Treasure Island - School Holidays at Fernhill Estate - Spring 2026

Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure, children will set off across Fernhill Estate in search of hidden clues, secret places and long-lost treasure. 

Normally closed to the public, the historic estate becomes our very own Treasure Island for the day. Following a treasure map, children will explore the gardens, wander the grounds around the old mansion and search for clues hidden throughout the estate. 

Along the way, they will learn simple navigation skills, solve puzzles and work together to uncover the next clue. Some are easy, while others take teamwork, observation and a little persistence. Every discovery brings them one step closer to the treasure. 

The day finishes around the campfire at the Hayshed, where children will learn the basics of safe fire lighting before creating their own treasure map to take home. 

Who knows... perhaps the old mansion still has a few secrets left to reveal. 

Program highlights  

• Enjoy special access to the historic Fernhill Estate and explore the grounds surrounding the old mansion. 

• Follow a treasure map, solve clues and work together to uncover the hidden treasure. 

• Learn basic navigation and map-reading skills through hands-on outdoor adventures. 

• Finish the day around a campfire, learning safe fire-lighting skills and creating a treasure map to take home. 

This 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.