NSW Environmental Education Centres

Natural learning

Awabakal Environmental Education Centre

Awabakal EEC

At Awabakal Environmental Education Centre, we are passionate educators dedicated to inspiring the next generation of environmental champions. As proud members of the NSW Department of Education’s vibrant network of 24 Environmental and Zoo Education Centres, we ignite curiosity and foster a deep connection to nature through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.

Each year, we engage thousands of students, from Kindergarten through Year 12, with dynamic programs fully aligned to the NSW curriculum. Whether through exciting excursions, enriching incursions, or specialised HPGE programs, we bring the wonders of the environment and sustainability directly to students.

Our team is made up of enthusiastic Department of Education teachers, with experience in primary and secondary education, Science, Geography, and environmental education. We are committed to empowering students to become passionate guardians of our planet.

Serving Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Region, and beyond, Awabakal Environmental Education Centre is your partner in delivering high-quality, inspiring environmental and sustainability education.

Awabakal Environmental Education Centre offers programs at our two campuses and at many offsite locations.

The Dudley Campus has been operating since 1976 and is one of the oldest Environmental Education Centres in the state.

This Campus sits on the edge of Awabakal Nature Reserve, containing:

  • outdoor learning spaces
  • classroom
  • access to walking trails.

The Wetlands Campus, located at Hunter Wetlands Centre.The 45 hectare site is located west of Newcastle, NSW. 

It includes natural, rehabilitated and artificial wetlands. The wetlands is home to many animals, including over 200 bird species throughout the year.

The school education program is offered through a purpose built centre, which includes:

  • a classroom
  • science laboratory
  • theatre
  • access to accessible walking trails

Visit Awabakal EEC website

Maps end here
Maps end here


Coastal Studies

Science

Stage 3

Students explore the rock platform and beach environment, participating in investigations looking at the physical conditions of these environments and adaptations that help living things survive in these conditions. Students also learn about actions they can take in creating a sustainable future in this environment.

Activities:

  • Rock platform adaptations exploration
  • Investigation of the effect of rock pool water temperature on biodiversity
  • Investigation of physical conditions on the beach including measuring air temperature, wind speed and sand temperature. Discussion of the adaptations of dune plants to survive in these conditions

AUSMAP (Australian Microplastics Assessment Project) Citizen Science activityProgram details

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Coastal Change and Management (Stockton Beach)

Geography

Stage 5

Students investigate causes, extent and consequences of human induced environmental change at Stockton Beach. Students discuss biophysical processes and collect data on the physical environment. They investigate and evaluate the management of environmental change in this coastal environment.

The program will include:

  • Introduction
  • Observing, describing and evaluating environmental management and change at this location
  • Data collection on aspects of the physical environment (e.g. Air temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, long shore drift direction) and discussion biophysical processes
  • Construction of a vegetation transect using a vegetation field guide
  • Conduct an investigation of micro and macro plastics at this location
  • Field sketch
  • Examination of coastal processes

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Learning resources

 

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