Excursions

Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga

The Nature Play SA Wild at Wittunga excursion offers young children a guided nature play experience at the stunning Wittunga House. This 90-minute nature immersion invites our youngest nature explorers to engage in play-based discovery, creative expression, and meaningful connections with nature.

During the session, Nature Play SA educators will lead a journey through the grounds of Wittunga House, exploring local flora and fauna, storytelling through nature, sensory play, and conservation from a young child’s perspective.

Early Learners Go Wild at Wittunga is ideal for groups of up to 30 learners per session, with larger groups accommodated within the Wittunga Botanic Gardens.

Duration:
90 minutes
Cost (per student):
$18.50 [+GST]
Target Audience:
This program has been specifically designed for early years children and is available for Kindy/ELC/Reception groups.
Conditions:
Minimum spend of $350.

Testimonials

Loved this excursion! Flowers in ice and all the pouring implements were wonderful, the sensory experience was brilliant. Cubby building was fantastic too. Such an engaging experience for every child. Some great ideas to take back and add to our nature play at school, and the facilitators were brilliant.

Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga - St Martin’s Primary School

Thank you for inspiring our young learners and sparking their curiosity about and respect for our natural surroundings.

Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga - Concordia College St John’s Campus

Our children were kept so busy and loved all 4 of the activities led by very knowledgeable and experienced educators. The time we spent on our excursion went so quickly. We had fun and learnt a lot despite the rainy weather! Thank you to the very dedicated team.

Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga - Whitefriars Catholic school

We had the best day! A great educational program that had the children engaged for the whole time. Friendly staff were willing to share their knowledge and expertise with our teachers. Would recommend to educators of all ages.

Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga - St Joseph’s Hindmarsh, Preschool

Early Learner's Go Wild at Wittunga FAQs

Where do we meet you on the day?

The safest bus drop-off for Wittunga House is via the gate on Sherbourne Road (A4). Please refer to the map below for additional information.

Handy hint – If using a GPS unit to navigate on the day, enter ‘Sherbourne Road’ as your destination.

What do we need to provide?

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. NPSA will have a first aid kit on site.

What should learners wear?

Please ensure students are dressed for a day of all-weather, outdoor play based on the expected weather conditions. Encourage learners to wear hats, sunscreen, SunSmart clothing, sturdy shoes in warmer 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 wet clothing before going home.

What will learners be doing?

Early Learners Go Wild at Wittunga invites children to explore local flora and fauna, story telling through nature, sensory free play, and conservation from a young child’s perspective. Provocations and activities change with each season – Summer Fun; Amazing Autumn; Wild Winter; and Spring Magic.

Child playing with Play Dough

What happens if there is inclement weather?

We aim to work outdoors whenever possible, but there are times when rain, wind, or heat may affect the experience. For smaller groups (up to 30), we do have access to our covered deck should we need to escape a passing shower. 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

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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