Excursions & Incursions

Gardening and Sustainability Excursions and Incursions 

Victorian schools and kindergartens have access to a range of free excursions and incursions through government-supported programs that bring gardening, sustainability, and biodiversity to life for students.

Victorian Schools Garden Program (VSGP) – Free Incursions

Thanks to additional funding from the Victorian Government, the Victorian Schools Garden Program offers free incursions led by experienced horticultural educators. These sessions are curriculum-aligned and highly engaging.

Incursion options include:

• Three Ways to Start a Garden – Learn to grow from seed, cutting and rootstock, and take home a self-watering pot.

• Composting – Discover how to compost with worms and reduce waste.

• From Garden to Kitchen – Regrow veggies from scraps.

• Gardening for Insects – Explore pollinators and companion planting.

• Garden Rejuvenation – Create new growing areas with lasagne gardening techniques.

• Worms in Schools – Set up a worm farm to feed your garden naturally.

These incursions are completely free, although schools may be asked to supply some basic materials.

Excursions to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show

Each year, schools involved in the VSGP are invited to attend the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, where students can participate in:

• Hands-on gardening experiences in the Grow Together Garden

• Potting seedlings to take home

• Making garden labels and plant markers

• Exploring sustainable garden designs

Entry is free for children under 16, and all activities in the Grow Together Garden are free of charge.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Subsidised Excursions

The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (Melbourne & Cranbourne) offers rich outdoor learning programs including:

• Composting and soil health

• Indigenous plant use

• Pollination and biodiversity

• Kitchen gardens and food cycles

Schools facing financial hardship can apply to the Nurture by Nature Fund to have excursion costs fully or partially subsidised.

Farm My School Excursions and Incursions

The Farm My School Education Program offers hands-on learning experiences that foster critical thinking around food growing, regenerative farming, sustainability, health and wellbeing. 

Excursions are held at the Farm My School Pilot Project site, located at Bellarine Secondary College in Drysdale, where they have created a 1.5-acre market garden and food hub. Schools can choose between half day or full day excursions. 

Local Government & Community-Run Free Programs

Many councils and organisations also offer free environmental excursions and incursions:

• Cardinia Shire Council – Free recycling and sustainability incursions for local schools.

• Gould League – Excursions and incursions on biodiversity, waste education and marine life.

• CERES Community Environment Park – Low-cost and occasional free excursions on sustainable living, food systems, and environmental justice.

• Collingwood Children’s Farm – Farm-based incursions and excursions exploring food production and animals (fees apply, but subsidies sometimes available).

How to Book or Apply

• VSGP Incursions: Browse options and apply here.

• VSGP Flower & Garden Show: Register through VSGP for excursion info.

• RBGV Nurture by Nature Fund: Apply for funding here.

• Contact local council: Ask your local environment or waste education officer what’s available for schools.

• Use excursions to support grant applications: These experiences can be part of your garden development journey.