Finding Bus Route Information for School Students

With several options for bus travel to schools in Brisbane, here we have listed the ones we know about, but as always, we advise you to check with your school, individual bus companies and do your research before sending your child to school on the bus. 

TRANSLINK

In South East Queensland, school students can catch any Translink bus, ferry, train or tram service to and from their home to school. To assist in school travel Translink. even has a School Service Finder, which allows you to search for school and urban bus services near your school. 

We suggest taking the trip with your Brisbane Kid prior to the school year commences to ensure they feel comfortable travelling alone and that you can provide them with safe zones and people in case they find themselves in trouble.

We also advise checking out the times bus and train stations are open and emergency procedures. Sometimes equipping your school child with a mobile device may be an ideal way to provide an extra level of security.

For safe school travel tips and ticketing, visit the Translink website. 

BRISBANE BUS LINES

Another great bus service provided in the north-west of Brisbane is run by Brisbane Bus Lines. Servicing over 30 suburbs this school bus network directly services many schools or offers a service for part of the journey. 

A large number of our school buses operate in semi-rural areas where there are few (if any) formal bus stops. We always work with parents and student to determine the safest pick up and drop off locations along these roads.

For extra safety we now utilise an electronic ticketing system which also provide GPS tracking of our school buses. Parents and students can track the buses and parents can opt in to track their own child’s bus movements through the mobile app.

For school bus travel and timetable information, including timetables and connection maps please visit the Brisbane Bus Lines website. 

SOUTHERN CROSS TRANSIT

Southern Cross Transit provides bus services to more than 20 schools in Brisbane’s Western Suburbs and Ipswich. 

As these services are provided to private and public schools on a charter basis, the route, fares and schedules are chosen by the individual school. A transport tracking app is available to see where the buses are in real time, and all fares are paid using a pre-paid SmartCard. 

Timetables and maps of school bus routes can be located at the Southern Cross Transit website. 

BUS QUEENSLAND

Bus Queensland is one of the largest privately owned bus companies in Australia and provides school transport services for the greater South East Queensland area. With four depots servicing Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley, Park Ridge and Toowoomba, they consider themselves part of the local community.

Once the school of choice has been selected on their website, descriptions of various routes appear to make choosing the correct route simple and easy.

Transport assistance may also be provided by Education Queensland for students with disabilities where circumstances and family needs are warranted.

KANGAROO BUS LINES

Kangaroo Bus Lines has been transporting students to and from schools for more than 30 years. Now more than 40 schools across the City of Moreton Bay utilise this service safely transporting students to their place of education. 

For a complete list of services provided for school travel visit the Kangaroo Bus Lines website. 

THOMPSON BUS SERVICES

Thompson Bus Services undertake more than 30 school bus services on the northside of Brisbane.

Services are reviewed regularly in response to demand, so please check their website for timetables, ticketing and further information. 

When is your child ready to catch a bus to school?

Knowing when your child is ready to catch a school bus is a tough question. The answer  will depend on many factors:

• how old is the child?
• Will they be travelling alone or with other family or friends?
• how far the child is travelling?
• what type of service will they utilise?
• where are the bus stops?
• and many other logistical factors.

In addition to the above, it will also greatly depend on the child’s maturity and temperament and equally as much to do with your past experiences and tendency to worry. It is important to acknowledge there is no right answer here, but it is somoething you should research and give a lot of thought to. 

The No Child Left Behind Policy, which was introduced after the abduction of Daniel Morcombe, states that children should not be left behind even if they have no fare.

Despite this reassurance my advice is not to rely on this. Provide your child with safety nets, provide them with extra fare money and check often that they have not spent it.

Discuss stranger danger with your child and ensure they are comfortable with the public transport route. Be prepared to scaffold and support this journey at least for the first couple of days. Have “incase” scenarios thought through in the event you can’t pick them up from the other end, or if they miss their bus etc. 

Brisbane Adventist College is a medium-sized school with around 600 students (Prep – Year 12) that fosters a tight-knit community environment.

Philosophies and Values

Integrity, Respect, and Joy are the central values that constitute Brisbane Adventist College’s ethos.The College is dedicated to nurturing each student’s individual potential while fostering a sense of community, compassion, and faith. BAC has an holistic approach to education, supporting students’ personal, spiritual, and physical development, as well as academic progress.

Academic Offerings

Brisbane Adventist College offers a comprehensive academic curriculum, including Early Learning, kindergarten, Prep, and Year 1 to Year 12. All learning programs comply with Australian standards. International tests are offered annually to provide students with the opportunity for personal challenge.

Technology in the classroom enhances teaching and learning experiences, with Secondary students benefiting from a well-supported 1:1 laptop program.

Additionally, BAC provides Enhanced Learning support for students with diverse needs and offers a range of co-curricular and extracurricular programs to complement academic learning.

Extracurricular and Cocurricular Offerings

Brisbane Adventist College students can access various extracurricular activities, including spiritual programs, sports, performing arts, private music lessons, class camps, peer mentoring, student leadership, and personal development initiatives. At the same time, an integrated co-curricular program complements the academic curriculum. It is designed to support and reinforce learning objectives directly related to subjects taught in the classroom, such as essay writing, time
management, and study skills.

Accessibility/Special Needs

Brisbane Adventist College welcomes students of every faith and background, providing a supportive environment for inclusive education. The school offers learning support, pastoral care, mental health counselling, and learning support for students with diverse needs.

