Each week at Bush School, we follow the rhythms of the season – discovering what’s happening along the harbour right now!

Term 3: Fridays 24 July - 25 September

This winter, our Bush School adventures will be guided by some of nature's most fascinating travellers and hidden creatures. As the days grow cooler, children will explore the incredible journeys of migrating whales, and long-finned eels, take a closer look at both mega and micro bats, and investigate the busy world of winter insects.

Through hands-on nature play, storytelling, sensory experiences, creative arts, and outdoor exploration, children will develop a deeper connection to the natural world while building curiosity, confidence, and respect for local ecosystems. Together, we'll follow migration pathways, learn how animals communicate and navigate, search for signs of wildlife, and wonder at the many ways creatures adapt and thrive during the winter season.

Our sessions are guided by weather, local wildlife, and children’s curiosity, allowing us to respond to what we find and what captures their imagination each day.

More about Bush School

Bush School is a nature play program for 2.5 - 5 year olds and their carers, set amongst the trees and ponds of Centennial Park. It’s about climbing, collecting, splashing, balancing, building and wandering, without rushing to the next thing.

Each session is child-led and open-ended. There are cubbies to build, trees to climb, animals to meet and plenty of dirt to dig. Kids set the pace. Educators support the play. Adults stay and get involved, learning alongside their child through nature connection and hands-on activities.

What to expect:

Nature-based free play and sensory discovery

Mud, sticks, leaves and imagination

Bushcraft and storytelling

Carer-child connection through shared outdoor experience

Practical take-home ideas for nature play

This is a stay-and-play program, carers are part of the learning journey too.

Age: Children 2.5 - 5 years

Meeting point: Our Bush School site is located in the trees at Ash Paddock, Centennial Park.

Things to know before you attend

Bush School is an outdoor program and will take place in all-weather except for high winds and thunderstorms. Participants (adults and children) are expected to dress for the outdoors, including bringing wet weather gear, a hat, sturdy enclosed shoes and waterproof footwear when required.

We reserve the right to cancel the event in case of dangerous weather or if minimum participation numbers are not met. In these circumstances a refund will be offered. Please refer to our full terms and conditions for more information.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email education@gsp.nsw.gov.au or give us a call on 02 9339 6645 for assistance.

What to bring to the event

Ensure your child comes prepared for this session by:

Bringing a refillable drink bottle and a small snack for morning tea

Dressing for the weather, e.g. sun protection (hat, sunscreen, cool clothing) and wet weather gear (raincoat, shoes and change of clothes)

Your responsibilities if you feel unwell

I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that all attendees associated with this booking do not attend if:

We/I show any COVID-19, infectious disease or virus symptoms or feel unwell

We/I have had a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting within 12 hours or at the time of the program

We/I have been asked to self-isolate

We/I have had a positive COVID-19 test result and continue to have symptoms.

If any of the above apply to you or any attendee associated with this booking, we request that you do not attend this program. In this instance, please contact us via email on education@gsp.nsw.gov.au to arrange for a refund of your ticket.

Contact the host of Bush School Fridays 2026 (2.5 - 5 year-olds)