The Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) has designed a suite of education and engagement programs to connect people to the state's parks and reserves, and facilitate opportunities to learn, appreciate and care for the natural values, Aboriginal culture and historic heritage found within them. The programs are also designed to foster community connections and custodianship; improve people's health and wellbeing; highlight volunteering and employment pathways; and generally celebrate Tasmania's wild places with all people, regardless of their background or abilities.
The programs below include school visits by rangers and school excursions to national parks and reserves.
Discovery Ranger Program
Experience our Discovery Ranger program each summer from late December through January. Activities are held around the state, they are free and suitable for all ages.
The free activities programs around the State are advertised from December, so keep an eye on our News and events page.
Enquire about the availability of a Discovery Ranger to visit your school, community group or event, or lead an outdoor excursion.
Wilderness Ranger Program
Keep your eyes open this summer for Wilderness Rangers on our popular back country walking tracks. Thirteen highly experienced Wilderness Rangers are out on some of Tasmania's magnificent wilderness walking tracks to help with walker safety and to promote Leave No Trace principles.
Be sure to say hello if you see a Wilderness Ranger as they have a strong knowledge of the park. They will help you with your questions and can interpret the natural and cultural heritage of the area for you .
Wilderness Rangers can be found at the Walls of Jerusalem, the Mt Anne Circuit, the Western Arthurs, the Eastern Arthurs and Lake Rhona.
Maria Island Discovery Camps
Tasmanian students have the opportunity to explore the World Heritage listed Darlington Probation Station and experience native wildlife during a School Discovery Camp on Maria Island.
The camps offer hands-on experiences during a three day, two night adventure which aims to connect Tasmanian school children with nature, while experiencing the magic that is
Maria Island National Park.
The camp provides the opportunity to learn about geology by visiting geological features such as the Fossil Cliffs and to see wildlife such as the endangered
Tasmanian devil, along with wombats, forester kangaroos and Cape Barren geese.
Our highly skilled Discovery Rangers deliver a curriculum-based environmental science and history program that enhances classroom-based learning.
Maria Island School Discovery Camps are suitable for Years 3 to 10 and programs can be tailored to meet specific requirements.
WildSC’OOL Program
Our WildSC'OOL program is a partnership between a local school, volunteers or volunteer group (Wildcare Tasmania members) and local PWS staff.
The program provides an opportunity for primary and high schools to have an active role in helping to learn more about and actively manage a nearby national park or reserve. Students undertake environmental projects such as revegetation, erosion control and track maintenance at a local reserve, with the help of Parks staff and volunteers.
Education Exemption
Educational Group Exemptions from national park entry fees are provided for groups visiting for educational purposes. Completed forms can be forwarded directly to the park you plan to visit for assessment.
Educational Exemption Form PWS (PDF 120Kb)
For educational program enquiries please contact Parks Education.