NSW Environmental Education Centres

Natural learning

Georges River Environmental Education Centre

boy throwing a fishing line into water
Student holding shells in hands

Georges River EEC

A centre of environmental and sustainability excellence in South Western Sydney. We deliver high quality, authentic, hands-on experiences for maximum impact in student learning outcomes. We encourage schools to learn local. To engage with local areas for greater connection leading to enhanced environmental awareness and actions for sustainability. 

Visit us at Georges River EEC website

What we offer

We work with NSW public and non-government schools with a focus on schools in South West Sydney to deliver:

  • Syllabus aligned school excursions and incursions for K–12 students
  • Best practice 7-12 fieldwork programs in Science and geography
  • HPGE enrichment programs
  • Programs to support EAL/D learners
  • Sustainability in schools initiatives
  • Teacher professional learning workshops and training in fieldwork pedagogy, outdoor education, Aboriginal education, environmental learning and sustainability practices.
  • Pre-visit and post-visit support.

Our environment

Our centre is strategically positioned to connect students to the natural world along the Georges River. We are explorers, learning about the river and surrounding natural and built environments as it moves from the upper freshwater river through the southwestern suburbs to the low lying estuary before meeting the sea. 

The Georges River EEC is located on the banks of the Georges River at Chipping Norton Lakes. This site provides easy access for schools in South West Sydney. The area contains expansive parklands with native bushland, water views, river beaches and woodlands for safe and supportive immersive outdoor learning.

We offer programs in many sites along the river including the very popular Simmos Beach Reserve in Macquarie Fields and Oatley Park in Oatley.

Our outdoor classrooms invite students to explore, question and connect with the world around them. They are inclusive and make learning more engaging and memorable. Our environment inspires curiosity, confidence and a deep appreciation for Country.

Our role in the NSW Environmental Education Network

Georges River is part of the broader network of NSW Environmental and Zoo Education Centres, delivering high-quality, teacher-led outdoor and sustainability education throughout the state. We support schools with expertise, resources and opportunities to engage students with nature, environmental science, sustainability and place-based learning

Georges River EEC is located on Dharug Country and we enjoy working and learning on Dharug and Dharawal Country.

Visit Georges River EEC website

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sandstone rocks and forest
girls looking out into the water

Australia's environments

HSIE Geography 

Stage 2

Australia's environments excursion is a Stage 2 HSIE Geography program for students to develop their understanding in using geographical information to understand the world. This hands-on experience takes students into Sydney forests to learn about the natural and human features of the environment. Student will use geographical tools such as maps, compasses, fauna and flora identification charts, and equipment to measure key atmospheric parameters such as temperature, wind speed and direction to identify Sydney's weather and climate.

Students will identify and describe significant natural and cultural features of the study site through nature connection activities. Students deepen their understanding of Aboriginal ongoing obligations to Country, Culture and Community through story, ochre (through chalk), boomerang throwing and Songlines that have been generously shared by Elders.

Students will play games to learn about the Mulloway and Macquarie perch to develop a deeper understanding of how people manage places for conservation and sustainability, highlighting the importance of waste minimisation and resource management for future generations.

Fieldwork data will be recorded in small field journals using field journalling techniques that encourage multi-sensory observations.

View all available programs

pond surrounded by trees
students in forest using fieldwork tools

Ecosystem dynamics

Science

Stage 6

The Georges River and its varying geological landscapes provides rich and authentic fieldwork opportunites in ecosystem dynamics. Fieldwork sites have been strategically selected for scientific interest while ensuring students are safe and supported. Engage in samping techniques in either forest or acquatic environments. Learn about population dynamics with case studies focusing on some of Australia's most iconic species, perfect for igniting a student depth study. Each location in koalas, platypus, carp, gambusia or sulfur-crested cockatoos, 

Fieldwork sites:

  • Simmos Beach Reserve -  acquatic environments focusing on carp, gambusia, macroinvertebrates and water quality testing
  • Simmos Beach Reserve - forest environments focusing on grey gums, angopheras and koalas and sulfer-crested cockatoos
  • Oatley Park - forest environments focusing on angopheras and sulfur-crested cockatoos.

View all available programs

tree in parkland with a lake in the background

NSW Environmental Education Centres

We would like to pay our respects and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and also pay respect to Elders both past and present.

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