IMPORTANT NOTICE: To ensure the health and safety for participants, staff and volunteers we have made the unavoidable decision to cancel all Nearer to Nature programs. Given the rapidly changing situation we will remain in contact to keep you up to date with any changes to programming or other relevant information.
Nearer to Nature excursions provide many opportunities for students of all ages to take part in nature-based learning. Use the Advanced Search below to filter results.
Discover indigenous sustainability techniques.
Suitable for Years 7 to 10
Year 7 to 10
Students will get up close to some of our unique native fauna and learn about their special adaptataions to our harsh climate.
Suitable for years 1 to 12
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12 Biodiversity and camp activities
Investigate connections within a wetland ecosystem.
Suitable for Geography (General Unit 1, ATAR Unit 3); Biology (ATAR Unit 1, General Unit 4); Integrated Science (ATAR Unit 2, General Units 1)
Year 11 to 12
Investigate how introduced species have impacted on food webs and interaction within the forest.
Suitable for years 7 and 9.
Year 7 to 10
Plants and animals, animals need plants. But do they need humans? On this excursion students will explore through hands on activities and field visits the biodiversity of our forests, its inhabitants’ relationships and how humans are impacting and managing the forest ecosystems. Create your own excursion for a single class or up to a whole year level by choosing from these activities:
Understand the importance of biodiversity for a healthy ecosystem
Suitable for Biology (ATAR Unit 1, General Unit 4); Integrated Science (ATAR Unit 2, General Units 1 & 3)
Year 11 to 12
Many of our native animals are very secretive and can be difficult to find! Students use puzzles and examples of animal evidence such as skulls, feathers and nests to investigate what lives in and around our bushland and wetland areas. Students apply their detective skills on a nature walk and record their observations.
Year PP to 6
Enjoy a session with Aboriginal leaders - learn about traditional nutrition, then make and eat a damper and kangaroo supper while listening to Dreamtime stories.
Suitable for years 4 to 11.
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12 Biodiversity and camp activities
Fire has been a natural part of the environment in south-west WA for millions of years. This excursion enables students to investigate a range of fire-related topics. How prepared are buildings for bushfire? What is a prescribed burn and how does it make the bush safer? What is in a Parks and Wildlife fire truck? How does the forest recover after a fire? You can create your own excursion for a single class or up to a whole year level by choosing from these activities:
Year 7 to 10
Investigate the cause and effects of bushfires and how to prevent, mitigate and prepare for them.
Suitable for Year 9
Year 7 to 10
Explore the variety of life in the forest.
Suitable for years PP to 1.
Year PP to 6
Discover the threats which may impact on our drinking water catchments and how they are protected .
Suitable for years 11 and 12.
Year 11 to 12
The arrival and spread of Phytophthora dieback disease in Western Australia has been catastrophic for a number of ecosystems. More than 50% of WA’s rare or endangered plants are susceptible, many of which are only found in the south-west.
Year 11 to 12
Investigate the values of the forests in the south-west. An excursion that allows students to identify the values and uses of our jarrah forests.
Suitable for years 4 to 6.
Year PP to 6
Big groups of up to about 300 students can experience a range of short activities in a single day.
Suitable for years PP to 12.
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12
*This program is adapted to each year level based on WA Curriculum content.
The Noongar people’s strong connection with the wetlands and rivers that flow across the Swan Coastal Plain forms the basis for much of their culture, spirituality, and identity. Hear from an experienced Noongar educator who demonstrates first-hand how the resources provided by the land and river were traditionally used and how the seasons dictated their availability and sustainable use. Students participate in a range of hands-on activities suited to age level.
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12
Our rivers and estuaries are home to a diverse range of organisms, including our iconic dolphins. Students explore river food chains and consider the dolphin’s role in the ecosystem. By testing water quality and examining other elements of the environment, students assess if the river is a healthy environment for dolphins and consider how negative impacts can be minimised in the future.
Year PP to 6
Suitable for years 1-3
Hear the ‘real life’ rescue story of Doug the darter, a waterbird who became entangled in rubbish. This story highlights how waste enters our waterways and the impacts it can have on wildlife.
Enjoy guided ecology walks through the forest.
Suitable for years 1 to 12.
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12 Biodiversity and camp activities
Explore the processes that change our natural world
Suitable for years 5 to 8.
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10
Investigate causes of environmental change in our south-west forests and management strategies used to address these.
Suitable for Year 10
Year 7 to 10
Australia is one of the world's 17 centres of 'mega-diversity' of plants and animals. Explore a range of techniques biologists use to collect data on our plant and animal communities.
Year 11 to 12
Understand the ecological consequences of fire on the environment.
Suitable for Biology (ATAR Unit 1, General Unit 4), Earth and Environmental Science (ATAR Unit 4)
Year 11 to 12
Understanding the importance of fire management in the biophysical and managed environment.
Suitable for Geography (ATAR Unit 1, General Unit 3)
Year 11 to 12
The south-west of Western Australia is one of the world's 34 biodiversity ‘hotspots’, with some of the richest and most unique reservoirs of plant and animal life on earth.
