Wollongong Botanic Gardens offers nature’s perfect classroom. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Nothing compares to the original classroom, the great outdoors, for learning.
Outdoor learning can help enhance creativity, improve social skills and develop a sense of adventure, according to the University of Western Sydney.
More Wollongong students will have the opportunity to get their hands dirty during school time thanks to a new school excursion program from Wollongong Botanic Gardens.
Wollongong City Council’s education and outreach specialist Sam Crosby said the program offered new ways for students to have hands-on learning experiences and nature play.
“We know different students learn in different ways and nothing beats the practical application of classroom experiences in the outdoors,’’ Sam said.
“We’ve spent a lot of time over the past few months taking a close look at the educational opportunities offered through the gardens, and we’re really excited with the new choices for schools and students.’’
Green Connect Farm will bring its experience to the program by providing primary school excursions that cover the science and geography curriculum while Gumaraa Aboriginal Education and Cultural Experiences will deliver a new Aboriginal cultural excursion.
Both excursions are designed to complement the gardens’ existing in-house educational program that is delivered by the council’s dedicated environmental educators.
This program features workshops on topics such as composting, FOGO, worm farming, recycling and the council’s Tiny Forests initiative.
“Both Green Connect Farm and Gumaraa have well-established connections in Wollongong,’’ Sam said.
“Green Connect have delivered school-based learning programs at their Warrawong site since 2019 and will be bringing these skills and experience to the garden environment.
“We know there is a lot of interest from schools and the community to learn more about Aboriginal culture.
“I’m pleased to see Gumaraa are able to join us here at the foothills of Mt Keira (Djeera) and share their knowledge about shelter bush tucker and Dreamtime stories with students.’’
Green Connect’s Robert Servine said the group had provided educational experiences for students for six years.
“Since 2019, we’ve supported thousands of students to get their hands dirty, ask questions, and discover how food is grown,’’ he said.
“We’re excited to now bring that experience to the gardens — linking curriculum to real-world sustainability in a beautiful and accessible outdoor space.”
Lisa Bazzano, co-director, Gumaraa Aboriginal experience said they were excited to launch a new cultural program at the gardens, that celebrated the traditions and stories of First Nations peoples.
This hands-on program gives people the chance to experience bush foods, learn how traditional shelters and canoes were made, and hear local stories that have been passed down for generations.
The program helps people better understand and respect Aboriginal culture, land, and history. Participants will get to taste native bush tucker, see how natural materials were used to build shelters and canoes, and sit in on storytelling sessions that bring ancient knowledge to life.
“This isn’t just about learning facts — it’s about connecting with Country and listening to the voices of the past,’’ she said.
Schools interested in learning more about the new programs can visit the Wollongong Botanic Gardens’ website.