Why Choose Brisbane Adventist College?

Brisbane Adventist College stands out as a high-quality, medium-sized educational institution in Brisbane’s south, offering a holistic approach to education that nurtures the whole child – academically, socially, and spiritually. With smaller class sizes, and a focus on Christian values, individualised learning, and a supportive community environment, BAC provides students with the tools they need to succeed in all aspects of life. Choose Brisbane Adventist College for a transformative educational experience that prepares students for a bright and purposeful future.

Brisbane Adventist College Testimonials

“I’ll never forget the incredible community here and the lessons I’ve learned about becoming the type of person I can be proud of.” – Nathaniel, graduate

“BAC had a big influence on our values and approach to life. It set me up for making decisions about the future and life.” – Bronwyn, graduate

Brisbane Adventist College is located at 303A Broadwater Rd, Mansfield, QLD 4122.

To find out more, and to arrange a school tour, please visit the Brisbane Adventist College website.

In Queensland, a large portion of school graduates partake in the traditional event known as ‘schoolies,’ a week long celebration of music, partying and other fun events. 

So, what exactly is Schoolies and where does it occur? Read on to discover the answer to these questions and more. 

What is Schoolies?

Schoolies is an Australian tradition which sees grade 12 graduates gather at different destinations to celebrate the end of their schooling. 

Quite often students organise to stay at a chosen destination with their friends and classmates, enjoying stress-free freedom and fun as they create lasting memories. It is a week of nostalgia, excitement, and adventure.

It is also about spending quality time with those friends who have spent most of their previous days with before they all head off on their own pathways and journeys in the ‘real world’.

When is Schoolies?

Schoolies is traditionally the week which directly follows the final official day of school, usually in November. In different states this may vary, which is why you will quite often hear about NSW Schoolies, or Queensland Schoolies.   

Generally, Week 1 is for Queensland graduates, and Week 2/3 is for NSW, Victorian, and all other graduates, but you can choose whatever week you like.

You can find the dates of schoolies for each state here.

How long does Schoolies go for?

Schoolies is usually only a week-long celebration, although depending on where you are visiting it can sometimes stretch longer or be a little shorter.

As Queensland schools usually finish a week before those in other states, they tend to celebrate their week but often continue on into the second week when the new wave of students come to celebrate.

Where is Schoolies held?

Traditionally, in Queensland, the biggest and best Schoolies celebration happens on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast has been hosting Schoolies for over 35 year. Not only is there a multitude of events, activities and festivities planned for the kids at night, but also plenty of things to keep them entertained during the day. 

Even so, in recent times more and more school leavers have opted for other locations up and down the Queensland coast, with some even heading out to the islands.

The Sunshine Coast has become a popular option for those still looking for the glittering coastline, beaches and night-time activities without the huge crowds and craziness that is often associated with the Gold Coast celebration.

Many students even opt for overseas trips with their family or a hinterland escape with their closest friends. At the end of the day, Schoolies is a week to celebrate and how you do so is completely up to you. 

What happens at Schoolies?

Again, what happens at Schoolies definitely depends on where your child has chosen to spend it.

If it is at the Gold Coast then you can expect thousands of school leavers descending on the beaches and in the clubs (if over 18) to party up a storm. The organisers on the coast cater well for those under 18, with live music events and festivities organised to keep them together and supervised.  There are all-ages club parties as well as hotel pool parties etc.

A great source of information on the popular locations for Schoolies, as well as the events planned can be found at the Schoolies.com website.

Accommodation during Schoolies

When it comes to booking accommodation over the well-known Schoolies weeks, be prepared for some pretty strict guidelines and hefty price tag.

Accommodation providers in the main areas are well aware kids booking in are there to celebrate and usually have some very tight restrictions around what can and can’t happen during their stay. Some places even refuse to book for Schoolies.

Due to the popularity of the event at certain places like the Gold Coast, it is  recommended accommodation is booked well in advance. 

Also, make sure you read through your child’s accommodation agreement carefully. Some hotels require an adult to be present at check-in, so knowing this beforehand will save you an unexpected trip.

If you have any queries, be sure to ring the hotel directly and clarify before paying in full.

Schoolies Safety

A big worry for parents when it comes to Schoolies is how safe their children will be. For many, it may be their first holiday away without their parents and being surrounded by so many other young party goers can be a cause for concern for many parents.

There are a number of different safety programs which run on the Gold Coast and at other major Schoolies locations to help ensure the safety of the young celebrators.

Some parents opt to book through designated websites which offer additional security options such as those offered at Schoolies.com. You can read about safety guidelines and programs here.

Red Frog Tips:

Here are a few Schoolies tips from the infamous Red Frog group:

1. Read through the accommodation agreement.

2. Cook and freeze meals for them.

3. Have important conversations with your young person.

4. Organise a check-in day.

5. Add an In Case of Emergency (ICE) number and the Red Frogs Hotline (1300 557 123) into your teen’s phone.

If your child has recently graduated and is looking for some other exciting ways to celebrate explore these Fun Activities for Teenagers in Brisbane.

Not only is it vital for developing literacy, a good vocabulary and a vivid imagination, it also allows children to dream big, be inspired and fall in love with the many characters and stories which fill the well-worn pages of their books.

