Bookings are now open for our summer holiday program!           

  

     Kids Summer School Holiday Activities Byron Bay Region | Brunswick Bush School (Ages 3–12) 

                                                                       22 December 2025 – 30 Jan 2026

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Fun kids school holiday programs near Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads & Northern Rivers. Outdoor bush play, crafts, games & adventures for ages 3–12. Book now for Dec–Jan 2025/26!

Looking for kids’ school holiday activities in Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby or Northern Rivers? Brunswick Bush School offers nature-based holiday programs for children aged 3–12. Kids spend the whole day outdoors exploring, crafting, playing games, and having wild-hearted adventures.

 

We are running three different programs over the summer holidays: 

 

Main Program (6–12 years) – Monday to Friday each week:  6-12yr olds BOOKING LINK

scroll down for full program details

 

Grrls Only! (just for girls 6-12 years) Tuesdays each week of the Holidays - CONTACT US IF INTERESTED: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

Wild Wallabies (3–5 years) – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays:  Wild Wallabies booking link

 

 

All program times: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Where: South Beach Road, Brunswick Heads

Cost: From $90 per day.

10% sibling discount.

A 50c ticket fee and 2.5% processing fee applies per booking.

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

 

  

Wild Wallabies Program – Ages 3–5 | Byron Bay Brunswick Heads Kids Holiday Activities

Wild Wallabies 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 

BOOK HERE: Nature play holiday program for preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

  

 

Main Program – Ages 6–12 | Northern Rivers Kids Holiday Adventures

 

BOOK HERE: Kids school holiday activities in Brunswick Heads (Ages 6–12)

 

New Activity! Monday 22nd Dec- River Tubing on Durungbil

We're going tubing! The tides are perfect for a fun and adventurous float down Durungbil. In this fun new activity we'll use inner tyre tubes to put in at our secret swim spot up Simpsons creek and then catch the outgoing tide back to the Bruns Scout Hall. All children will be required to wear a life jacket.

Suitable for children 7+ years.

Tickets $90

 

Tuesday 23rd Dec- Canoeing Durungbil (Simpsons Creek Arm)*

One of our most popular activities, we spend the day on the beautiful Durungbil (Brunswick River) catching the incoming tide up the wild reaches of Simpson’s Creek paddling deep into the Tyagarah Nature Reserve. We’ll be exploring rugged river banks and looking out for the myriad of birdlife that lives in the area. Suitable for children 7+ years. All children will be required to wear a life jacket. *Limit of 16 children

Tickets $100

Wednesday 24th Dec- Water Blasters*

This activity is pure fun! Made from scratch using recycled PVC pipe and fittings, these awesome hand pumped blasters shoot a powerful jet of water at your opponent. We then get prepared for the biggest water fight ever. Get ready for a serious drenching. Recommended age 7 years and up *There is a materials charge of $15. Kids get to take home their blaster.

Tickets $100 includes take home blaster

 

New Activity! Monday 5th Jan – Uki Mountain Biking

Word is out that there is a new Mountain Bike Track in Uki. With several different grades of track to choose from there is a ride for every skill level. We'll give basic safety and mountain bike tuition and spend the day riding wild mountain trails while enjoying the stunning scenery of the Tweed Valley. Must have your own mountain bike and helmet in good repair, no ebikes thanks.

Tickets $90

 

Tuesday 6th Jan – Shelters and Knots

Another of our perennial favourite activities- shelter and cubby building. We will teach some basic survival shelter building designs- the how's and why's then we will build our own cool shelters from materials we find in the bush. For those that are keen we'll teach some handy knots that will be useful for any survival situation and shelter building.

