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Excursions

The Canning River Eco Education Centre (CREEC), in partnership with Nearer to Nature, offers a number of programs for Kindy to Year 12.

CREEC excursions allow students to learn about the local environment in interactive ways. Natural and built environments co-exist to provide a unique outdoor classroom for students.

CREEC programs support the implementation of the Western Australian curriculum in:​

  • HASS
  • STEM
  • literacy, critical, creative thinking and intercultural understanding
  • sustainability and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Programs may take one of three formats.

Programs

The City of Canning has partnered with Nearer to Nature to deliver school programs at CREEC. Nearer to Nature are part of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and offer environmental education activities from the Perth Hills Discovery Centre and other sites in the Perth area. Guided programs at CREEC are facilitated by a qualified Environmental Education Officer.

To book programs online, please visit the Nearer to Nature schools page.

CREEC Discovery Day

Year PP – 6

Enjoy the great outdoors! Bring the whole school, multiple classes or year levels to a day of discovery immersed in nature in the Canning River Regional Park.

Choose three of the following options:

  • Creepy Crawlies
  • Animal Encounter
  • Invertebrate Scavenger Hunt
  • Bird's Eye View
  • River Diaries
  • Catchment Model
  • Bush Detectives
  • Pobblebonk Swamp

Please note this program is designed for larger groups of up to 120 students.

Cost: $1,529 (no animal encounter) | 4 hours | for 4 classes of up to 30 students each

Cost: $3,069 (with animal encounter) | 4 hours | for 4 classes of up to 30 students each

Creepy crawlies in the Canning

Exploring life underwater

Investigate what lives in the Canning River without even getting wet! Students access the riverbank to sample river life. The fascinating features of aquatic invertebrates can really be appreciated when seen with iScopes. Students also consider the importance of caring for our river system and what they can do to help.

WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities – Sust

Pobblebonk swamp

Frog features, lifecycles and habitats

Join us down at Pobblebonk Swamp to meet our local frogs. Learn about frog features, lifecycles and habitats. There are frogs that sound like motorbikes and frogs that do not develop from tadpoles – astonishing! Discover how your school can help protect frogs by creating a frog friendly hangout at your school.

WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities – Sust

Bush detective

Investigating local animals and places

Many of our native animals are very secretive and can be difficult to find! Students use examples of animal evidence such as skulls, feathers and nests, and puzzles to investigate what lives in and around the Canning River Regional Park. They then apply their detective skills on a nature walk and record their observations by making a model of their own to take home.

WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities – Sust

Djarlgarra Yarning – Years K-12

Canning River Stories

The Noongar people’s strong connection with the wetlands and rivers that flow across the Swan Coastal Plain forms the basis for much of their culture, spirituality, and identity. Hear from an experienced Noongar educator who demonstrates first-hand how the resources provided by the land and river were traditionally used and how the seasons dictated their availability and sustainable use. Students participate

The 2025 dates for the programs are:

  • Term 1, Week 9: 31 March, 1 and 2 April
  • Term 2, Week 5: 26, 27 and 28 May
  • Term 3, Week 7: 1, 2 and 3 September
  • Term 4, Week 4: 3, 4 and 5 November
  • Session times are 9.30am to 11.30am, or 12pm to 2pm, max. 30 students per session.

$360 per session | 2 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities – Sust, A and TSI

Take a Dip

Exploring river ecosystems

This popular, interactive program provides students with the opportunity to sample and record the amazing and diverse macroinvertebrate communities that live in the Canning River. Students use field equipment to investigate the critical role of aquatic life in maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems. *Classification, adaptations or food webs can be a focus on request.
*Also suitable for Yr 7 – Biological Sciences

$264, max 30 students | 1.5 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust.

From Range to River

The story of our catchment

Where does the Canning River come from and where does it flow to? A big picture view of our waterways is presented as students interact with a 3-D model to consider the human impacts on the Swan-Canning River catchment, the consequences for living things and action people can take for sustainable change.

WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust. 

River Diaries

Revealing the river’s past

Students glimpse into the past lives of those who lived and settled around the Canning River by investigating historical records such as maps, photos and diaries. Students participate in team games that highlight different community perspectives and how they have shaped the river over time. 

WA Curriculum – HASS | Science | Lit | CCT | A&TSI year 3-6 | ER | Sust.

Djarlgarra Yarning – Years K-12

Canning River Stories

The Noongar people’s strong connection with the wetlands and rivers that flow across the Swan Coastal Plain forms the basis for much of their culture, spirituality, and identity. Hear from an experienced Noongar educator who demonstrates first-hand how the resources provided by the land and river were traditionally used and how the seasons dictated their availability and sustainable use. Students participate in a range of hands-on activities suited to age level. *This program is adapted to each year level based on WA Curriculum content.

