CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT, Lori Moddie, said there was a "double standard" at play considering clubs, pubs, restaurants and brothels could stay open during the pandemic.

Ms Moddie said targeting the outdoor education industry "in this way" was having detrimental effects on the health and wellbeing of young people, and the state's economy

"What we know about COVID-19 thus far indicates it is more highly transmissible in indoor environments, especially where there are high concentrations of people, so that leaves me to wonder - where is the logic in keeping pubs, clubs and restaurants open, but our sector, operating in the great outdoors, naturally socially distanced in the fresh air, are to remain off limits to our key clientele?" she said.

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Southbound Adventures general manager Andrew Banner was most disappointed that Department of Education restrictions have hampered schools' abilities to proceed with "much needed" outdoor education programs.

The Albion Park-based business provides quality, inspirational outdoor education programs and expeditions for participants of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, that prepare young people for life.

Over 6000 students attend camps annually throughout NSW and Overland Track in Tasmania.

Most of its clients were predominately from Sydney, Central Coast and Southern Highlands schools.

Mr Banner said Southbound Adventures had been impacted significantly from the restrictions.

"We have had a 70 per cent reduction in income from March to August 2020 compared to 2019," he said.

"The changes and general nature of the restrictions around school and contradictions have caused uncertainty across the industry.

"We can operate (with manageable restrictions) under the Public Health orders in National Parks, at private caravan parks and campgrounds and on waterways for example.

"However Department of Education restrictions have hampered schools abilities to proceed."

Mr Banner said young people were suffering the most from a lack of structured outdoor activity.

"The wellbeing of students both physical and mental is a concern that has been raised by many of our school clients," he said.

"Outdoor Education provides opportunities for children to be challenged both physically and mentally in a supportive environment.

"The outdoors is an amazing classroom and at this time would be extremely beneficial to students' wellbeing."

He added the sector was happy to work with schools and the government to keep everyone safe.

"We have used their [Government] COVID Safe plan templates as has the Outdoor Council of Australia," Mr Banner said. "We are already prepared to comply with these to minimise risk.

"I think it's more about getting back to business in a safe way for all industry and the economy.

"As an organisation we have had a COVID safe plan since March and monitored requirements regularly. One example includes having students camp in individual tents. Social distancing is easily practiced when hiking, mountain biking or in a canoe."

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