Tickets $90

Wednesday 7th Jan – Canoeing Durungbil (Simpsons Creek Arm)*

One of our most popular activities, we spend the day on the beautiful Durungbil (Brunswick River) catching the incoming tide up the wild reaches of Simpson’s Creek paddling deep into the Tyagarah Nature Reserve. We’ll be exploring rugged river banks and looking out for the myriad of birdlife that lives in the area. Suitable for children 7+ years. All children will be required to wear a life jacket. *Limit of 16 children

Tickets $100

 

Thursday 8th Jan and Friday 9th Jan – Pirate Rafts  TWO DAY WORKSHOP

Strap on yer best peg leg, find a stuffed parrot to put on yer shoulder and come on down for some good 'ol Pirate shenanigans. Using old wooden pallets as a base we’ll hammer and nail, saw and screw on a deck then add piratey things like flags, lethal trapdoors and deadly walk the planks. We will even get a chance to paint and decorate our rafts. When chief Pirate Scuttlebutt has inspected the fleet to make sure the rafts are ready for the open seas we'll then head to the river for a battle to the wetest on the mighty Durungbil! (Brunswick river). 

Please note this is a two-day activity and you will be required to book both days. If you can only attend one, please contact us.

Suitable for children 7+ years. All children are required to wear a life jacket.

Tickets $190 for two days and raft materials

New Activity! Monday 12th Jan – Upper Burringbar Rail Trail

Come join us on a fun cycling adventure exploring the Upper Burringbar Rail Trail. Cycle into the lush green rolling hills of Burringbar, past dairy farms and fresh water streams and pockets of rainforest. We'll stop for a relaxing swim in a fresh mountain stream and head into the famous rail tunnel to look for micro bats and glow worms. A gentle day of cycling. Children must be able to pedal their own bicycles. Must have your own bike and helmet in good repair, no ebikes thanks.

Tickets $90

 

Tuesday 13th Jan – Sling Shots

No childhood is complete without making your own sling shot! A fantastic toy that will bring hours of fun. Made from scratch we'll whittle them from tobacco bush, a local weed species. Then we'll sand and and oil them and connect the rubbers. We will give instructions on how to use them safely and then we'll practice on our firing range. To be used with adult supervision. $10 materials charge included.

Tickets $100 includes take home sling shot

 

Wednesday 14th Jan - Nature Play

Total fun day! We’ve compiled a list of our most popular games. In this action-packed day you’ll get to run your legs off as we play Capture the Flag, Bush Turkey’s Tail, Catch the Leopard’s Meat, Fire Keeper and more of our favourite wild bush games.

Tickets $90

 

Thursday 15th Jan and Fiday 16th Jan – Bows and Arrows  TWO DAY WORKSHOP

The bow and arrow; an efficient and poweful tool for hunting and defense that has been a companion to humanity since to immemorial. We take a look this ancient tool through a modern lense by make super strong, durable lightweight bows from moulded PVC. We'll whittle our own arrows from bamboo. We'll teach safety and technique and practise with a target. For ages 7 and up. To be used with adult supervision. Please note this is a two-day activity and you will be required to book both days. If you can only attend one, please contact us.

Tickets $195 for two days, includes take home bow and arrows.

 

Monday 19th Jan – Canoeing Durungbil (Brunswick River from Kings Ck to Bruns)

One of our most popular activities, we spend the day on the beautiful Durungbil (Brunswick River) catching the incoming tide up the wild reaches of Simpson’s Creek paddling deep into the Tyagarah Nature Reserve. We’ll be exploring rugged river banks and looking out for the myriad of birdlife that lives in the area. Suitable for children 7+ years. All children will be required to wear a life jacket. *Limit of 16 children

Tickets $100

New Activity! Tuesday 20th - River Tubing on Durungbil!

Get set for some serious fun. We're going river tubing down the mighty Durungbil (Simpsons Creek). In this fun new activity we'll use inner tyre tubes to put in at our secret swim spot up Simpsons creek and then catch the outgoing tide back to the Bruns Scout Hall with a few stops along the way. On day one we will teach a weaving pattern to form a seat in the centre of the tube. On day two we complete our weaves then take our tubes down to the river to catch the outgoing tide for a leisurely float down the river. Please note this is a two-day activity and you will be required to book both days.

We'll provide the tubes. Suitable for children 7+ years. All children are required to wear a life jacket.

Tickets $90

 

Wednesday 21st Jan - Bamboo Model Boats 

Ahoy, boat builders! Today we create our very own mini bamboo boats. Kids can design speedy racers, pirate ships, or magical fairy boats—whatever their imagination dreams up! Once our fleet is ready, we’ll head to the creek to launch them. A playful, creative day perfect for young makers and adventurers.

