In this article, the authors have discussed pedagogical approaches to exploring theory and practice with pre-service teachers within an an Australian outdoor education teacher education (OETE) course. The authors have highlighted the importance of four key pedagogical elements in terms of helping pre-service teachers understand and negotiate theory–practice relationships: the promotion of self-awareness; guided reflection; experience; and the fostering of a strong, safe community of learners. These elements are relevant to other areas of teacher education besides OETE pedagogy, although they may be embodied differently in different areas. The authors suggest that these elements are made possible through flexibility within courses, face-to-face contact, and opportunities for observing, participating in, and reflecting on/in relevant practice.