Sunshine Coast education programs
We have a large variety of education programs and events available to schools and groups.
A large variety of council-supported education programs and events are available to schools and groups, from hands on activities to self-guided excursions which explore a wide range of sustainability, conservation, pet education and wildlife themes.
Please note availability of some activities may vary depending on staff availability and waiting lists may apply.
See the table below for more program information or book online.
| Program | Description | Activity | Style of activity | Theme | Age Group | Find out more |
| Bat Chats | A service provided free to schools on the Sunshine Coast. A lesson where a conservation officer teaches students and teachers about the ecological importance of flying-foxes and students are required to problem-solve how to manage an urban roost. | In class talks | Educational workshop | WildlifeConservationFirst Nations | Year 3 - 8 | Email for officer availability. |
| BatPod | A self-guided podcast where listeners become junior conservation officers. The podcast shares First Nations knowledge, factual information and expert guidance to encourage student’s empathy towards both flying-foxes and humans and inspire solutions. | Incursion resources | Choose-your-own adventure podcast Self-guided | Wildlife Conservation First Nations | Year 3 - 8 | Spotify link |
| Beach Clean Up Program | We partner with volunteers, schools, businesses and community groups to protect our local beaches and coastal environments from litter and marine debris. | Marine debris litter collection from beaches. Litter sorting and recording with Tangaroa Blue. Schools Beach Clean Up Event. | Hands-onMake a differenceExcursion | Coastal Sustainability | Year 4 - 12 | Website link |
| BushCare Mates | A school conservation program that uses bushcare and tree planting to educate and inspire students to connect with their local environment while fostering a sense of community. Funding for transport available. | Tree planting Hand weeding Educational workshops | Hands-onMake a differenceExcursionWorkshop | ConservationPlantsCoastalRivers and catchmentsWildlife | All school ages – must be able to take direction. |
or book online |
| Bush Hands eNews | Council's environment themed email newsletter with articles focusing on topics such as latest conservation techniques, volunteering opportunities, upcoming events, plant and animal profiles, land management advice, updates on council's environment programs and projects and more. | Email newsletter | Resources | Coastal Rivers and catchments Water Wildlife Fire Cultural heritage Conservation Plants Sustainability | Middle - secondary school | Subscribe and see past issues. |
| Coastal Discovery Van & Clean Ocean Champions | Is a new educational tool, fitted with interpretative and information displays. These show coastal processes that influence our beaches and waterways. Online lessons and activities in Coastal Guardian passport. | Workshop Online resources | Incursion Resources | Coastal | All school ages – must be able to take direction. | Website link |
| Environment resources and publications | Information sheets, brochures, articles, videos and links. | Online information for teaching or school projects | Resources | Coastal Rivers and catchments Water Wildlife Fire Cultural heritage Conservation Plants Sustainability | All ages | Website link |
| Kids in Action | A program inspiring positive action and capacity amongst our future environmental custodians. The program brings schools together to explore local environmental issues. | Day of workshops Conference | ExcursionSelf-guided | Connecting to Country First Nations Citizen science Climate change Wildlife Plants | Designed primarily for students from Years 5-8. | Website link |
| Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens | Self-guided walks/experiences to discover the story of the natural landscape that shapes the character of the Sunshine Coast. | Self-guided walks | Excursion | Connecting to CountryFirst NationsCitizen scienceWildlifePlantsArt in Nature | All ages | Website link |
| Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary | Pre-booked guided walks are conducted by volunteer guides with a passion for sharing the stories of the plants and animals that make the wetlands unique. | Guided walks | Excursion | Connecting to Country First Nations Citizen science Climate change Wildlife Plants Wetlands Habitat | All school ages – must be able to take direction. | Website link |
| Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve | Pre-booked guided walks are conducted by volunteer guides with a passion for sharing the stories of the plants, animals and fungi that make the reserve special. | Guided walks | Excursion | Connecting to Country First Nations Citizen science Climate change Wildlife Plants | All school ages – must be able to take direction. | Website link |
| Night Creatures library talks | Library talks provided free to the community, to promote the ecological importance of flying-foxes and the role of wildlife carers. | Library talks | Educational workshop | Wildlife Conservation | All ages | Contact Sunshine Coast libraries |
| Schools National Tree Day | A national day for schools to get involved in planting trees, generally held annually on the last friday in July. We can coordinate tree planting activities in council’s environment reserves on this day or anytime of the year. Funding for transport available. | Tree planting | Hands-on Make a difference Excursion | Conservation Plants Coastal Rivers and catchments Wildlife | All school ages – must be able to take direction. | Delivered through BushCare Mates program |
| Waste 2 Resource Education Program | A service provided free to schools on the Sunshine Coast. The program teaches students, parents and teachers about the '3Rs' (reduce, reuse and recycle). | In class talks | Incursion Resources | Sustainability | All pre-school and school ages | Website link or book online |
| Bankfoot House Education Program | Free education program linked to the National Curriculum. Hands on activities include butter making, wash day, farming, and heritage tours through the 1868 house. | Hands on activities | Excursion | Sunshine Coast pioneering history | Primary school students | Website link |
| Rocky shore fact sheet | View our free rocky shore species identification fact sheet and marvel at the magic of life among the rocks. | Online resource | Resources | Coastal | All ages | Download here |