Year 11 to 12
Our forests provide us with essential resources such as timber and clean water. They are also a haven for biodiversity.
Year PP to 6
Where does the Canning River come from and where does it flow to? A big picture view of our waterways is presented as students interact with a 3-D model to consider the human impacts on the Swan-Canning River catchment, the consequences for living things and action people can take for sustainable change.
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10
Explore biodiversity and threats to our forests, and analyse viewpoints of a diverse range of stakeholders.
Suitable for Geography (ATAR Unit 3, General Unit 1); Earth and Environmental Science (General Unit 2).
Year 11 to 12
Many species of our unique native animals are in a struggle for survival and may be on the brink of extinction.
Year PP to 6
Discover threats to our unique tuart woodlands and the history of Wonnerup with Nearer to Nature and the National Trust.
Suitable for years 8 to 12.
Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12
Uncover the world of incredible invertebrates. Students will be amazed at the life going on beneath their feet!
Suitable for Years 3 – 6 as a 1.5 hr program at Perth Hills Discovery Centre. Also available in the south west as a 2 hour program for senior students
Year PP to 6 Year 11 to 12
Discover the wonders of the majestic tuarts as a field ecologist.
Suitable for Geography (General Unit 1)
Year 11 to 12
Uncover the mysteries of the south west jarrah forest. Once your students have been Busy in the forest, graduate them to this investigative program.
Suitable for years 2 to 4.
Year PP to 6
Participate in sustainable hunting and fishing methods.
Suitable for years 4 to 5.
Year PP to 6
Discover the impact of bushfires on environments and communities.
Suitable for years 5 to 6.
Year PP to 6
Take a close look at the aquatic invertebrates of the spring-fed stream.
Suitable for years 3 to 12
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12 Biodiversity and camp activities
A unique opportunity for students to be part of Western Shield research.
Suitable for years 5 to 12
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12 Biodiversity and camp activities
Introducing Nyoongar culture through early childhood role-play.
Suitable for years PP to 3.
Year PP to 6
While exploring with spotlights, students will recognise the interdependence of life as the forest comes alive after dark.
Suitable for year 3 to 12.
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12
Join us down at Pobblebonk Swamp to meet our local frogs. Learn about frogs that sound like motorbikes and frogs that do not develop from tadpoles – astonishing!
Year PP to 6
The wetlands and rivers of the Swan Coastal Plain have been significantly affected by human–induced change; yet these ecosystems are still an important part of the biodiversity of the region.
Year 7 to 10
Students glimpse into the past lives of those who lived and settled around the Canning River by investigating historical records such as maps, photos and diaries.
Students are introduced to natural and ecological hazards associated with river systems within an urban catchment such as drought, introduced species and eutrophication.
Year 11 to 12
While exploring with spotlights, students will recognise the interdependence of life as the forest comes alive after dark.
Suitable for years 3 to 12.
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12 Biodiversity and camp activities
Students will engage sensory skills as they explore the forest along a rope trail while blindfolded (suitable for Years 1 to 12).
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12 Biodiversity and camp activities
Using the SIGNAL model as an assessment tool, students gain an indication of water quality in the Canning River by sampling and classifying aquatic macro-invertebrates.
Year 11 to 12
Gain an insight into the principles and practices of sustainable forest management
Suitable for Geography (ATAR Units 2 & 3, General Units 1 & 4); Earth and Environmental Science (ATAR Unit 3); Integrated Science (ATAR Unit 2)
Year 11 to 12
The Swan Canning Riverpark and the iconic rivers at its heart are the centrepiece of Perth. Blessed with diverse and resilient ecosystems, the Swan and Canning rivers are a recreational playground and a source of vibrant commercial and tourism activity.
Year 11 to 12
This popular, interactive program provides students with the opportunity to sample and record the amazing and diverse macroinvertebrate communities that live in the Canning River. Students utilise field equipment to investigate the critical role of aquatic life in maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems.
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10
Suitable for years 11-12 *can be adapted for year 9 biological sciences
The Kent Street Weir on the Canning River provides a unique location to compare two river systems.
Year 11 to 12
Exploring Aboriginal culture in the south west.
Suitable for years 3 to 12.
Year PP to 6 Year 7 to 10 Year 11 to 12
Learn about our unique native wildlife and the threats they face for survival.
Suitable for years 4 to 6.
Year PP to 6
The Kent Street Weir on the Canning River has been in place for nearly 100 years. Students have the opportunity to investigate the role of the Weir, how it has altered the river system and how plants and animals have adapted to changes in the physical environment.
Year PP to 6
Investigate scientific techniques to re-establish native animals.
Suitable for Biology (ATAR Unit 1, General Unit 4); Integrated Science (ATAR Unit 2, General Unit 3)
Year 11 to 12
Explore food webs, food chains and other connections in a wetland ecosystem.
Suitable for years 7 to 10.
Year 7 to 10
Examine the interactions between living things in a wetland habitat.
Suitable for years 4 to 6.
Year PP to 6
Go on a bushland adventure hunting for evidence of our native animals and explore the different places they call home. Learn about some of the unique features that they use to help them survive in the bushland and get an up close experience with an animal encounter.
Year PP to 6