Story time doesn’t need to be monotonous, Thanks to the Global Space Education Foundation Story Time From Space is now a real thing, and it is every bit inspiring and engaging as it sounds.

Story Time….FROM SPACE

Born from the desire to introduce and encourage STEM to children Story Time From Space is a brilliant initiative dreamed up by educator Patricia Tribe and astronaut Alvin Drew. 

The premise is simple – real astronauts are filmed as they gently float within their space station and read a science-themed children’s book to a camera. 

Astronaut Storytelling

These videos are not only intriguing but also a little mesmerising, easily succeeding in their mission to inspire and engage young minds.

In each clip, you are introduced to the astronaut who will be reading a book to the camera but as soon as the video cuts to them it is immediately apparent this is going to be different to anything your child may have seen before. 

While the astronaut introduces and reads the story, it is all the incredible things going on in the background that will instantly draw the audience in (both young and old).  

The videos are filmed by the astronauts and edited prior to being uploaded and include cutaway close-up shots of the book’s illustrated pages as well.  Some of these include small animated sections or pans to help illustrate the tale.  

On top of this, at the end of some videos, we learn a little more about the featured astronaut.  

Aside from being science-themed, the chosen books have a wide range of reading levels (though all can be read in 15 minutes or less) and cover a range of STEM topics, from physics to engineering to biology.

What We Thought About Story Time from Space

There are so many obvious reasons why we love this initiative.  Aside from the fact it is a super cool alternative to hearing a story, it also allows for so much more learning to occur.

So far, my children and I have watched four of these videos.  Each one a couple of times (at least). With ages ranging from 3 to 8, the level of understanding as to where the astronauts are, what they are doing, why they are doing it and how it is that we are able to watch them varies greatly and I find that at numerous times throughout the video I need to pause it so that we can explore some of their questions.  

How to make the most of the space read

Do a watch-through first, to hear the story uninterrupted.  Then, watch again, stopping to answer questions.  And believe me, there are usually lots!  

Even more awesome is the fact the stories are read by astronauts of different ages, gender and nationality – which is a fantastic way to demonstrate to children that regardless of who you are or where you come from you really can achieve anything you put your mind to.

Who is going to enjoy this?

Children of all-ages (even the cool big kids who think they are too old to be read to) will love Story Time from Space. Those with a keen interest in STEM and space will particularly love these videos. 

Although not intended to replace the one-on-one adult-child reading time, these videos are a great option for mixing things up and adding a little excitement to the usual routine every now and then.  

Science Time From Space

With all the popularity of Story Time From Space, the team have now begun creating science experiments in space.

Science Time From Space has been designed to complement the concepts found within the selected children’s books and cover key concepts from the science curriculum  including heat transfer, light, buoyancy, the effect of gravity on humans and more.

What better way to introduce STEM to our children too, than via the wonderful real world of storytelling from space?  

Sorella Early Learning boasts a purpose-built facility designed to inspire creativity and a love of learning. Their thoughtfully curated indoor and outdoor spaces are brimming with opportunities for exploration and discovery. Every day promises to be an exciting adventure filled with joy, laughter, and stimulating experiences.

Sorella Early Learning Griffin Parent Fact Sheet

Education type: Long day care

Days and Hours of Operation: 6:30am – 6:30pm, Monday- Friday

Ages of care: 6 weeks to 5 years

Food provided: Yes – Sorella Early Learning has an in-house chef who prepares nutritious meals for the children and daily breakfasts for their families.

Allergy considerations: Allergy aware and management plans in place to support children and families as required.

Nappies provided: Yes

National Quality Standards (NQS) Rating: Meeting

Staff ratios: 1:4, 1:11

Size: 8 rooms, 158 places

Point of difference: On-site swimming pool. The Lumiere. The Library. The Oasis. The Gallery. (Find out more below)

About Sorella Early Learning in Griffin

Sorella Early Learning in Griffin provides high-quality early learning, care, and love; from their family to yours.

Their specialised Kindergarten Program, led by a university-qualified Early Childhood Teacher, ensures that each child receives an excellent start to their school years.

An in-house chef prepares healthy delicious meals for their children and dailiy breakfasts for families, to enjoy with their free barista coffee.

Their thoughtfully curated play and learning spaces include an on-site swimming pool, an art gallery, a library and a Lumiere studio.

Beyond the Basics

Sorella Early Learning goes above and beyond by including a variety of exciting extras in their fees. Your child will enjoy chef-cooked nutritious meals, confidence-building swimming lessons, and all the essentials you need – nappies, wipes, sunscreen, and even linen service for the nursery. There are even special programs to spark their interest in sports and music, while parents can enjoy barista-made coffee and daily family breakfasts.

A Focus on Holistic Growth

Sorella Early Learning prioritises the holistic growth of each child, exceeding the standards set by the National Quality Framework. Their approach fosters a strong sense of identity and belonging, while nurturing each child’s developmental progress. They aim to cultivate a lifelong love of learning, equipping children with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their educational journey.

