What if an old wardrobe could open the door to a world of wild adventures?

Inspired by the C.S. Lewis classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, children are invited to step inside the historic Fernhill Estate mansion, where imagination runs wild and the animals have stories to tell.

Behind grand doors and through winding hallways, children will discover the animals that call Fernhill Estate home. Through storytelling, imaginative play and hands-on nature activities, they'll learn about everything from horses in the paddocks to possums, birds and other creatures found in the surrounding bushland.

Inside the mansion, children will bring their own animal-inspired stories to life, create imaginative creatures and explore how different animals adapt to their environments.

Outdoors, they'll search for signs of wildlife, discover animal habitats and learn how we can help protect the special places animals call home.

Program highlights include:

Through the Wardrobe: Step inside the historic Fernhill mansion for imaginative storytelling inspired by the animals of Fernhill Estate.

The Secret Lives of Animals: Discover fascinating animal adaptations, habitats and behaviours through hands-on games and nature-inspired activities.

Wild Creations: Create your own fantastical creature, animal home or nature-inspired artwork.

Beyond the Mansion Walls: Venture outdoors to search for signs of wildlife, explore animal habitats and discover how we can care for nature.

A little imagination, a touch of magic and a whole lot of wild discovery await!

This 4-hour drop-off program is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years.

Please note: Our programs are primarily child-led nature play experiences. Whilst we have planned themes, children co-create the program each day and may not engage in scheduled activities.

Drop off and pick up: Hayshed, Fernhill Estate

Google Maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qUX75F6tFJvBMkiQA

Please note; there is a 1 kilometre/20 minute uphill guided walk from the Hayshed to the gardens at Fernhill House (and return walk back down), which is incorporated into the program.

Things to know before you attend

Please come prepared, as this program takes place outdoors and will go ahead in all-weather, unless it is unsafe to do so (for example, during high winds or thunderstorms). Children must wear enclosed shoes.

This is a drop-off program for children aged 5 - 12 years. Parents do not attend with children.

Our drop-off school holiday programs have an adult to child ratio of 1:10. We are unable to offer 1:1 support for children. If you would like to discuss the needs of your child with us, please email education@gsp.nsw.gov.au or assist us by completing the accessibility requirements and behavioural needs questions when registering.

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.

Fire will not be included in our session if the NSW Rural Fire Service fire danger rating is above Moderate. Sessions will instead focus on bushcraft, creative games and nature play.

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. If you need assistance on the day of the program, please call the Fernhill Estate Security Ranger on 0409 297 332.

What to bring to the event

Ensure you come prepared for this session by:

Bringing a full water bottle - there is no drinking water available onsite
Bringing lunch, including morning and afternoon tea

Dressing for the weather with sun protection (hat, sunscreen, cool clothing), wet weather gear (raincoat, shoes and change of clothes), and warm layers

Wearing enclosed footwear
Providing the Educator with a medical treatment plan and clearly labelled medicine (with the child’s name and instructions) at drop-off, should medication be required. Examples include EpiPen for anaphylaxis, asthma inhaler, or allergy medication.

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 The Possum, the Horse and the Wardrobe: A Summer School Holiday Adventure - Summer 2027

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