Across South Australia, more and more schools are embracing outdoor and experiential learning opportunities, recognising the profound benefits these experiences have on resilience, confidence, problem-solving skills, and wellbeing.
From dedicated bush campuses to adventure camps and leadership journeys, here’s a look at how schools across the state are creating memorable, meaningful experiences that extend far beyond the traditional curriculum.
St Aloysius College students thrive in the city & outdoors
At St Aloysius College (SAC), the world beyond the classroom is more than just a change of scenery – the bustling Adelaide CBD is what Primary Coordinator, Ms Abby Matte, refers to as a “third teacher.”
“SAC is uniquely positioned to use the city to enhance learning outcomes, and we do so with intention and care,” says Ms Matte.
Year 3 students recently walked the living history of the Kaurna people. Transferring knowledge from the classroom into the outside world, and guided by cultural teachings of Uncle Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner, the Year 3s interpreted ancient symbols and reflected on Dreaming stories depicted in murals around the CBD. These experiences invite opportunities for reflection and promoting cultural awareness. Across all Primary years, students engage with Outdoor Education in ways that are playful, personal and formative.
Unsurprisingly, enrolments in Outdoor Education continues to grow in Years 11 and 12. For over 10 years, SAC has proudly hosted the highest number of female participants in South Australia for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award–a testament to the College’s commitment to empowering secondary students of all ages through adventure and challenge.
From the lively heart of the city to quiet trails, climbs and waterways further afield, outdoor learning at SAC enables girls to grow in courage, compassion and curiosity.
St Aloysius College
53 Wakefield Street, Adelaide
sac.sa.edu.au
A STEP in the right direction at Mercedes College
For more than 30 years, Mercedes College has been shaping young minds through an education that reaches far beyond the classroom.
At its heart is the Study Thinking Extension Programme (STEP) – a one-of-a-kind initiative designed to equip students with essential life skills that foster independence, resilience, and personal growth. Launched in 1993, STEP blends outdoor education, service learning, and character development to prepare students for the challenges of adolescence and beyond.
Tailored for Year 9 and 10 students, the programme offers a semester-long adventure that extends learning into the real world. STEP goes into heart and community. Students cook nutritious meals that are donated to local charities and food banks. They lead sustainability efforts by auditing and recycling bottles on Campus, with all proceeds supporting the Hutt Street Centre. The highlight of the programme is a life-changing cultural immersion experience.
Each year, students and staff travel to Mimili, a remote Aboriginal community in the APY Lands. They build lasting connections with the Anangu people, participate in traditional customs, and gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture and the significance of country. This journey – now a 27-year partnership – offers insights that no textbook could ever teach. As the world changes, STEP will continue to evolve, but its goal remains the same: to nurture compassionate, capable, and resilient young people.
Mercedes College
540 Fullarton Road, Springfield
mercedes.catholic.edu.au
Building future-ready learners at Endeavour College
Outdoor Education at Endeavour College offers students a unique and enriching experience beyond the traditional classroom. It provides the opportunity to develop resilience, leadership skills, and personal responsibility through real-world challenges.
Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, fostering confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. At Endeavour College, Outdoor Education aligns closely with the school’s Vision for Learners.
Young people are supported to become independent thinkers and project managers, planning collaboratively with their team. They develop the capacity and commitment to take collective action to preserve ecosystems they visit.
Students experience activities such as hiking, camping, surfing and orienteering, each building a stronger connection with nature and appreciation for the natural world. A solo camping experience helps build resilience by challenging them to navigate unfamiliar environments independently, problem-solve, and build confidence in their capabilities. These experiences promote physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and a sense of stewardship for the world around them.
The supportive environment created by passionate staff ensures that all students feel safe to explore, grow, and challenge themselves. Outdoor Education at Endeavour College is a vital part of the College’s holistic approach to education, shaping young people who are confident, resilient, and ready to contribute to their communities.
Endeavour College
85 Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes
endeavour.sa.edu.au
Adventure with purpose at PAC
The Outdoor Education journey at Prince Alfred College (PAC) is an essential part of helping students develop physical and mental strength, while deepening their understanding of wellbeing – both their own and that of others.
Starting in Year 2, the program gradually develops key attributes such as character, competence, community-mindedness and teamwork. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, grow as leaders, and gain confidence through experiences focused on service, physical activity, and environmental action.
Much of PAC’s Outdoor Education is undertaken at the school’s two regional campuses. From Year 5, boys attend camps at Scotts Creek, located in Morgan, on the Murray River. Here, they undertake a variety of water-based activities, explore the high ropes course, learn about ways the land and river was used by Indigenous people and participate in minimal-impact camping.
In Year 9, boys participate in a highly anticipated 5-week extended stay program, ‘Wambana’, at PAC’s Yorke Peninsula campus in Point Turton. This immersive experience away from technology and their busy lives, equips each boy with the skills and character to better manage their transition to adulthood. The lifelong friendships and memories of Wambana unite Old Scholars many years after they have returned.