Designed to Spark Curiosity

The expansive environments at Sorella Early Learning feature carefully designed play and learning areas that ignite creativity, imagination, and a spirit of adventure. Here’s a glimpse into some of the amazing spaces your child will explore:

• Lumiere – Light-sensory room: This calming haven provides a unique opportunity for sensory exploration through light and movement.
• The Gallery – A creative art space: Budding artists will unleash their inner Picasso in this dedicated space for messy masterpieces and artistic expression.
• In-centre swimming pool: Because water safety is an essential life skill, Sorella Early Learning boasts its very own on-site pool where children can participate in swimming lessons.
• Adventure play zone: This outdoor wonderland features sandpits, a mud kitchen, waterpark climbing equipment, and more, encouraging exploration and imaginative play.
• The Oasis – A communal garden: This green haven allows children to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, and enjoy the benefits of outdoor play.

Testimonials

“This centre is by far the best in the industry!! We have been apart of the centre since the first day it opened and have been through the process of the centre manager change and now the new change from Elephas to Sorella Early Learning. After working in the Early intervention space as a Social Worker, this previous role enabled me to visit centres to support children with additional needs. From this experience, I have seen the quality of care many centres hold and this centre out shines them all. The centre managers and staff at the centre are so warm and feel like family. They place a high importance on child-centred care and provide fantastic opportunities to the children in a small and unique environment. Couldn’t and wouldn’t go anywhere else!!”

“Absolutely cannot fault the team at Sorella, love everything about the centre! Facilities are amazing and super clean, onsite chef prepares fresh nutritious meals daily and the entire team are so friendly and welcoming and have a true passion for caring for our little people. Couldn’t imagine ever sending my two little ones anywhere else!”

Sorella Early Learning is located at 32 Tesch Road, Griffin.

To find out more, including booking a tour of the centre, please visit the Sorella Early Learning website.

Of course, other school-free dates do pop up throughout the year, such as Staff Professional Development Days (pupil-free days), and Public Holidays. We hope this handy guide will help you prepare for future years in planning your Brisbane School holidays. 

We have not included Queensland Catholic School Holidays as while many will overlap, we have noted nuances between schools, particularly regarding end-of-year and pupil-free days. It is always best to check your own catholic school calendars.

Public Holidays in Brisbane

Here are the recognised public holidays in Brisbane:

• New Year’s Day
• Australia Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Saturday
• Easter Monday
• Anzac Day
• Labour Day
• RNA (Ekka) Show Day
• King’s Birthday
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day

School Holiday Dates Brisbane 2024/2025/2026/2027/2028/2029

*This is for state schools only and doesn’t account for block exams or end of year 12 finishing dates. 

Kindergarten Waiting Lists

In Brisbane, Kindergarten is considered by many to be the first valuable step in their child’s educational journey. While not compulsory, most childcare services, schools, and centres offer early childhood education programs to help prepare children for going into preschool.

Unlike the state schooling system, kindergarten is not allocated to your child based on where you live, so researching the type you are interested in early is a great idea, but proximity matters less.

If you choose a 5-day fortnight program such as C&K or one run through a childcare facility that offers every day and longer hours, you should put your child’s name down as early as possible. Touring the centre you are looking at first before adding your name to their waitlist is a good idea. 

You can put your name down at as many as you like, and it is usually free and involves filling in a form.  In many cases, it is recommended that you put your child’s name down before they turn two, especially as some kindergartens now offer programs for children as young as 3.5 years.

Many large Prep to Year 12 private schools in Brisbane also offer a kindergarten or Pre-Prep program, and in most cases, it is advisable to put your child’s name down from birth if possible. It is worth noting that adding your name to a waitlist for many of these private schools will usually come with an application fee.

We would recommend checking out our list of kindergartens in Brisbane, and contacting the ones that you feel are best suited to your location and family’s needs before asking them directly when you can add your name to their list.

State Primary Schools and High Schools – In Catchment

In Brisbane, every child has a state primary and high school, which they are automatically allocated a spot based on their ‘catchment area’, the geographical location where a state school’s core intake of students must live. This is measured by the shortest and most direct route by road and is designed to ensure that every student from Prep to Year 12 can be enrolled at their local state school. 

The easiest way to find your designated local state school is to use the EdMap website. You can search by entering your home address and see where your local school is, or search via the school to see if your home is in that catchment area.  Any school that has a star icon next to it is enrolment-managed (this means you are only likely to receive a spot if you live in catchment).

If you are happy with the state primary school or high school in your catchment, then you should only need to enrol in the year before they are due to start. There is no need to go on a waiting list; it is just a matter of contacting the school or heading to their website to find out what you need to do to enrol. 

Note: Some schools are NOT enrolment managed and anyone can apply to these schools. You do not need to be in the catchment of these schools to apply. 

You can read all about school catchments in Brisbane here.

State Primary Schools and High Schools – Out of Catchment

Sometimes, you may want to send your child to a different (enrol-managed) state school than your catchment area has been allocated. This may be because another school outside of your catchment is a better fit for your child due to the programs and opportunities it may offer.  Many people consider buying in a catchment area specifically for a desirable school – but this is not always possible for some families.  In this case, they may look to put in an out-of-catchment application.

Out-of-catchment applications are different depending on the state school you are applying to.  Some highly selective and top-rated state high schools are very tightly enrolment managed, with only a certain number of out-of-catchment opportunities on offer and many times these are only made available due to selective entry (academic, sporting, cultural excellence etc). 

Nearly all state schools have details on their website on when you can put in your out-of-catchment application. This is usually in term 4 two years before your child is due to start or in term 1 of the year preceding their commencement.

