy the Aussie wildlife as you take a walk through the bush.

Explore the Port Stephens region or head into Newcastle and visit one of the many local cafes, see a movie at the cinema or visit the farmer’s markets. Sydney is only a three and a half hours away, which is ideal for a day trip to the city. During the week Wednesday and Friday nights are also free.

What can I do after DTS?

Once you’ve completed DTS you are able to join staff with YWAM Tahlee, YWAM Newcastle,  or another YWAM campus around the world. Be part of our growing team in one of our many departments and ministries.

Many students return home and go to university or get a job in their hometown. Our hope is that DTS would equip you to be a part of what you want to do next, no matter what it is, inspiring missional-minded people in all walks of life.

AUSTUDY APPROVED

About Us YWAM Tahlee

ABOUT US

YWAM Tahlee DTS

DTS

Tahlee History

TAHLEE HISTORY

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