Prince Alfred College
23 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town
pac.edu.au
CBC Run Club
Run Club has become a much-loved lunchtime initiative at the CBC Junior Campus, bringing together 44 eager students from Years 4 to 6 every Thursday.
Led by Mr. Sam Barbara and Mr. Oliver Megins, with support from dedicated Junior Campus staff, the program aims to build fitness, stamina, and confidence through regular physical activity. Each week, students challenge themselves with laps around the scenic Adelaide Parklands, setting personal goals and striving to improve their endurance. But Run Club is more than just running, it features a variety of engaging activities and games that enhance speed, endurance, and teamwork, fostering perseverance and a positive approach to fitness.
Living by the mantra “giving your best effort,” students showed incredible commitment, reducing their average 1km run time by more than a minute in just seven weeks! What truly sets Run Club apart is its uplifting atmosphere. Students cheer each other on, celebrate milestones, and take pride in their progress, making every session rewarding and fun. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with staff in a relaxed, active setting beyond the classroom.
As Run Club grows, it is a shining example of how the school nurtures wellbeing, participation, and community spirit.
Christian Brothers College
324 Wakefield Street, Adelaide
cbc.sa.edu.au
Seymour College’s great outdoors
At Seymour, the great outdoors isn’t just where students learn – it’s where they grow. Seymour boldly challenges girls in a sequenced approach to outdoor education and global engagement.
We are purposeful in designing local, national and international experiences for girls which transform them into confident young women with strong hearts and minds. Outdoor learning is about helping girls discover what they’re capable of and the College’s innovative GIRLbeing Framework firmly guides the progression of age-appropriate outdoor learning experiences to specifically meet the needs of girls at various ages, encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zones and grow in confidence, resilience and leadership through their school years.
Seymour encourages girls to take calculated risks and to embrace the adventurous and hands-on challenges of outdoor learning. Whether they’re navigating high ropes courses, trekking through the Flinders Ranges, immersing themselves in Indigenous communities on our Year 10 Service Trip, or participating in our co-educational Heysen 160 charity run, students develop crucial problem-solving and critical thinking skills in navigating unfamiliar environments.
Through every canoe course, mountain climb and shared campfire, Seymour girls are learning to lead with empathy, think on their feet and back themselves – even when things get tough. And they also have a lot of fun!
Seymour College
546 Portrush Road, Glen Osmond
seymour.sa.edu.au
Walford, beyond the classroom
From overcoming obstacles on adventurous excursions, to exploring and taking in the beautiful landscapes of the Australian outback, there is no shortage of exciting outdoor experiences for a Walford student.
The Reception students reached new heights recently when they tackled the aerial course at TreeClimb Adelaide, and the opportunities only increase as students progress through the Junior School. Camp experiences include an overnight stay at Adelaide Zoo, a trip back in time to Sovereign Hill, an action-packed adventure in the Adelaide Hills, a rural farm stay, and more.
The outdoor experiences certainly don’t cease once students cross the road into the Secondary School. Rock climbing, bush walking and sleeping under the stars are just a few of the activities on offer for girls when they embark on camps. With stays of up to a week, students are able to commune with nature, cultivate independence, collaborate effectively with peers, forge lasting bonds, and push the boundaries of personal growth; nurturing resilient, adventurous, and well-rounded young women.
Whether students want to surf along South Australia’s picturesque coastline or travel overseas to ski the slopes in Japan, a Walford education offers opportunities for all girls seeking adventure.
Walford School
316 Unley Road, Hyde Park
walford.sa.edu.au
Adventurous by nature at Tatachilla Lutheran College
At Tatachilla Lutheran College, learning extends to the forests, coastlines and wilderness of the surrounding landscape.
Tatachilla students are adventurous by nature, and the school’s immersive outdoor education program is designed to ignite that spirit while fostering deep personal growth. From Reception to Year 12, students engage in meaningful outdoor experiences like tree-planting, bushwalking, kayaking, surfing, sailing, snorkelling, rock climbing and mountaineering– each tailored to nurture physical wellbeing, spiritual connection and environmental awareness.
At Tatachilla, students combine their outdoor learning with meaningful action, such as helping to rewild native animals on the Yorke Peninsula, or evaluating the impact of invasive plant species at Deep Creek National Park, or assessing the wellbeing of leafy sea dragons and giant cuttlefish in our marine parks. The program is sequential and purpose-driven, building essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, self-reliance, and resilience. It also integrates First Nations knowledge and the ancient practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), encouraging students to slow down, reflect, and connect deeply with nature.
What makes Tatachilla’s program truly unique is its design: each experience builds upon the last, guiding students on a continuous journey of discovery, identity and ecological responsibility. For families seeking a holistic education that shapes capable, compassionate and connected young people, Tatachilla offers something profoundly different – a place where students don’t just grow up, they grow outward, limited only by the horizon and not classroom walls.
