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Excursions

Cubby Building @ Belair National Park

Nature Play SA’s unique Cubby Building Excursion immerses students in a real-world STEM challenge set within the stunning surroundings of Belair National Park. Through a series of team-based challenges, students use natural, open-ended resources to problem-solve, design, and construct imaginative cubby creations. The timeless beauty of nature and the park’s rich history provide the perfect setting for meaningful learning, where cooperation and resilience are key to success, and sustainable practices are woven throughout.

Since 2022, Nature Play SA has hosted over 140 schools and 8,000 visitors in Belair National Park for our flagship Cubby Building Excursion. We regularly welcome groups of 20 to 100 learners per day, with larger groups of up to 150 accommodated upon request.

Duration:
3.5 – 4 hours
Cost (per student):
$20 [+GST]
Target Audience:
Kindy to Year 6
Conditions:
Minimum spend of $400.
Make Your Booking

Testimonials

Nature Play SA go above and beyond to provide an engaging and nurturing environment for students to learn and play in. The problem-solving, creativity, and cooperation we see in our students while working with Nature Play SA is so encouraging. Thank you for supporting life-long learning through your amazing programs!

Cubby Building in Belair National Park - Tyndale Christian School Strathalbyn

This is the Fifth time I have been with our school. Every time the students and the teachers/parent helpers enjoy the experience. Just enough information is given for the age of the students. Thank you for having this wonderful experience.

Cubby Building in Belair National Park - Woodend Primary School

The children were mesmerised by the environment and the information given. Children loved being outdoors and were engaged all the time. The day was awesome.

Cubby Building in Belair National Park - St Andrew’s School

Our Year 1 classes thoroughly enjoyed the Cubby building experience. The facilitators engaged the large group of students from the moment we stepped off the bus. The educators were amazing at delivering information appropriate to the age group of students. The activities were fun and engaging with a clear environmental message. Thank you!

Cubby Building in Belair National Park - Star of the Sea School Henley Beach

The Foundation students from Southern Vales Christian College had a wonderful excursion to Belair National park with Nature Play SA. We did the excursion as part of our special places unit of study. The students enjoyed building a shelter for a bandicoot and then loved creating a larger cubby house shelter. They used sticks and other equipment to create a cubby large enough to eat lunch in. It was an experience they will treasure.

Cubby Building in Belair National Park - Southern Vales Christian College

Nature Play SA offers a variety of fun programs, filled with learning and experiences. Each time we have participated in a different program the students have learnt so much and are filled with excitement and a new appreciation of nature. The programs allow the students to be aware of their surrounds and explore all our incredible natural environments.

Cubby Building in Belair National Park - Eastern Fleurieu School Ashbourne campus

The cubby building excursion with Nature Play SA was an outstanding experience for the Year 1 students. The staff were exceptional, providing enthusiastic support and guidance throughout the activity. The hands-on experience of constructing cubbies perfectly complemented the classroom learning, reinforcing teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way.

Cubby Building in Belair National Park - Christian Brothers College

Our students were so engaged and proud of their cubby building experience. The program had a great balance of interesting cultural and environmental information along with hands-on activities. The children thrived on the challenges and working as teams. The peaceful trail walk at the end further stimulated their sense of wonder. Thank you for a fabulous day!

Cubby Building in Belair National Park - Mitcham Primary School

The perfect excursion for schools, engaging, educational, beautiful setting, passionate staff, a great day for students, parents and teachers. Was one of the best excursions I've been on, we will definitely be booking for next year.

Cubby Building in Belair National Park - East Adelaide School

It was amazing!! The staff were fantastic - engaging and knowledgeable. The students were engaged and haven’t stopped talking about how much fun it was! Thank you.

Cubby Building in Belair National Park - Willunga primary school

Cubby Building in Belair National Park FAQ's

What are the start and finish times?

This excursion typically runs from 10:30am to 1:30pm, but adjustments can be made to accommodate specific travel needs. Groups are advised to arrive at Belair National Park gates by 10am to allow time for the drive through the park, unloading, restroom visits, class group gathering, recess, and settling in before the 10:30am start.

Nature Play SA educators will welcome participants at the drop-off area near the bus turnaround point. Groups typically depart around 2pm.

Where is the cubby building excursion held?

Our cubby building excursion is held at the Karka Pavilion, about 3km from the park entrance. The drive through the park is a wonderful introduction to the day and sets the scene perfectly.

Directions and maps will be emailed with your booking confirmation. You can also visit the Belair National Park website to download maps here.

What food and drink should we bring?

Students will eat their recess and lunch in the park. We encourage lots of nutritious snacks and water for frequent breaks.

Please note that there is no fresh water available in the park. Our staff will have some drinking water on hand for refilling of drink bottles but we suggest this is factored into your planning of ‘what to bring’ from school.

