"His whole being lit up when talking about bush school ... The group is held with great leadership and guidance" - Jude

 

TERM 1 2025: Monday 3 Feburary - Friday 11 April 2025

 

Wild Wallabies (3–5 Years)

• Days: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays
• Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Cost: $800–$1000 per 10-week term (sliding scale). Trial day: $80
• Location: Brunswick Heads (exact location provided upon registration)

This is Brunswick Bush School's nurturing nature connection program for 3-5 yr old kids. We run a 100% outdoor, all weather program. Two nature mentors gently guide the group for an adventure filled day of play, learning, exploring, crafting and story telling. We spend the day in wild nature offering an amazing and diverse playground that is rich with interactions and experiences building confidence and resilience. 

 

Black Cockatoos (6–12 Years)

• Day: Thursdays
• Time: 9:15 AM – 3:15 PM
• Cost: $800–$1000 per 10-week term (pro-rata rates available)
• Location: Brunswick Heads (exact location provided upon registration)

The Black Cockatoos is Brunswick Bush School’s weekly term-time nature connection program for children aged 6-12 years. Running for the last 10 years and based at the glorious Brunswick Heads, this program is a fun, adventurous day outside. We offer children lots of freedom and give them vital time and space to be and feel away from the pressures of modern life. Our program provides a fantastic setting for your child to learn bush skills while finding connection, building confidence and resilience.

Gently guided by two mentors (usually a male and female) the day is a mix of child-led and structured activities. We usually explore a different nature-based theme each term. Examples have included: learning about mangroves, plant identification, and bush tucker and we have taken on practical projects such as shelter building, animal tracking, whittling and nest box construction. We take our lead from the children and structure the program to suit their interests and learning needs.

The day is interspersed with games, free play, swimming (in summer) and sharing circles. We encourage a communal style of learning across the ages of the group and are big on building social and emotional skills, developing emotional intelligence and awareness through the program.

  

New families can book a trial day ($80) before they commit for the term. You can start any time during the term subject to availability. Please email us for the overview and availability. Contact us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details, availability and bookings

 

 

Testimonials

"Hughie would wake up every Tuesday morning so excited for bush school... What a beautiful, safe, fun, and engaging space you have created." – Lenne

"Tai has grown in leaps and bounds with confidence. Thank you for your amazing work!" – Lia

"They both loved it! I don't know what you guys give them, but it's like we get the best versions of our kids every single time we pick them up from Bush School." – Andrea

 

KIDS HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 14th- 25th April 2025

                        

Looking for some fun, wholesome kids activities in Byron Bay, (or rather Brunswick Heads) for the summer school holidays? Join us for super fun and engaging activities, learning new skills, playing games, and having amazing adventures with Brunswick Bush School. We spend the entire day outdoors in wild nature. We have some fabulous new activities, like river tubing and building a ninja warrior course, or a whole family useful plants and bush tucker day, plus some old time favourites like bows and arrows, water blasters or building nest boxes to save the animals. Nature is the place to be! So come and join us for the holiday fun! Scroll down the page for program details. Hit 'book now' for bookings and availability

 

We are running two programs these holidays:

1. Main program (6-12 yrs):  5 days (Mon- Fri) per week:

            scroll down for program descriptions

                6-12yr olds BOOKING LINK

                   

2. Wild Wallabies (3-5 yrs): 3 days per week over the holidays - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 

                Wild Wallabies booking link

 

Cost: from $80* per day per child. 10% discount for siblings.

* There is a 50 cent ticket fee and a 2.5% processing for each booking made.

 

IMPORTANT! All programs will be conducted from the Brunswick Heads site except for Canoeing and Rail Trail Cycling. Meeting points to be notified closer to the date.

 

For all enquiries email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For urgent program issues on the day, call or text Rohan 0407 898 374.  Please be mindful that Rohan is out on the field,  with kids, so please only contact him if it is regarding an urgent matter. All other issues and questions regarding bookings, please email.

Please note that we do have some age restrictions on certain activities.

What families are saying about us:

"Our kids both loved it! I don't know what you guys give them, but it's like we get the best versions of our kids every single time we pick them up from Bush School." - Andrea (parent) 

"Thanks again! It's such a great program where the kids learn amazing skills and always want to go back!" - Kate (parent) 

"We love going out into the bush to play games, learn how to make damper and fire, but also learn about nature. Every time we go to bush school, we learn something new and have fun with our friends."  - Kate's kids 

"I like everything about bush school." - Marion, age 7 

Brunswick Bush School Autumn Main Program (for Girls and Boys 6-12 years)

Main Program Booking Link and to check availability:

REMEMBER TO CLICK 'BUY MORE TICKETS' AT CHECKOUT BOX WHEN BOOKING MULTIPLE DAYS 

    

 

 

Time: 9-3pm

Meet: Main program for 6-12 yr olds: Meet at the Brunswick Heads Surf Life Saving Club (on the grassy side) except for canoeing days. When canoeing we meet adjacent to the river. (Notice will be sent via email where to meet).

Cost: $80* per day per child. Some activities incur a materials surcharge (this is listed in the description of the day in the table). 10% discount for siblings.* There is a 50 cent ticket fee and a 2.5% processing for each booking made. 

Bring: A 'what to bring' list is sent out with your booking

The activities presented on any given day may change due to weather, numbers and other unforeseen circumstances. In the case of wet weather we set up basic tarp shelters. Each day is interspersed with games, exploring, a swim if weather permits and tonnes of adventure!! Occassionaly we have children attending that do not wish to participate in the advertised actvitiy. Participation in the listed activity is optional, we encourage children to participate but do not require them to, however if a child decides not to participate they must respect those that do wish to.

