Explore the bush, build your skills, brave the unknown!

Bush School for 8 to 12 year olds gives older kids space to roam, explore and try real bushcraft in a safe and supportive outdoor setting. It’s a drop-off program held in the wild corners of Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands. There are tracks to follow, shelters to build, maps to read and skills to master.

Each session blends free play and group challenges. Whether they’re learning to navigate with a compass, starting a fire safely, building with clay or just hanging out in the bush, kids get the chance to lead, create and connect — with nature, each other, and themselves.

What to expect:

Mud, dirt, teamwork and problem-solving

Quiet reflection and confidence-building challenges

Freedom to explore, create and get grubby

Orienteering, map reading and nature games

Fire safety, tool use, and hands-on bushcraft

This is a drop-off program guided by experienced nature educators.

Age: Children 8 - 12 years

Meeting point: UPDATE Bush School has moved!

Meet at the Spotted Gum shelter at Lizard Log, in Western Sydney Parklands. Best parking is in East Car Park, Lizard Log.

Please note: this is our drop-off Bush School program for kids 8 - 12 years.

Our early years Bush School program will be running on the same day and time, so you can drop off the older ones and head down the hill to attend Bush School for 3 to 7 year-olds, where you stay, play and retain duty of care for your children throughout.

Things to know before you attend

Please come prepared, as this program will go ahead in all-weather unless it is unsafe to do so (for example, during high winds, thunderstorms or total fire bans).

We require a minimum of 10 participants for this booking to go ahead. 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.

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 with sun protection (hat, sunscreen, cool clothing) and wet weather gear (raincoat, shoes and change of clothes)

Wearing enclosed footwear

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 of the program time

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.