Please also note there are no rubbish bins in the park, so all food waste and rubbish will leave with you. We suggest encouraging learners to bring “wrapper-free food” for the excursion.

What type of shoes and clothing should we wear?

Ensuring everyone’s comfort is key! We want everyone to feel comfortable during the program, including educators and adult helpers.

Please ensure students are dressed for a day of all-weather, outdoor play. This includes a hat, sunscreen, closed in sturdy shoes with good grip, and comfortable layers of clothing. Rain jackets, waterproof clothing, and gumboots are welcome in winter months. In the event of predicted wet weather, we suggest students have a spare pair of socks/clothing at school to enable them to change out of muddy or wet clothing before going home.

Should we organise learners into small groups before we arrive?

Yes. Group sizes will depend on the age and number of learners present on the day, but generally, groups of 5 or 6 work well. It is helpful to have at least one adult to support each group during the cubby building program, particularly for younger learners.

Your school/site-based policy and procedures will guide the adult/child ratio for your program. DfE guidelines require:

  • 1:6 for preschool to year 2
  • 1:10 for years 3 to 6
  • 1:15 for years 7 to 12.

Our programs are staffed by experienced educators, but they are not ‘in ratio’ for the purposes of your excursion or incursion and cannot be counted as such.

Are there toilets available?

Toilets, including both male and female facilities at the Karka Pavilion, are accessible throughout the day, with a wheelchair-accessible option also available

Is there an entry fee?

Entry to Belair National Park is free for Nature Play SA (NPSA) excursion programs. Parent/Guardians and adult helpers traveling in their own cars will not have to pay an entry fee. They simply need to inform the National Park staff that they are with a Nature Play SA excursion, and they will be able to drive through to the Karka Pavilion without any additional charges.

What do we have to provide?

We value connections and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. We appreciate it when everyone wears a name tag (even masking tape is fine) during the program, and we’ll be wearing our name badges too.

The Teacher-in-Charge is responsible for all pastoral care and first aid for students (as per DfE guidelines), so please ensure you have all necessary documentation and resources in line with school-based policies and procedures.

Do you provide Social Stories ?

Yes. Social stories are valuable tools in supporting the development of social and emotional skills in neurodiverse children. Your booking confirmation email will include a link to a short video introducing some of our staff and breaking down the excursion into simple, clear steps.

General FAQ's

What happens if we have to cancel our session?

A $200 cancellation fee applies if you cancel your confirmed booking without rescheduling. In case of cancellation due to hazardous weather, NPSA will endeavor to notify you by 4pm the day before your program offering (no cancellation fee applies). If cancellation is necessary due to severe or hazardous weather conditions, we will collaborate with you to reschedule programs for a mutually agreeable time.

When will you invoice and require payment?

An invoice will be promptly sent to your site following your excursion for payment within 14 days. Attendance numbers will be recorded on the day to ensure accurate invoicing. In-term programs are charged based on children present on the day, while OSHC and vacation care programs are charged based on specific numbers at the time of booking.

Policies and procedures

Risk Assessments: Upon booking confirmation for all programs, a risk assessment is provided for your review. Please carefully review this document and ensure that all staff (and volunteers where applicable) are aware of their roles and responsibilities on the day.

Insurance: NPSA holds public liability insurance and possesses a certificate of currency, which can be provided upon request.

Staff Clearances: All NPSA staff possess current DHS Working with Children Checks, Catholic Education clearances, and/or Teacher Registration, along with up-to-date first aid and RRHAN-EC training. These clearances can be provided upon request, and staff also carry hard copies on program days.

What are the adult to child ratios that we need to provide?

All programs are led by experienced NPSA educators; however, they do not count towards the required adult-to-child ratio for your excursion or incursion.

Your school/site-based policies and procedures will dictate the appropriate adult-to-child ratio for your program. We encourage the presence of adult helpers for excursions. According to DfE guidelines:

  • 1:6 for preschool to year 2
  • 1:10 for years 3 to 6
  • 1:15 for years 7 to 12.

Our Partners

Green Adelaide

Green Adelaide is a South Australian Government supported organisation that is working towards a vision of a cooler, greener, wilder and climate-resilient metropolitan South Australia. The Green Adelaide area spans from the hills to the sea, encompassing 17 metropolitan council areas and about 1.3 million South Australians. Nature Play SA is funded by Green Adelaide and contributes to Adelaide National Park City.

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Our Partners

Department for Education

The Department for Education aims to ensure South Australia’s public education system can unlock every child’s potential now and in the future. Educators and staff work in partnership with families and communities to empower all children and young people with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities they need to become fulfilled individuals, active, compassionate citizens, and lifelong learners.

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Our Partners

The Department for Environment and Water

The Department for Environment and Water aims to help South Australians conserve, sustain and prosper. Their work in managing, conserving, and sustaining our environment and cultural resources is vital for the wellbeing of all South Australians.

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