EDUCATION
PROGRAMS

Step into the world of conservation and field ecology at Mt Rothwell Sanctuary.

Our education programs give students the chance to explore diverse habitats, observe wildlife up close, and engage in hands-on learning about threatened species, ecosystem management, and habitat restoration.

From discovering signs of life in the grasslands to setting wildlife traps and conducting bird surveys, students gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of how scientists monitor and protect Victoria’s unique flora and fauna.

Photography by Pete James.

Diversity in the Biosphere

Step into the Woodlands and experience what it’s like to be a field ecologist. Designed for secondary and university students, this immersive program combines practical fieldwork with meaningful conservation learning.

Students work alongside our expert guides to:

  • Gain an understanding of ecosystem diversity, population dynamics, and pest management.

  • Explore tailored topics such as threatened species recovery, genetic management, or vegetation and landscape restoration.

  • Set and check their own wildlife traps while learning about ethical trapping protocols and bait choices.

  • Observe animal handling and health checks up close, assisting with real data collection that contributes to conservation science.

The evening unfolds outdoors as students make bait balls and set up traps in the Woodlands. After the presentation and a dinner break, the group heads out on a mini Guided Night Walk to glimpse some of Australia’s most threatened species up close. To wrap up the night, students return to check traps, record findings, playing an active role in monitoring our wildlife populations.

As animal welfare is our highest priority, students will not handle the animals directly.

Details

  • $50 per student

  • Duration: 4 hours

  • Arrival time: 1 hour prior to sunset

  • BBQ and kitchen facilities available

Guided Night Walk

Experience the magic of Mt Rothwell after dark on a guided night walk, observing the nocturnal inhabitants of the property. Students may encounter species such as rufous bettongs, long-nosed potoroos, southern brown bandicoots, southern brush-tailed rock-wallabies, eastern barred bandicoots (extinct in the wild), eastern quolls (extinct in the wild), brush-tailed possums, ring-tailed possums, and barn owls.

Along the walk, students will:

  • Learn about the culture, history, and habitat restoration efforts at Mt Rothwell.

  • Explore key conservation topics, including endangered species, feral species control, breeding programs (wild and captive), genetic restoration, ecosystem management, and species adaptations.

This immersive evening program combines observation, discussion, and practical learning to give students a unique insight into the nocturnal world and real-world conservation science.

Details

  • $30 per student

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

  • Arrival time: Sunset

Signs of Life

Discover the hidden signs of wildlife in the Woodlands and surrounding grasslands on this hands-on field exploration. Designed for school groups (grade 4 and up), this program introduces students to the fascinating world of tracks, scats, diggings, and other evidence of local animals.

Alongside our expert guides, students will:

  • Learn about our unique nocturnal species and digging marsupials, and understand how their habits play a crucial role in ecosystem engineering compared with pest species like rabbits.

  • Observe demonstrations on how to identify and distinguish scats, tracks, and diggings.

  • Put skills into practice by finding and identifying signs of life themselves, with guidance and support from a ranger.

This program encourages observation, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to local wildlife and ecosystems.

Details

  • $25 per student

  • Duration: 1 hour

  • Arrival time: Between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm

Wallaby Walk and Bird Survey

Take a guided walk through the woodlands and over granite outcrops, exploring diverse habitats while learning how ecologists monitor wildlife.

Designed for school groups of all ages, this program combines a scenic hike with practical survey skills.

Alongside our expert guides, students will:

  • Learn about the role of healthy ecosystems and how landscapes change over time.

  • Observe the critically endangered southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby thriving in their natural habitat (less than 100 remain in the wild).

  • Use survey sheets to record bird species, including birds of prey.

  • Explore the causes and consequences of species decline and the challenges of managing pests.

  • Discover how ecologists assess habitats and track species across different environments.

This program provides a hands-on introduction to field survey techniques while fostering observation, curiosity, and a deeper connection to nature.

Details

  • $25 per student

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

  • Arrival time: Between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm

Tailored Programs

Groups are welcome to participate in more than one of our programs. We can make small adjustments to ensure your chosen programs complement each other and avoid any overlap.

If you have specific learning outcomes or requirements that aren’t listed on our website, we’re happy to discuss tailoring a program to meet your needs. Please email us with your requests, and we’ll work with you to create the best experience for your group.

Discounted pricing may be available when booking multiple programs.