Tuesday, 16 October, 2018 - 09:30
Take the stress out of planning an educational trip by staying in safe, clean and affordable accommodation tailored to groups with YHA Australia.
You’ve collected the permission slips, loaded the lunches onto the bus, seated the students, done a head count after the last straggler has finally arrived 15 minutes late . . . and just as you’ve set off on your excursion, it feels like you’ve only got a couple of hours before you need to jump back on the coach and head home again.
Skip the stress and give your students more time to learn in exciting new surroundings by turning your next school excursion into an overnight trip – and with dozens of secure properties offering group-specific facilities, YHA is Australia’s leading provider of affordable group accommodation.
Overnight stays teach students life skills that aren’t possible on a day trip – getting prepared, being away from home, living with others in close surroundings, managing own belongings, self-discipline. In these days of helicopter-parenting, YHA’s not-for-profit ethos and mission to ‘Provide opportunity for all, but especially young people, for education by personal development, fostering friendship and bringing about a better understanding of others and the world around them’ through accommodation has never been more relevant.
From archaeological digs in Sydney to spending the night in a prison cell in WA, here are six great options for your next overnight excursion.
Sydney Harbour
Excursions don’t get more hands-on than the Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre at Sydney Harbour YHA, with a range of educational programs tailored to classes from Years 1-11 presented by Sydney Learning Adventures. Step through archaeological remains of Sydney’s convict era directly beneath this YHA located in the heart of the historic Rocks district, walking distance from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Relevant Curriculum: HSIE, History
Canberra
Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, Questacon, the National Gallery and Museum of Australia, the Australian Institute of Sport, the Royal Mint . . . it’s little wonder why our national’s capital is also the capital of school excursions. Canberra City YHA is the most centrally located group accommodation in Canberra to help you make the most of your time in the capital. PACER rebates available.
Relevant Curriculum: HSIE
Fremantle Prison
It is one thing to learn about the UNESCO Heritage Listed Fremantle Prison on a tour . . . but it’s another thing altogether to spend the night in one of the old cells! Located in the women’s wing of the converted 1850s lock-up, Fremantle Prison YHA brings history to life for your students – and it’s just as secure as you’d expect an old prison to be, with 24-hour reception and room card keys for security.
Relevant Curriculum: HSIE, History
Blue Mountains
Only two hours from Sydney, it’s tempting to consider the Blue Mountains just a day trip from Sydney – but you don’t know what you’re missing if you don’t spend the night in Katoomba. An overnight excursion gives your school group more time to explore Echo Point, Scenic World, Jenolan Caves. Visit Jenolan Caves for educational programs, or take a National Parks led session on the world heritage environment. Local cultural programs are also available at the Waratah Centre in Katoomba – close to Blue Mountains YHA. The property has a large, well equipped groups room for in-house sessions.
Curriculum: HSIE, Geography
Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is a haven of native wildlife and fringing coral reefs, and Bungalow Bay YHA has hosts students from Australia and around the world with their Edu Tourism program.
Utilising access to world-class institutions including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Australian Institute of Marine Science and James Cook University Marine Biology Departments, a typical five-day stay at this YHA takes students on expeditions to both the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Magnetic Island National Park and includes a hands-on introduction to coral reef conservation.
Curriculum: Geography
See these and other YHA options at yhagroups.com.au
About YHA
YHA Australia welcomes thousands of school groups every year, providing secure, clean, and affordable accommodation for groups as small as 10 and as large as 150. YHA hostels have excellent facilities for groups – including catering options, common areas, key card security and lockers, and dedicated Group Coordinators to arrange activities. Risk assessments are available for all properties plus staff are trained to handle emergency situations. Visit yhagroups.com.au to start planning your safe, affordable, quality school group getaway today.