School excursions

There are many fantastic places around NSW that provide learning experiences for school children and specifically focus on the environment or sustainability.

Here is a list of possible excursions to explore. They are listed by geographical area with a suggested focus (e.g. energy, water, waste). Find other destinations and providers via our sustainability education directory Sustainability Connect.

Sydney
Western Sydney & Blue Mountains region
Northern Sydney (north of the Parramatta River)

Southern Sydney (south of the Parramatta River)
North Coast (including Hunter)
South Coast (including Illawarra)
Western NSW
NSW North West
Canberra

Planning an excursion

The destination is only one aspect of excursion planning. The following questions may help in your planning:

  • Is the excursion of educational value, and where is it sequenced in your program?
  • Does it meet the needs of the school and students?
  • Does it comply with your system or school policy for excursions? (e.g. Department of Education and Communities excursion policy)
  • Have you conducted a risk assessment (or is there one provided by the venue)?
  • Have you developed a risk management plan?
  • Are there pre- or post-excursion activities you could include as part of the learning experience?
  • Can the excursion experience or information gathered be used as the basis of an assessment task?
  • What literacy, numeracy and other learning across the curriculum can be included?

Excursion programs

Environmental Education Centres

  • Environmental Education Centres (EECs) are run by the NSW Department of Education and Communities. They provide various programs to visiting school groups depending on the unique features of their location. Programs offered are linked to NSW syllabus documents and stage groups. Pre- and post-excursion support materials are provided.
  • There are 25 EECs in various parts of the state. Find your nearest EEC or view the full list of EECs.

National Parks and Wildlife Service