Sunshine Coast school 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 and to book.
Program | Description | Activity | Style of activity | Theme | Age | Find out more or book |
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 |
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 | Wildlife Conservation First 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 | Listen to the podcast here. |
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-on Make a difference Excursion | Coastal Sustainability | Year 4 - 12 | Website link |
Biodiversity through Biosecurity | Is a FREE, fun educational program designed for all ages. Fill in this form to book in for a Invasive Plants and Animals Awareness workshop. | Workshop | Incursion | Biosecurity Conservation | Year 4-12 and adult workshops |
or |
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-on Make a difference Excursion Workshop | Conservation Plants Coastal Rivers and catchments Wildlife | All school ages – must be able to take direction. |
or apply online |
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 | Excursion Self-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 Country First Nations Citizen science Wildlife Plants Art 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 |
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 |
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 |
Smart Paws Pet Awareness | A fun and educational program on responsible pet ownership and dog bite prevention. The program has been designed to help children understand how to interact with animals confidently and safely. | In class talks | Incursion | Responsible pet ownership | Prep - Year 6 | Website Link or book online |
Turtle Conservation | A service provided free to schools on the Sunshine Coast. This program teaches students and teachers about the lifecycle, biology and threats to our critically endangered loggerhead turtles who nest on our beaches each summer. A fun program which is tailored to specific age groups. | In class talk | Educational workshop | Wildlife Conservation | Year 1 - 7 | Email with preferred date and time for availability. |
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 |