Essendon's footballers hit the Gold Coast this morning but their week-long stay will be anything but a holiday.

The Bombers are being put through a rigorous five-day training camp by Essendon fitness coach John Quinn.

The camp will include a number of team-orientated activities but fitness will be the major focus of the camp.

"We just believe that trips like this give the players a break from the daily grind - it freshens them up both mentally and physically," Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said.

Some of the team orientated activities of the week include skirmish, beach olympics, rock climbing and raft building.

The players will also have guest speakers during the week including former Olympic gold medallist Glynnis Nunn and distance-running great Ron Clarke. Olympic triathlon coach Bill Davoren will also speak at the camp.

On top of this the players will also work on their speed training and strength conditioning.

"It is a gradual process to get the right fitness base leading up to a season. This week in Queensland will basically wind up the pre-Christmas part of the program," Drain said.