Private Schools in Brisbane

Unlike state schools, Brisbane’s private primary and high schools are not catchment managed and nearly always involve putting your child’s name down on a waitlist as early as possible. Doing so nearly always consists in filling out an online form and, in more cases than not, also requires a non refundable application fee to do so.

Although it is still possible to enrol in a private school the year before starting (and often mid-year if you need to change), it is advisable if you want go down this route to do your research and put your child’s name down at your chosen school as early as possible. In many cases, to ensure they have the best chance of securing a spot at their preferred private schools, many parents opt to put their child’s name down at multiple schools from the moment they are born – if the school allows it.  As crazy as this may seem, for many popular private schools in Brisbane many parents pay multiple application fees before their child can even talk to hopefully secure a spot at a few and decide when their child is older and they have received offers. 

Many private schools also offer scholarships, which usually open a few years before commencement.  Details on what scholarships may be provided and what is required to apply can be found on each school’s website.  You can read more about scholarships here.

If you are looking for more information about educational options in Brisbane, you may also be interested in:

School Open Days Brisbane

Reviews of Schools in Brisbane

Queens Park Environmental Education Centre features

The Queens Park Environmental Education Centre was built over a decade ago and designed with one focus. To educate visitors on the local Ipswich environment by highlighting its colourful array of unique flora and fauna and demonstrating how we live with it can impact it. 

Created as an educational journey for young and old, the centre overflows with interactive games, hands-on activities, videos and brightly painted wall murals that are designed to captivate and educate its guests. Spread out generously over three main spaces, some of the centre’s core messages include:

• getting to know the local flora and fauna
• how to reduce, reuse and recycle household waste
• what you can place in your compost bin or worm farm
• places you can go around Ipswich to explore the great outdoors on foot, pushbike, or horseback
• handy household tips to reduce your carbon footprint
• how we can all improve our waterways

Queens Park Environmental Education Centre – The Fun

Nestled into Queens Park and directly across the road from its famed kids’ playground and Nature Centre, visitors often overlook the Environmental Education Centre.  Unassuming and subtle with its brown bricked facade on the outside, it gives very little away from the colourful and fun world that resides within it. 

The Fig Tree

Upon entering the centre, it is pretty hard not to be transfixed by the giant ‘growing’ fig tree that canopies the entrance. Staff at the main desk smile a warm welcome but the kids are already lost, scrambling straight into the large opening at its base, invitingly filled with soft blankets and cushions for them. Cleverly designed, it has captured its audience so effectively that it takes them a minute to realise it the first of many learning experiences within the centre.

After slowly venturing out, they read on its trunk how it is filled with numerous local animals and asks them, “how many can you spot?”  Challenge accepted. As they delight with each new wildlife discovery the wind around the trunk and find themselves in the next section of the centre, as it opens up to reveal two spaces of bright, colourful and fun interactive activities.

The Interactive Learning Space

If you are planning to visit the centre with your children then I would allow a generous amount of time to do so. With so much going on and abundant important information to share, I found that my three children started wandering through this together but were eventually drawn to different areas they stayed in for quite a while.

The first main room held their attention for the longest, with its wall-size animated mural of the Ipswich waterways and many interactive activities to explore. Here they delighted in the sensory box – where they stuck their hands into one of many holes and tried to guess what they felt within. There was also the worm farm, several real bird nests they could try to identify, and even a lift-the-flap guessing game on which animal had left behind which ‘remnants’ (which, of course, my son loved the most).

A wooden triangular-roofed cubby spot gifted animal puzzles to solve and a chalkboard where they were encouraged to write words or draw pictures of their own flood experiences. Nearby, a suitably low table was set up for the youngest visitors, with soft wombats and other native animals and their homes to play in.

The Wildlife Room

One of the most eye-catching areas in the Environmental Education Centre is the sizeable wall-length mural that leads guests into the final space. Absolutely stunning, the colourful design features many of Ipswich’s local wildlife, on the trees, in the picture and even as a soft toy along the floor.  Perfect for all ages to interact with, the soft fake grass flooring is the perfect place for little ones to sit, play with the toys and completely immerse themselves in the man-made environment.

Visitors, young and old, will enjoy pushing the red buttons found hidden on each tree along the mural, which emits sounds of the environment around them as well as the animals that inhabit it.  

Also, a large table has been set up in this space with colour-in printouts and pencils for crafty kids. A separate space, with chairs and blankets on the ground, displays a video on the marsupials that reside in Ipswich and the way they have evolved over time to adapt to their surroundings.

Other things to do while in Queens Park

After you have explored all of the different spaces within the Environmental Education Centre, you will not have to venture far outside the doors to find other wonderful experiences you can share with your kids. While in the area, why not check out:

The Ipswich Nature Centre

The much-loved Ipswich Nature Centre is to the left and slightly down the hill from the centre. Sticking with the practically free cost of a day at Queens Park, the Nature Centre only asks for a gold coin donation to enter. Like a mini-zoo, the centre’s pram-friendly wooden ramps wind invitingly between enclosures and beneath trees, around ponds and past cascading water features. Along the way, kids can marvel at an array of native animals, including kangaroos, wombats, goats, bulls, chickens, snakes, emus and bilbies – to name a few.

Queens Park Playground

The state-of-the-art playground provides all the usual equipment kids love but also comes complete with a flying fox, sunken train, water pump play area, liberty swing and climbing wall. There are fort structures, twin tunnel slides (perfect for racing), a hammock, a large climbing net, numerous swings and spinners and much more to explore here.