Tickets $90

 

Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd - Pirate Rafts  TWO DAY WORKSHOP

Strap on yer best peg leg, find a stuffed parrot to put on yer shoulder and come on down for some good 'ol Pirate shenanigans. Using old wooden pallets as a base we’ll hammer and nail, saw and screw on a deck then add piratey things like flags, lethal trapdoors and deadly walk the planks. We will even get a chance to paint and decorate our rafts. When chief Pirate Scuttlebutt has inspected the fleet to make sure the rafts are ready for the open seas we'll then head to the river for a battle to the wetest on the mighty Durungbil! (Brunswick river). 

Please note this is a two-day activity and you will be required to book both days. If you can only attend one, please contact us.

Suitable for children 7+ years. All children are required to wear a life jacket.

Tickets $190 for two days and raft materials

 

Monday 26th Jan- Public Holiday, No Activity

 

Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th Jan - Fishing Spears  TWO DAY WORKSHOP

Calling all young hunter warriors! Learn to make and throw a fishing spear using Privet, a locally harvested weed species. Over two days we'll skin, whittle, sand and oil our spears into a deadly four pronged spear. We'll learn safe throwing technique and target practice. Please book in for both days to take home a complete spear. For ages 7 + recommended. Please note this is a two-day activity and you will be required to book both days. If you can only attend one, please contact us.

Tickets $190 for two days includes take home fishing spear

 

Thursday 29th Jan - Nature Play

Total fun day! We’ve compiled a list of our most popular games. In this action-packed day you’ll get to run your legs off as we play Capture the Flag, Bush Turkey’s Tail, Catch the Leopard’s Meat, Fire Keeper and more of our favourite wild bush games.

Tickets $90

 

Friday 30th Jan - Knife Skills and Whittling

Bring your pocket knives. We’ll be whittlin’ away the time by the creek honing our skills and making some fancy craft pieces. We’ll cover the basics of safety and how to whittle. If you don’t have a knife don’t worry we’ll have spares for you to use. Suitable for children 7+ years. If you'd like to purchase one of our child appropriate Opinel folding knives let us know beforehand via email or text and we'll arrange it for you and bring it in.

BOOK HERE FOR MAIN PROGRAM 6-12YR OLDS

What parents are saying

"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You've become such an important part in Makoa's upbringing.” – Anna

"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

“Thanks for a great day! Brooklyn has absolutely loved going to bush school these holidays and will be coming back next holidays!” – Kaisha

“What you offer is priceless and our kids are so lucky to have someone like yourself, taking the time and attention to teach the kids about nature and what it can teach them.”     - Aiden

The small print

Refunds and transfers

For any refunds or transers please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. A 10% administration fee applies you if you cancel more than 7 days in advance of the attendance date. A 20% fee applies if canceling less than 7 days from attendance date. No refund is given if you cancel less than 72 hours before the attendance date. We are generally happy to transfer a booking to another date within the same holiday period with a minimum 48 hours notice, depending on availability. Unfortunately we do not refund if you forget to attend or your child is sick. We will provide a 50% refund if Bush School is cancelled due to extreme weather or some rare unforeseen event.

Cancellations

Bush School still operates rain hail or shine! (Yes, we don’t mind kids going out into the rain!) If, due to extreme weather, very heavy rain, or some other unforeseen circumstance Bush School needs to be cancelled, Rohan will contact parents the night before via email and text and no later than 7am on the day. 50% refunds will be issued for cancellations. If it is raining we have equipment to make shelters and keep children dry. It is the responsibility of parents to make sure children have raincoats and are appropriately dressed for a day outside.

                        

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/

 

 

Brunswick Bush School is not a 'school', but a place to learn in and from nature. We offer a variety of Nature Connection Programs for children. 

We are a mobile, outdoor bush program for children aged 3–12 years. 

We are not an approved/licensed childcare service under the National Quality Framework (NQF) or the Department of Education. Instead, we provide recreational, educational, and nature-based programs where children learn, play, and explore the outdoors.

If you have a program you would like us to run, or you are in another location, we can also come to you. Contact Rohan for more infromation.

Listen to a podcast section about Bruns Bush School

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