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Junior Wildlife Scientist Adventure

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PREP & YEAR 1 - 2 Classes max/day

FULL DAY PROGRAM
9.15am–2.00pm

Curriculum Links

  • Science
  • HASS (Geography
  • English
  • Sustainability
High Impact Pedagogies
  • Real-life forest context
  • Nature play
  • Age-appropriate pedagogies
  • Student led
  • Story and drama

Through drama, hands on play and connection with nature, students investigate koalas and their habitat.

Students will be able to:

  • understand why this place is special (with the focus on koala habitat) and how to care for it.
  • understand the needs of living things.
  • observe external features of plants and animals.
  • undertake scientific inquiry through understanding and using their senses.

Overview of day

Students are invited to the Bunyaville Environmental Education Centre's Wildlife Scientist Training Ground by Koala Blue to undertake their training to become wildlife scientists.

On arrival, they are hooked into the story and eager to see Koala Blue who appears to be missing. Hoping to see them soon, the students go and train in the Wildlife Scientist Training Grounds where they undertake age appropriate, nature play activities that develop creativity, critical thinking, inquiry and social skills. Finding out that Koala Blue is missing in the forest, students go on an Earthwalk led by the Bunyaville EEC Scientists (teachers). While they are trying to find Koala Blue they learn about koalas, as well as connecting with the natural wonders of the forest along the way. The day culminates at the Centre where they solve the problem of their missing koala thanks to a helpful forest friend. 

​P.S. Don't let the students know the koala goes missing yet. It will all be revealed on the day.




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Testimonials

For several years I attended the Bush Play Adventure with Prep students at Bunyaville EEC. Every year, after our excursion to Bunyaville, I was asked for feedback, however I didn't really know what to say. I think this is because I had nothing to compare it to, and I didn't have any suggestions for improvement. This year I am at a new school, and we attended another bush excursion. After experiencing this similar excursion at a different location, I was filled with a genuine appreciation and longing for all you offer to the prep students at Bunyaville.

Based on the Junior Wildlife Scientist Adventure I experienced until last year, here's what I absolutely love and appreciate about your program:

  • The activities are unreal, and all the resources are beautiful, cared for and well maintained. The water play is unrivalled. The clay, dress-ups, the tent area, musical instruments, digging for fossils or gold, animal hospital, sensory table – the list goes on and there is something for everyone.
  • The staff at Bunyaville are gentle, kind, and inspiring for the children.
  • The curriculum connections were clear and relevant.
  • I would love to come back and experience this program again and again.

In a world (and a school system) that places great demands on 4 and 5 year old people, your developmentally targeted program provides our youngest learners with an opportunity to enjoy investigating, creating, thinking and learning together as a class family.

Ms H – Prep teacher


Bunyaville provided our Prep students with a safe and inclusive environment to explore their natural world. There were activities to engage all learners and the staff did an incredible job of creating excitement and passion about caring for the environment. The Bunyaville excursion is always a highlight on our Prep calendar!

Ms – N Prep teacher



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Last reviewed 05 September 2025
Last updated 05 September 2025