WHY enrol your child/ren in one of our ‘Adventures With Wildbark’ School Holiday Programs?

At the heart of every family lies a deep desire to nurture curiosity, a love for nature, and a sense of wonder in our children. By immersing your child in this unique and enriching environment, you are giving them the chance to explore, learn, and grow in ways that will shape their understanding and appreciation of the world around them. This is where their journey of discovery begins, and where they will find the seeds of passion for conservation, science, and the beauty of the natural world.

WHAT can you expect?

An unparalleled experience, blending education and adventure in this pristine. Your child will embark on exciting expeditions, uncovering the secrets of local wildlife and habitats through hands-on activities and guided explorations. They will learn about the delicate balance of ecosystems, the importance of conservation, and the fascinating behaviours of native species. Expect them to return home with stories of encounters, newfound friendships, and a deep sense of achievement and connection to nature.

No prior knowledge or outdoor experience is needed, just curiosity and willingness to explore.

Programs offer:

✔ small group experiences
✔ passionate educators and guides
✔ real conservation stories
✔ opportunities for children to grow in confidence
✔ a safe outdoor environment for exploration and play

Many children return again and again as their curiosity grows.

Check out a sample of what our adventures offer:

• Junior Explorers Program (Ages 5-11)
  
  Our young explorers will go deep into the 1286 hectare predator-proof box-gum grassy woodland sanctuary with open-air and inquiry-based learning. Mornings we head off in search for animal tracks, discover hidden habitats and explore this ecosystem, cooking or enjoying snacks along the way, before an afternoon of activities, games or encounters back at basecamp aka Wildbark.
  

  Activities across the week may include:
  

• Keeper for a Morning - Animal Enrichment

• Wildlife Tracking, Encounters and Reptile Shows

• A delicious morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea all catered by our in-house restaurant.

• Climb, Click, Capture on our Ground to Sky nature photography walk

• Virtual Reality experiences, conservation drone pilot program, radio tracking expeditions, tracking & trapping opportunity

• Hollow Home Investigations

• Birdwatching expeditions (such as the Wedge-Tailed Eagle, Superb Parrots, Bush Stone Curlew and so many more.)

• View life under the microscope (Water Bugs)

• Excursion Day - visiting Treetops Adventures Canberra (High Ropes Course/NetWorld) or Australian National Botanic Gardens

• Playground, games, arts, crafts, cooking workshops

• Step through time, from the Geology and history of Mulligans Flat along with the connection to country yarn, bush tucker tasting and impacts of European Settlement

• Enjoy Special Guest presentations from our Friends of Wildbark

Youth Rangers Program - Immersive Experience (Grades 6-9)

For curious young people ready to go deeper.

The Youth Program invites participants to explore the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary in a more investigative and creative way — discovering how scientists, rangers and researchers work to understand and protect wildlife.

Over three days, participants try their hand at a wide range of activities that combine science, creativity, discovery and adventure in nature.

Rather than simply learning about conservation, they begin to experience how research and exploration actually happen in the field. Participants learn how scientists monitor wildlife and study ecosystems.

What Participants May Experience

Wildlife Research & Monitoring
Participants may explore tools and techniques used in conservation, including camera traps, DNA activities, detection dogs in conservation, and learning about research projects such as the Eastern Quoll research station, New Holland (Pookila) Mouse and Golden Sun Moth studies.

Field Exploration
Investigate the woodland ecosystem through activities such as Echidna Sweep surveys, Turtle Patrol, wildlife tracking and discovering the geology that shapes the landscape.

Creative Nature Practices
Slow down and observe the natural world through wildlife photography, nature journaling and watercolour workshops inspired by the sanctuary.

Technology & Innovation
Explore how technology supports conservation through activities such as virtual reality experiences and digital wildlife exploration.

Adventure & Fun in Nature
Alongside these experiences, participants enjoy games, team challenges and time to explore and connect with nature and new friends.

A Special End to the Week

The program concludes with a private twilight tour of Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, where participants experience the woodland as it transitions into evening and reflect on the discoveries made during the program.

By the end of the experience, participants leave with new skills, confidence, friendships and a deeper understanding of the wildlife and ecosystems around them.

(Pilot Program) Wild Voices - A Natural Communicators Program (Ages 7-12)

Where young people discover their voice for nature.

A more theatrical workshop designed program for young people ready to build confidence and share powerful stories about nature.

This program blends nature exploration with theatre-inspired activities to develop skills in:

• storytelling

• public speaking

• science communication

• guiding visitors

Participants take on roles such as wildlife researchers, conservation advocates and tour guides.

The program culminates in a special moment where participants help guide families during the Wildbark Family Twilight Night Walk on the final evening.

A powerful experience where young voices lead the way in sharing the story of Mulligans Flat.

HOW will it be delivered?

Our expert educators and passionate guides bring the Adventures With Wildbark programs to life through a carefully crafted curriculum that combines interactive learning with outdoor adventure. Each session is designed to engage young minds, encouraging critical thinking and fostering a spirit of inquiry. Children will participate in guided walks, wildlife spotting, nature-based games, and creative projects that are both educational and fun. Safety and enjoyment are our top priorities, ensuring that every child has a memorable and transformative experience in a supportive and inspiring environment.

This is where their adventure begins, and where the seeds of their future as nature’s stewards are sown. So join us at Wildbark, and let your children embark on an unforgettable journey to discover their own "why". 

Children leave with:
✔ curiosity about wildlife and ecosystems
✔ confidence sharing ideas and discoveries
✔ new friendships
✔ appreciation for the natural world
✔ the understanding that people can help protect nature.

Summary

• Exposes your young person to the fascinating world of conservation at one of Canberra’s most stunning Eco-destinations.

• Activities run from 8:30am – 5.30pm. *Double Check Program

• Late fees applying after 5:30pm. *See below for further information.

• Morning Tea, lunch, afternoon tea & cooking experiences provided. Fussy eater on your hands, no worries at all, you are more than welcome to send a packed lunch/snacks just in case. *We are a nut aware program and ask that you please don’t pack these allergy items. 

We note that this can be a big day especially for those younger children. We are more than happy to stay in contact during the day and let you know if they may require early pick up or even if they just need a quick chat over the phone to hear your voice, to settle those nerves or big feelings.

What To Bring (Check Season/Weather)

• A water bottle as program includes outdoor adventures 

• Warm/Wet weather gear in case of rain

• Hat/Sunglasses/Sunscreen (Summer, Autumn, Spring)

• Beanie/Gloves (Autumn, Winter)

• Enclosed shoes (that you don’t mind get a little muddy or dirty, welcome to pack options)

• Spare clothes & Gumboots/footwear (We will be outside in most conditions)

• Dirty Clothes Bag

• Towel (we don’t mind exploring puddles along the journey)

• During warmer season long loose pants preferred due to snake awareness.

• Please make sure to pack all items in a backpack that your child can comfortably carry throughout the day. If you attend 4 Day Program, welcome to leave items for follow day.

Important Notes

• You will be required to sign your child in and out each day.

• Please note — the fee for pickups after 5:30pm is $50. Unless otherwise requested, this will be charged to the credit card connected to the booking.

• Staffed and developed by the experienced and qualified Education Guides, we pride ourselves on delivering a program like no other.

• In the Sanctuary our minibus or utes can support our means of transport/logistics. External Excursion will see larger bus booked with accredited bus companies.

• All Staff/Rangers have current WWVP and First Aid.