Join us for a bush playgroup program in Mount Macedon, situated on Wurundjeri Country in Regional Victoria approx. 64 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. With an abundance of birdlife, the steep and dense forests are filled with small wrens and yellow robins while crimson rosellas, king parrots and gang gang cockatoos are often found in the parks picnic areas and open spaces.

Our Bush Playgroup incorporates hands-on, child-led learning and sensory play through a range of nature-based activities, nature crafts, storytelling, songs and a bush walk exploring.

Eco Explorers bush playgroups are facilitated by qualified and experienced nature play educators (read more about our team here) that are highly skilled and knowledgeable in the area that they work in. Our Goldie Reserve bush playgroup is facilitated by Lydian who is a qualified early childhood educator with over 40 years of experience working in a variety of early childhood settings.

Our program has been developed to give your child optimum opportunity to build their gross motor and physical skills through movement and fine motor skills during our craft activities. Research clearly shows that the more time your child spends in nature, the better they are prepared for school, both physically and emotionally.

Playgroup allows parents to disconnect from their busy lives (and technology) and re-connect with their child in nature. This time is as much for you as it is for your child. Our playgroups bring together a community of like-minded parents who understand the benefits of outdoor play. The sessions are relaxed and completely child led and parents are encouraged to follow their child’s lead.

Bush playgroup is an all weather outdoor playgroup so you need to make sure you bring appropriate weather protection and clothing. Children and adults must wear closed footwear when walking in the bush, sun hats, sunscreen, wet weather gear, plenty of snacks and water and even a change of clothes for those muddy play days! Our playgroup will only be cancelled in the event of an extreme weather warning; fire, storm, high temperatures and strong wind.

Session 1. Bush Babies: ages: 0 – 3  years

Session 2. Willy Wagtails: ages 3 – 5 years

*Both programs are the same but run to cater for the specific age groups. Siblings can attend any age groups.

*Parents are responsible for their children at all times.