Checkout our fb page here to see some of the fun stuff we get up to: 

https://www.facebook.com/brunsbushschool/

Need to cancel? see our Refund Policy at the bottom of the page. 

 

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Wild Wallabies Autumn Holiday Program (for children 3-5 years)

Hop along to the Wild Wallabies these holidays for some great nature play and adventure for the wee’uns! The Wild Wallabies is Brunswick Bush School's nature connection program for kids aged 3-5 years. This gentle and nurturing program provides a fun and adventurous day out. Using nature as our inspiration we explore, play, create and swim if weather permits.

The Wild Wallabies will be running three days per week over both weeks of the holidays on the following dates: 

Monday: 14th, 21st April

Wednesday: 16th, 23rd April

Friday: 18th, 25th April

 

Wild Wallabies Program Booking Link and to check availability:

REMEMBER TO CLICK 'BUY MORE TICKETS' IN CHECKOUT BOX WHEN BOOKING MULTIPLE DAYS 

 

 

MEET: 

Wild Wallabies for 3-5 yr olds: Meet at tennis courts clubhouse opposite the Brunswick Surf Life Saving Club

 

COST: $80* per day per child. 10% discount for siblings.

* There is a 50 cent ticket fee and a 2.5% processing for each booking made. 

BRING: A what to bring list is sent out with your booking

NOTE: Children must be toilet trained to attend

 

In the case of wet weather we set up tarp shelters.

Need to cancel? see our Refund Policy at the bottom of the page.

 

Keeping Bush School Accessible to All

We would like to see our programs remain accessible to all children. If you are struggling financially please come and talk to us. If you have an indigenous heritage we offer reduced rates. If you are feeling particularly abundant you can make a donation towards our scholarship fund to enable other children to attend. Talk to Rohan for more details. 

 

Refund/Cancellation Policy

A 10% administration fee applies you if you cancel more than 7 days in advance of the attendance date. A 20% fee applies if cancelling less than 7 days from attendance date. No refund is given if you cancel less than 3 days before the attendance date. We are generally happy to transfer a booking to another date (within the same holiday program) with a minimum 3 days notice, depending on availability. Unfortunately we do not refund if you forget to attend or your child is sick. Please email us with the details at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

 

A couple of parents approached me on how to select a good whittling knife for the kids. I found this article was very helpful in selecting my own survival knife.

 

How to Choose the Perfect Survival Knife

FAQ’

What do you do if it is raining?

We generally head out for the day rain, hail or shine. Unless there is a category 4 cyclone off Brunswick Bar we still go out! Heading out in the rain is a great experience for the children. It builds resilience and endurance and teaches them new skills for staying warm and safe in wet weather- other children just love the chance to spend the day in the rain and mud! Just as importantly, they get to experience the bush in a different way, it is different when it is wet and you have to move and interact accordingly. We do have a tarp shelters we put up when it rains. The children help to construct their own shelter!

Do your Mentors have Working With Children Checks (WWC) and First Aid Certificates?

Yes, our Mentors all have Working With children Checks. Rohan also has a remote area First Aid Certificate. At least one mentor travelling with each group has a First Aid Certificate.

 

Do you have Insurance?

Yes we do. We have public liability cover for up to $10 000 000 with Sportscover.

 

My Child has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, Autism or ADHD can they attend?

Children on the spectrum have special needs. Through past experience we have found that it can be a challenge to meet the needs of these children when combined with the group. We would love for these children to attend Bush School as we believe it is such a healthy and healing experience, but the reality is that we do need all children that attend Bush School to be able to self regulate, we simply don't have the resources and skills to meet the needs of some of these children, and the program isn't designed for children with special needs. However, if you have a daughter or son that you think would like to come along and would be able to be a part of the program, talk to us and we will discuss it. As a minimum, we ask that you escort your child for a minimum of two weeks to support them integrating into the group. We will re-assess with you after this time and make a decision as to whether it is in the best interests of all concerned for them to continue. 

 

How do I pay?

Payment can be made electronically via bank deposit or in cash. Payments can be made in one lump sum or 2-3 payments over the term can be arranged.

 

I am concerned about my child going swimming, can you tell me more about what that entails?

We have access to the beautiful Brunswick River. The children love swimming and it is a fantastic part of the program, but we also realise there are risks involved. We have compiled a swim safe policy to ensure that any swimming activity is as safe as can be. Please ask Rohan to view this policy. The main points are as follows:

Generally we will swim in a shallow safe section of the Brunswick River.

The Mentor is the furthest person out and no one is to go past the mentor.

There is a Mentor at the water’s edge also watching the children.

There is a policy of ‘No deeper than my thigh’

 

I am concerned about snakes and ticks and other dangerous animals. Please allay my fears!!

The Australian bush certainly has animals and insects that are either deadly poisonous or want a piece of you! There are snakes, ticks and other dangerous animals present on the land we walk upon and thankfully, most of the time, they are happy going about their business and will go out of their way to avoid human contact long before we are aware of them (think a bunch of noisy excited kids tromping through the bush is enough to scare anyone!!). We encourage children to be aware and sensible in the bush and we regularly warn them of the presence of snakes in the warmer weather; how to approach them should they see them and what to do in the unlikely event they get bitten. All our mentors know about snake bite first aid and carry specialised snake bite bandages. As mentioned above, we carry mobile phones should a quick evacuation be necessary. Ticks and snakes are particularly active in the warmer months. We also remind children to do regular tick sweeps of their bodies and we carry tweezers with us for safe and quick removal. This is a risk inherent in a program of this nature but with awareness, care and education we are able to minimise the risks.

 

Facebook

We are on Facebook. To see up to date information and pictures of what we have been up to check us out here:

www.facebook.com/brunsbushschool/