Excursions

Discover Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta

Nature Play SA offers a unique range of experiences in Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta that sees learners explore Kaurna and European history, discover unique flora and fauna, and engage in experiences centred around connection, wellbeing, and stewardship.

We offer a variety of programs that range from 90 minutes to full-day experiences! Programs include mobile cubby building, exploring mini-beasts, mini-festivals, and geocaching excursions, which allow plenty of time to explore South Australia’s newest national park and nature play space.

 

Discover GNP-IY Program Menu for 2025

 

Book now on the link below or contact our Education Team to tailor a program to your needs [email protected]

 

Duration:
Options Available
Target Audience:
Reception to Year 12
Conditions:
Minimum spends apply

Testimonials

An amazing day spent on Kaurna Yerta listening and learning.

Discover Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta - Hallett Cove East Primary School

What an amazing experience to get our children immersed in a brand new National Park! The staff were super engaging and great with our children. We enjoyed using our problem-solving skills to build a cubby and had a blast exploring the different flora and fauna in the area before doing some painting. An excursion that I’m sure we will never forget.

Discover Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta - All Saints Catholic Primary School

All our children were engaged and the content linked into what we have been learning in the Australian Curriculum. Highly recommended for all primary aged students.

Discover Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta - All Saints Catholic Primary School

Nature Play SA take all the stress out of planning a fun, engaging & educational outdoor experience. Our students loved learning about our natural environment whist immersed in nature.

Discover Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta - Eden Hills Primary School

Students were engaged in hands on learning linking curriculum taught at school with a connection to nature. An opportunity to be present and enjoy the environment.

Discover Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta - Woodcroft College

A special day out! We love these programs and will continue to use them into the future. Great activities, very engaging.

Discover Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta - Eastern Fleurieu - Ashbourne Campas

Discover Glenthorne National Park - Ityamaiitpinna Yarta FAQs

What are the start and finish times?

Typically, programs in GNP-IY run between 10:00am and 2:00pm, but adjustments can be made to accommodate specific travel needs.

Where do we meet you on the day?

Nature Play SA educators will welcome you upon arrival at the drop-off area near the bus turnaround point. We will set up a home base in the shade of the gum trees on the lawn area located just north of the Main/Central Lawn at the Visitor Hub. There is plenty of visitor parking available for adult helpers.

Aerial view of Glenthorne National Park

Are there toilets available?

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

Is there an entry fee?

Entry to GNP-IY 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.

What food and drink should we bring?

Students will likely eat their recess/lunch in the park. We encourage lots of nutritious snacks and water for frequent breaks. Fresh drinking water is available to refill drink bottles.

Please 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?

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.

Can we organise learners into small groups before we arrive?

Yes. If your excursion includes Mobile Cubby Building, organising small groups before you arrive is helpful. 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.

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.

What happens if the forecast weather is poor?

The weather forecast for GNP-IY (O’Halloren Hill) may be different to the forecast for your area. Please check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast in the days leading up to your excursion. The excursion will proceed unless severe weather warnings are in place for the local area, or the park is closed due to extreme (or other) weather conditions. In the event of passing showers, there are shelters available that can comfortably hold up to 100 students. If there is to be a cancellation due to severe weather or warnings, where possible, schools will be notified by 4:00pm the day before the event. In this instance, we will work with you to reschedule your program or offer an on-site school visit instead of your excursion.

General FAQs

What ages do you work with?

Our education programs are designed for children in Kindergarten to Year 12. We can tailor programs to suit the learning and curriculum needs of your site/school and the students in your care. Our advertised age ranges are simply there to guide you.

Do you provide all of the materials?

Yes, NPSA will provide all materials for the program you have booked.

What happens if we have to cancel our session?

A $200 cancellation fee applies if you cancel your confirmed booking without rescheduling. If cancellation is due to hazardous weather, NPSA will strive to notify you by 4 pm the day before your scheduled program offering (no cancellation fee applies in this case). In the event of severe or hazardous weather conditions leading to cancellation, 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 you following your excursion for payment within 14 days. Attendance numbers will be recorded on the day to ensure accurate invoicing. Charges for in-term programs are based on the children present on the day, while OSHC and vacation care programs are charged based on predicted 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.

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.

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.

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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