Nerima Gardens

The ‘Japanese Gardens of Ipswich’, Nerima Gardens seeks to capture the elements of a Japanese-style garden whilst retaining a distinctly Ipswich identity through local plants, including rare and endangered species. The manicured gardens, picturesque lakes and pathways and mini bridges that weave around and over them make this a simply stunning place to go for if you are looking for some peaceful time immersed in nature.

Queens Garden Cafe

If you didn’t have time to pack a picnic but are planning to spend a full day at Queens Park (this is VERY easy to do) then you will love to hear there is an on-site cafe here too.  The Queens Park Cafe’s wide deck and delicious menu make for the perfect mid-day break for hungry families looking to unwind.

Queens Park Environmental Education Centre – helpful information

Address: Queens Park, Merle Finimore Avenue, Ipswich

Phone: (07) 3810 6666

Website: Queens Park Environmental Education Centre

Cost: FREE

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9am – 2pm  |  School holidays Monday – Saturday: 9am – 2pm

Puggles Play Time

Every Friday during school term the youngest members of the community and their grown-ups are invited to share in story time and an environmentally themed activity. Designed for children aged 5 and under, anyone can drop by between 9.30am-11.30am to join in.

School Holiday Activities

Drop into the centre during school holidays to see what free and educational activities are on offer! Activities requiring registration are available on the Eventbrite page Ipswichcitycouncil.eventbrite.com

If you love to learn all about our Australian environment and wildlife you might also enjoy:

Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre

While most children attend mainstream school, a growing number of families are looking for alternative education options. This may be because parents are seeking out specific educational philosophies, or it may be for their children who aren’t thriving in these traditional educational environments. Alternative schools aim to provide a different way of learning so that all children can access quality education regardless of their abilities and how best they learn.

What is An Alternative School?

Alternative schools are still schools though they differ in a few ways from other mainstream educational facilities. Sometimes they uniquely deliver the Australian curriculum, as is the case for Steiner and Montessori schools. Often, they deliver non-traditional curriculum using various teaching models, which are not always available in typical educational settings.

1. Montessori schools: These schools focus on self-directed learning and hands-on activities, and are based on the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori.
2. Steiner schools: These schools, also known as Waldorf schools, are based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, and focus on the holistic development of the child.
3. Alternative high schools: These non-government schools may offer a more flexible curriculum or a more relaxed learning environment for students who may have difficulty in traditional schools. Class sizes are often smaller, providing a more favourable student-to-teacher ratio, allowing individual students to learn at their own pace and thrive in various alternative education programs.
4. Distance education schools: These schools offer education through online or correspondence course for students who for some reason can’t attend school physically

Sometimes, private schools and independent schools in the state system can offer alternative educational pathways. This resource intends to be helpful to parents who are seeking help outside the government and private school systems.

Who Can Attend an Alternative School?

It depends on the type of alternative school you are looking for. In the case of Monstesorri and Steiner educational facilities, it is up to the parent to apply via an admissions program. Sometimes these schools will have tuition fees and waiting lists.

Other alternative schools exist as an option for young people who aren’t thriving in mainstream schools and are at risk of withdrawing entirely from schooling. This could be because of disruptive behaviour, truancy, safety concerns and other personal challenges. Or perhaps mainstream schooling is not the right fit for that particular child. This is also covered by distance education, which offers a virtual alternative to campus-based education.

If you are looking at other school options for your child, we have provided this handy list of alternative schools in Brisbane and the surrounding areas for you to consider.

Alternative Primary Schools in Brisbane

Birali Steiner School                            

Address: 670 Beachmere Road, Beachmere

Year Level: Prep – Class 9 (in 2022)

Website: https://biralisteiner.qld.edu.au/

The Birali Steiner School provides a broad, holistic education based on the work of Rudolph Steiner, intending to educate those who attend through thinking (head), feeling (heart) and willing (hands). To assist this process and maintain strong relationships, teachers at Steiner schools aim to remain with the same class for many years. The class teacher is responsible for delivering pastoral care and core curriculum via routines involving morning verse, morning circle and a ‘main lesson.’ In addition to this, specialist teachers provide language and music lessons to primary school children.

Brisbane School of Distance Education

Address: Virtual

Year Level: P-12

Website: https://brisbanesde.eq.edu.au/

Brisbane School of Distance Education has offered an alternative off-campus educational option since 1992. Their mission is to provide highly engaging learning opportunities for each student with a focus on Innovation, Inspiration and Inclusion.

Caboolture Montessori School

Address: 200 Old Gympie Road, Caboolture

Year Level: Toddler group (from 15mths) to Year 6

Website: https://www.cms.qld.edu.au/

Children at the Caboolture Montessori School are centre of their education with an aim to ‘to promote positive, peaceful learning.’ Fully aligned with the Australian National Curriculum the school delivers education via the renowned Montessori Method. According to this scientifically proved method, children learn best through movement and interaction with their environment, while being responsible for their own learning and actions. Differences between Caboolture Montessori School and other mainstream schools include multi-age classes, individualised curriculum, use of sensory didactic materials, uninterrupted learning and self-regulated discipline.

Read our review of Caboolture Montessori School here. 