Tatachilla Lutheran College
211 Tatachilla Road, Tatachilla
tatachilla.sa.edu.au
SACE Outdoor Education and global opportunities at Sacred Heart College
Sacred Heart College offers students more than just classroom learning, with a strong focus on outdoor education and real-world experiences that build resilience, leadership, and global awareness.
Outdoor education is embedded across all year levels, starting in Year 7 with activities like kayaking and surfing, and culminating in the Year 12 Retreat, which emphasises teamwork and self-reflection. Camps linked to subjects take students across South Australia, while international study tours to Japan and Italy offer rich cultural and language immersion.
In Year 9, students take part in The Rite Journey, a contemporary Rite of Passage that includes a camping trip and outdoor challenges to support personal growth. Senior students may also join Operation Flinders, a demanding trek through the Flinders Ranges that fosters perseverance and teamwork.
Sport plays a significant role in co-curricular life. Through partnerships with the Adelaide 36ers and Celtic FC, students access elite training opportunities, both locally and abroad, with annual soccer training in Glasgow. By combining academic learning with immersive experiences, Sacred Heart College encourages students to grow into confident, capable young adults prepared for life beyond school.
At Sacred Heart, learning is lived. For more information, we welcome you to contact the College at 8350 2500 or book a tour.
Sacred Heart College
Champagnat Campus, 28 Percy Ave, Mitchell Park
Marcellin Campus, 195 Brighton Road,
Somerton Park
shc.sa.edu.au
Branching out beyond the classroom at TreeClimb
Outdoor education gets a serious upgrade at TreeClimb, where students quite literally rise to the challenge.
With locations in Adelaide, Kuitpo Forest and Salisbury, these treetop adventures are more than just fun, they’re curriculum-aligned programs that build confidence, resilience and teamwork in the great outdoors.
Tailored for school groups and fully supervised by trained crew, TreeClimb’s action- packed sessions help students develop physical literacy through balance, bravery and active play. Whether navigating rope courses or cheering on their classmates, kids are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and grow, both individually and together.
Supporting key learning areas like Health and Physical Education and Personal and Social Capability, TreeClimb reconnects students with nature while sharpening problem-solving and coordination skills. Ideal for outdoor education, end-of-term fun or leadership development, sessions range from 80 minutes with special school pricing and flexible weekday bookings.
Inclusivity is part of the climb too, with accessible options to suit diverse needs and abilities. So if your class is ready to leaf the classroom behind, TreeClimb offers a sky-high learning experience that’s as enriching as it is exhilarating. Make your next school day one to remember!
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN:
TreeClimb Adelaide
Park 20 Cnr. Greenhill and Unley Road,
Kurangga Park, Adelaide City Parklands
TreeClimb Kuitpo Forest
Cnr. Brookman Road & Black Nursery Road, Kuitpo
TreeClimb Salisbury
Harry Bowey Reserve, Salisbury Park
treeclimb.com.au
Adventure awaits at St Mary’s College
At St Mary’s College, learning isn’t limited to the classroom. The school’s Outdoor Education program gives students the chance to swap desks for dirt tracks, whiteboards for winding rivers, and theory for hands-on discovery. It’s real learning, in the real world. Whether kayaking through Garden Island’s Dolphin Sanctuary or hiking Deep Creek’s dramatic coastline, students dive into nature and come out more confident, capable, and connected.
These aren’t just excursions – they’re life-shaping experiences. As students grow, so does the challenge. By Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Outdoor Program, they’re planning their hikes, prepping meals in the bush, making decisions as a team, and stepping up as leaders.
Along the way, they’re learning to solve problems, reflect on their experiences, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had. And while the campfires, friendships, and unforgettable moments make for great memories, the real takeaway is resilience, independence, and a deep sense of environmental responsibility.
For parents seeking more than just academics, St Mary’s offers a fresh perspective on education – one where students are prepared not just for exams, but for life. Discover how your daughter can grow beyond the classroom at St Mary’s College.
St Mary’s College
253 Franklin Street, Adelaide
stmarys.sa.edu.au
Wilderness School’s second campus on the Coorong a rare offering
From ELC to Year 12, Wilderness School students benefit from a truly unique outdoor education program – one that’s entirely run in-house and includes a second campus on the banks of the Coorong. Known as the Crawford Campus, it’s a rare offering in South Australian girls’ education.
“When you look out you see nothing but sand dunes and the Coorong… there is nothing quite like it,” said Head of Middle School Dr Rhiannon Giles. Year 5 students camp at nearby National Parks, while from Year 7 the girls visit Crawford in House groups.
“The bonding opportunities are endless,” said Outdoor Education Teacher Rosie Smith.
In Year 9, every student takes part in the three-week REALISE camp and completes the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.
“We are so proud to offer world-class outdoor education opportunities like the Duke of Edinburgh Award,” said Principal Belinda Arnfield. “It gives us the chance to embed our values, and design programs in response to students’ needs.”
Students also contribute to real-life conservation through the SEEDS Project, helping save endangered species from extinction.
Wilderness School
30 Hawkers Road, Medindie
wilderness.com.au
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