The 2025 dates for the programs are:

  • Term 1, Week 9: 31 March, 1 and 2 April
  • Term 2, Week 5: 26, 27 and 28 May
  • Term 3, Week 7: 1, 2 and 3 September
  • Term 4, Week 4: 3, 4 and 5 November
  • Session times are 9.30am to 11.30am, or 12pm to 2pm, max. 30 students per session.

$360 per session | 2 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities – Sust, A and TSI

Aquatic Discovery Day 

Years 7 - 12

Bring the whole school, multiple classes or year levels to a day of discovery. This program is designed for large groups up to 120 students.

Choose four of the following options:

  • Regional Park Walk & Sketch
  • Catchment Model
  • Macroinvertebrates
  • Water Testing
  • Site Survey

Cost: $1,529 | 4 hours | for 4 classes of up to 30 students each

River and Wetlands Ecosystems

Years 7 – 10

The wetlands and rivers of the Swan Coastal Plain have been significantly affected by human–induced change; yet these ecosystems are still an important part of the biodiversity of the region. This excursion enables students to undertake a range of field tasks to assess the living and non-living components of these ecosystems with either a Biology or Geography focus. 

Cost: $505 | 4 hours | max 30 students

Aquatic Ecosystems

Years 11 and 12

Investigate connections within an aquatic or wetland ecosystem by measuring and characterising its biotic and abiotic components. Test the water quality, sample macroinvertebrates and consider the role of humans in modifying the ecosystems.

Cost: $505 | 4 hours | max 30 students
Curriculum links: Geography ATAR Unit 3, Geography General Unit 1, Biology ATAR Unit 1, Biology General Unit 4, Integrated Science, ATAR Unit 2, Integrated Science General Unit 1

Djarlgarra Yarning – Years K-12

'Canning River Stories'

The Noongar people’s strong connection with the wetlands and rivers that flow across the Swan Coastal Plain forms the basis for much of their culture, spirituality, and identity. Hear from an experienced Noongar educator who demonstrates first-hand how the resources provided by the land and river were traditionally used and how the seasons dictated their availability and sustainable use. Students participate in a range of hands-on activities suited to age level. *This program is adapted to each year level based on WA Curriculum content.

The 2025 dates for the programs are:

  • Term 1, Week 9: 31 March, 1 and 2 April
  • Term 2, Week 5: 26, 27 and 28 May
  • Term 3, Week 7: 1, 2 and 3 September
  • Term 4, Week 4: 3, 4 and 5 November
  • Session times are 9.30am to 11.30am, or 12.00pm to 2pm, max. 30 students per session.

$360 per session | 2 hours | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities – Sust, A and TSI

For core programs please visit the Nearer to Nature schools page, email n2n@dbca.wa.gov.au or call 9295 2244.

Self-guided trails

Self-guided trails are tailored for different year levels and usually take school groups approximately 50 to 60 minutes to complete. School staff are responsible for the coordination of these trails and the supervision of students. Equipment is available for loan for these activities such as class sets of binoculars, clipboards and pencils. Teachers must book self-guided programs in order to reserve equipment.

Zoom in on amazing wetland birdlife!

Canning River Regional Park is home to a diverse range of local and migratory birds. Using binoculars and surveying techniques, students can check out waterbirds that live in and around the Park. Class set of binoculars and identification sheets provided.

Year: K - 12 | No cost | Duration: Approx. 50 minutes

Use your super senses to investigate the wetlands

This self-guided walk encourages little eyes, ears and noses to observe and record the natural wonders of the Canning River wetlands. Class set of magnifying glasses, checklists, clipboards and pencils provided. Cameras are also available on request.

Year: K - 2 | No cost | Duration: Approx. 50 minutes

Touching base with your local place

This self-guided trail traverses seven sites that highlight natural, managed and constructed features within the Canning River Regional Park. Laminated maps, teacher’s commentary and a resource bag are provided.

Year: 4 - 10 | No cost | Duration: Approx. 60 minutes

For self-guided programs, please contact CREEC on creec@canning.wa.gov.au or call 9461 7160 or book via the Nearer to Nature schools page.

Special events

Special events refer to a guided program of events facilitated by a qualified Environmental Education Officer. Special events take place on specified dates.

Earth Day Expo 2025

A full day of ‘down to earth’ fun

Join CREEC and the Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE-WA) in celebrating this international event that is recognised by more than 190 countries around the world. A whole day excursion filled with fun, interactive activities provided by environmental organisations that are passionate about the future of our planet. Years 2 - 6.

Friday 4 April, 9.30am to 2.15pm | $13 per student | WA Curriculum – Science, HASS, Priorities - Sust. and TSI

For special events please contact CREEC on creec@canning.wa.gov.au or call 9461 7160.

Planning a visit

For additional information that you need to know when visiting the centre, check out planning your visit.

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