Samford Valley Steiner School

Address: 5 Narrawa Drive, Wights Mountain

Year Level: Pre-Prep – Year 12

Website: https://www.samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au/

Set on 20 acres of natural bushland in Samford Valley, the Samford Valley Steiner School values ‘excellence in education based on honesty, tolerance, reverence, responsibility and hard work.’ Like other Steiner Schools, the same class teacher aims to stay with the class for the entirety of their primary schooling, forging trusting and positive relationships with the student. Education throughout the primary years is non-competitive, with no grades given, rather a detailed evaluation of each child is given. A ‘main lesson’ forms the first few hours of learning each day and is dedicated to the same topic or theme over a period of three or four weeks.

Read our review of Samford Valley Steiner School here. 

Alternative High Schools in Brisbane

Arethusa College      

Address: Multiple campuses – Deception Bay, Forest Lake, West End, Windsor, Spring Hill, Springwood, Maroochydore 

Year Level: Years 7 – 12

Website: https://www.arethusa.qld.edu.au/

Arethusa College, boasting multiple campuses across Brisbane (but with a small school approach), aims to create a positive school community which facilitates ‘real connections, real learning and real futures.’ The College has a flexible approach to education, offering alternative programs and vocational pathways to those who attend. Additional programs on offer include the Arethusa Sports Academy and the Adventure Academy, both of which utilise a significant component of hands-on and real-world learning to support with a positive outcome. 

Birali Steiner School                          

Address: 670 Beachmere Road, Beachmere

Year Level: Prep – Class 9 (in 2022)

Website: https://biralisteiner.qld.edu.au/

The Birali Steiner School provides a broad, holistic education based on the work of Rudolph Steiner, with the aim to educate those who attend through thinking (head), feeling (heart) and willing (hands). High school students will experience a vast range of learning which can be explored in depth with the support of Specialist Subject Teachers. Teachers providing this education aim to strike a positive balance between all areas of development.

Brisbane School of Distance Education

Address: Virtual

Year Level: P-12

Website: https://brisbanesde.eq.edu.au/

Brisbane School of Distance Education has offered an alternative off-campus educational option since 1992. Their mission is to provide highly engaging learning opportunities for each student with a focus on Innovation, Inspiration and Inclusion.

Carinity Education Southside

Address: 153 Lister Street, Sunnybank 

Year Level: Years 7 -12

Website: https://carinity.qld.edu.au/southside/enrol/

Carinity Education Southside is an independent, all-girls school that offers a flexible learning environment for young girls. A specialised transition program provides a gentle introduction to the school, while small class sizes, the provision of lunch and the availability of complementary services aims to support the wellbeing of the student. A subsidised early learning centre is also available for young mothers attending the school.

Humanitas High School

Address: 93 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Year Level: Years 7, 8 and 9 (in 2023)

Website: https://www.humanitashighschool.org.au/

Officially opened in 2021, Humanitas High School is a small, but growing high school where students are the main drivers of their learning in a democratic and project focused environment. Multi-age classes, with a strong emphasis on self-directed learning, student well-being and community connection, makes Humanitas High School unique.

The school aims to encourages lifelong learning and community interaction, though core curriculum offerings, collaborative community projects and individual in-depth projects.

Hubbard’s School      

Address: Level 1/15 Lang Parade, Milton

Year Level: Year 10 – 12 (Prerequisite – completion of Year 9)                           

Website: https://hubbards.qld.edu.au/

The Hubbard’s School prides itself on offering unique academic pathways for senior school students in a flexible learning environment. Students are only required to attend their chosen lessons (no extracurricular activities), whilst working at their own pace to achieve their academic goals, which may include ATAR or QCE.

The entry level (Senior Preparatory Year) covers the foundation’s skills from Year 10 and 11, allowing students to catch up and fast-track their academic studies in English, Mathematics and Science. Following this, students can complete the Senior School Program (usually over two years).

Queensland Pathways State College (QPSC)

Address: Multiple campuses – Bracken Ridge, Mount Gravatt, Coorparoo, Bundamba, and Goodna.

Year Level: Year 10 – 12

Website: https://qpsc.eq.edu.au/

Queensland Pathways State College (QPSC) aims to supports students who have become disengaged from mainstream schooling. The College offers a senior transition program for 15 – 17 year old’s, where students attend the College four days a week, and engage in TAFE at Schools programs, work experience or other training one day a week.

To assist all students there is a focus on social, emotional, work and life skills, as well as standard literacy and numeracy subjects. Students attending QPSC can also work toward achieving a QCE.

Samford Valley Steiner School

Address: 5 Narrawa Drive, Wights Mountain

Year Level: Pre-Prep – Year 12

Website: https://www.samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au/

Set on 20 acres of natural bushland in Samford Valley, the Samford Valley Steiner School values ‘excellence in education based on honesty, tolerance, reverence, responsibility and hard work.’ The high school strives to explore a range of academic subjects in a cohesive and creative way, under the guidance of a Class Guardian and other specialist teachers. 

As student’s progress through high school, they will also have the opportunity to take part in VET courses, outdoor education, student exchange programs and a senior research project.

Read our review of Samford Valley Steiner School here. 

