Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of Australia’s early settlers or discover the ancient history and culture of our indigenous people, the educational opportunities available to students across Australia are aplenty. Our educational tours can be tailored to all areas of history, no matter where you’re travelling to!
Here are our top picks for educational history programs and experiences around Australia that you can incorporate into your next tour…
Central Australia – Lilla Indigenous Cultural Experience
During this 4 hour guided experience students will be immersed in Aboriginal history and culture. Beginning with a cultural welcoming ceremony, students will embark on a guided walk around Lilla and areas of cultural significance. They’ll learn about Indigenous artefacts including the Boomerang and how to pain the traditional way of the Luritja people. Students can also look forward to learning about the Lilla community’s history through Dreamtime storytelling.
New South Wales – The Big Dig
At The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre, students can undertake a number of educational programs that have been designed in line with the Australian Curriculum. Tailored to suit specific age groups, the programs focus on archaeology and history and have been developed in conjunction with academic educators and practicing classroom teachers.
Our recommendation? Groundwork: Archaeology at the Big Dig. During this program, students use written and archaeological sources to undertake an investigation into the lives of the men and women who lived and worked in The Rocks during the 19th century, the impact the Industrial Revolution had on them and the sociocultural identity of The Rocks region.
Northern Territory – Royal Flying Doctors Service and The Bombing of Darwin Harbour
See, experience and learn through the wonder of technology as two iconic territory stories are brought to life. Students can learn about the history of the RFDS which began its aero medical operations in 1939. Through the use of holograms and touchscreen portals, students can interact with John Flynn, the founder of the RFDS who tells of the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS.
Relive the drama of the Bombing of Darwin Harbour that rocked Australia in 1942. With the use of virtual reality technology, stories and experiences from the day are shared by interactive holograms including that of Prime Minister Curtin, Commanding Officer Rear Admiral Etheridge Grant and Japanese pilot Hajime Toyoshima.
Queensland – Salute to the Light Horse
During this 2-hour outback spectacular, students will saddle up and watch a remarkable journey deep in the heart and soul of High Country as they learn about one of Australia’s most stirring true stories. Steeped in courage, tradition and daring Australian spirit, this experience commemorates the Centenary of the ANZACS as well as tells the tale of the boys from the bush who became the heroes of the legendary Australian Light Horse.
Tasmania – The Tench Tour
On this 90 minute guided tour, students will be immersed in Tasmania’s criminal history as they explore the cells, tunnels and gallows of one of Australia’s most significant convict precincts – Van Diemen’s Land Prisoners’ Barracks Penitentiary, known to inmates as ‘The Tench’.
Students will learn of the inmates’ stories as they tour the site, which later went on to become the Hobart Gaol for over 100 years. A captivating insight into over 175 years of Tasmania’s penal history, the tour is suitable for grades 3-12.
Victoria – Passport Plus/Leaving and Arrival
During this guided educational program at the Immigration Museum, students are invited to uncover the migration stories contained in a collection of suitcases. Using a range of belongings, students work in teams to develop profiles of migrants and create a timeline of their migration to Australia which they then present to their class.
Afterwards students have time in museum galleries to explore in more detail specific stories of migration. The program content and activities can be tailored to specific age groups, either grades 5-8 or 9-12.
Interested in learning more about our history tours? Check out our tours and destinations here.
