Primary Excursions

Health and Wellbeing in Nature

Melbourne Gardens

Through a playful exploration of Melbourne Gardens, students will explore how being in nature can contribute to positive emotional and physical wellbeing.

Health and Wellbeing in Nature

Cranbourne Gardens

Through a playful exploration of Cranbourne Gardens, students will be encouraged to see themselves as part of the natural world and consider how being in nature can contribute to positive emotional and physical wellbeing.

Scents and Senses

Cranbourne Gardens

Explore the natural beauty of the Cranbourne Gardens using all five senses.

Art in Nature

Melbourne Gardens

Get creative and make art inspired by nature. Students will identify patterns, colours, textures and forms while exploring Melbourne Gardens and use their imagination to create visual artworks. 

The Sensory Garden

Melbourne Gardens

Using all their senses for discovery, this outdoor program is designed for children who would benefit from being immersed in calming environments. Particularly suitable for students with physical and intellectual disabilities, communication, language and/or sensory needs.

I Wonder Why? - Early Years

Melbourne Gardens

Explore the wonders of the natural world by observing plant features up close, posing questions and learning how nature can inspire ideas for design.

In this nature-based STEM learning program, children practice the foundational skills of the emerging discipline of biomimicry.

Minibeasts

Melbourne Gardens

Discover how minibeasts pollinate plants, enrich soil, and fuel the food chain. Join our hands-on little-creature adventure that connects students to nature’s unsung heroes.

Minibeasts

Cranbourne Gardens

Get close to the myriad of mini creatures that make up the majority of the animal kingdom.

Nature Knows How

Melbourne Gardens

Students will observe the tried and tested biological strategies and patterns of nature and design their own nature-inspired STEM ideas for a healthier planet. 

Designed by Nature

Melbourne Gardens

Students will observe the tried and tested biological strategies and patterns of nature and design their own nature-inspired STEM ideas for a healthier planet. 

Designed by Nature

Cranbourne Gardens

Students will observe the tried and tested biological strategies and patterns of nature and design their own nature-inspired STEM ideas for a healthier planet. 

Plants and Animals

Melbourne Gardens

Discover the rich diversity of plants and animals that thrive at Melbourne Gardens. Through hands-on exploration, students will investigate how living things grow, change and adapt to their environments. They'll uncover how plants and animals interact — building connections, forming food chains, and helping habitats to stay in balance.

Seed to Tree

Cranbourne Gardens

Students will be introduced to the role plants play in sustaining and creating the ecosystem. They will learn how plants adapt to the Australian environment and discover how they disperse their seeds and interact with other living things.

Scientist for a Day

Melbourne Gardens

Step into the world of plant science. Students will use their senses to observe and describe the features of plants, group them in different ways, and share findings using everyday and scientific vocabulary amongst the rich diversity of plant life at Melbourne Gardens – just like real plant scientists do!

Thank You Rain

Cranbourne Gardens

Discover the journey of water through a hands-on, play-based experience that highlights the importance of water to all living things.

Children's Garden: Design and Play

Melbourne Gardens

Come on a guided exploration of The Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden and discover a sustainable and diverse outdoor space designed around creativity, nature-based play and learning.

Plant Features: Adaptations to Habitats

Melbourne Gardens

Explore the amazing adaptations of plants by observing unique physical characteristics that enable them to change and survive in various habitats.

Australian Environments

Cranbourne Gardens

Discover the diversity and adaptations of animals and plants living amongst the extremes of Australian landscapes.

Seasonal Garden Discovery

Melbourne Gardens

Students will discover the rich seasonal diversity of the Gardens and immerse their senses in the landscape. Exploring the relationships between plants, people and place through story telling and hands-on experiences.

Connecting to Country

Melbourne Gardens

Develop an introductory understanding of First Peoples culture and connection to Country. Students will learn about unique plant usage, tools and caring sustainably for Country across Australia. 

Shared Country

Cranbourne Gardens

Develop a greater understanding and respect for First Peoples culture.

Students will discover the importance of the environment to the Bunurong / Boon Wurrung People and their connection to Country and explore how plants can be used for fibre, medicine, tools, and food

On the Edge of Creation

Cranbourne Gardens

Through the lens of a Boonwurrung dreamtime story, students will learn about First Peoples culture. They will learn about tools, use ochre and participate in song and dance.

You and Me, Murrawee

Cranbourne Gardens

Inspired by a narrative about a young girl, students will learn about and discover connections with First Peoples' culture. They will learn about tools, investigate animal tracks and participate in song and dance.

Food Forest

Melbourne Gardens

Explore our working Kitchen Garden and the wider Melbourne Gardens to learn how plants grow and discover where food comes from. Students will develop connections between plants and healthy diets and be introduced to seasonal produce and sustainable gardening methods.

Sustainable Gardening

Cranbourne Gardens

Students will learn about water conservation, sustainable garden practice and worm farming. While exploring the Gardens, students will consider ideas for improving biodiversity and sustainability.

Sustainable Gardening

Melbourne Gardens

Come behind the scenes of our Kitchen Garden and see sustainable practices in action. Students will engage in hands-on experiences to learn about water conservation, gardening, and composting, gaining practical skills and inspiration.