YMCA Vocational Schools     

Address: Multiple campuses – Acacia Ridge, Kingston, Bundamba, Ipswich, Mango Hill, North Lakes, Victoria Point

Year Level: Year 7 – Year 12

Website: https://www.ymcabrisbane.org/services/vocational-school

YMCA Vocational schools are popping up everywhere. The school aims to provide an ‘adjusted’ education program to secondary school students, supporting their needs via three core elements – academic, vocational and wellbeing.

One of the main focuses at the YMCA Vocational school is enhancing students personal and practical skills, while growing confidence, positively influencing school attendance and helping the young person to reach their full potential. The holistic YMCA Vocation School’s Body, Mind & Spirit program is another way to support this learning and the development of each student.

You might also be interested in reading our resource about what to do if your child is thinking or dropping out of school and how ATAR scores are not the end of world.

What is Prep?

Prep is the first official year of schooling and provides the foundation to your child’s education. It is the start of the early learning stage (which continues until Year 2). As it is part of the Australian School Curriculum, Prep is offered in all Queensland state primary schools as well as most non-state primary schools. Prep is a full-time program with a defined curriculum, with children attending Monday to Friday, generally from 9am to 3pm. 

Is Prep compulsory in Queensland?

Yes. It is compulsory for Queensland children to undertake Prep before Year 1. 

What is the enrolment age for prep in Queensland?

To enrol in the prep year in a Queensland school, your child must have turned 5 by the 30th June in the year they enrol. If you are a little unsure, there is a handy online calculator that you can use to confirm when your child is eligible to start Prep. Simply select your child’s month and year of birth and the calculator will let you know the year they can enrol.

Can my child enrol earlier or later than the year suggested?

The short answer is yes. Although Prep is a compulsory educational requirement, there is some flexibility around when you can start your child.  Depending on their own individual development, there can be advantages to both delaying their enrolment year or indeed starting them a little earlier.  If you think this may be the best route for your child, there are guidelines you will need to be aware of below that will help you determine if this will be possible.

Early Enrolment in Prep

Early entry to Prep is a lot harder to achieve than a delayed entry.  Early entry to Prep is only possible if the child meets all the legislative conditions in Part 4, Section 17 of the Education (General Provisions) Regulation 2017.

A child who is younger than the prescribed age for Prep is only able to commence school early if:

• They turn five years by 31 July in the year they propose to attend Prep, and the school principal is satisfied that the child is ready for education in the Prep year
  or
• They have started education in another state or country equivalent to the Prep year and the school principal is satisfied that the child is ready for education in the Prep year. 

Delaying Enrolment in Prep

When delaying your child’s entry to prep (and subsequently grade 1) the process is a little different. Whilst you may want to discuss your reasons for wanting to delay your child’s enrolment into Prep with their current kindergarten teacher or future school Principal, at the end of the day, the decision to do so can be the parents’ choice alone.  No formal documentation or assessment is required. In most cases, the reason for delaying starting prep is because a parent feels their child is still developing their social and emotional skills. Often, this may even be recommended by their current care provider or teacher.

You can delay their entry by one year if you feel they are not ready, but when they start school, they should still start in the Prep year. Your child must be enrolled in school when they turn compulsory schooling age (at least 6 years and 6 months).

Many times, if a child is not quite ready at the end of their prep year to move up to year 1, the teacher may recommend they repeat the prep year. You can read up on some of the pros and cons of repeating prep here.

If you feel your child might not be ready, here are our tips on what to do if your child is not ready to start prep.

Just note: That while there are guidelines around the prep year and to a certain degree, you can make the decision for your own child, it does not mean that you will not get push back. Welcome to the list of advocating for your child – this won’t be the first or the last time. 

How do I enrol my child in Prep?

As Prep is universally available, there are no waiting lists for enrolment in Prep at state schools.  Even so, it is recommended that you enrol in your local school in the year before they are due to start (if not earlier).  Some state schools may have an enrolment management plan in place, which means students may not be able to attend unless they live within the designated catchment area. 

If you are hoping to enrol your child in a private school or a state school that is outside of your catchment area, it is advised that you contact the school directly as early as possible to find out what requirements you may need to meet to enrol your child with them. 

What will your child learn in prep?

The Prep year in Queensland is an excellent introduction to schooling for kids, where they will be given opportunities to learn in various ways. This includes active learning such as play-based and enquiry-based approaches. They make decisions, solve problems, develop thinking skills, collaborate, communicate and develop a positive sense of self.

Prep provides the foundation for your child’s success at school by developing:

• the knowledge, understanding and skills detailed in the Australian Curriculum for English, mathematics, science and history (Foundation Year)
• a positive approach to learning
• independence and confidence
• creativity and problem-solving skills
• physical abilities, including gross and fine motor skills.

Children learn about:

• speaking, listening, reading and writing
• mathematics and problem solving
• science, exploring interesting and important questions about the biological, physical and technological world
• history, examining and enquiring about the past to develop curiosity and imagination.

Prep children also learn about:

• negotiating rights, roles and responsibilities and developing social skills for working and playing with others
• diverse social and cultural practices of people in their community
• making healthy choices
• experimenting with materials in a variety of creative, imaginative and innovative ways
• technology in everyday life
• music and movement.

How to prepare your child for prep

The prospect of your little one heading out on their first year of official schooling can be daunting, not just for your child but quite often for you too!  You can help your child prepare themselves in many small ways, though.  Some ideas for getting your child excited about starting prep include:

• Familiarise your child with their new school.
• Connect with new school friends over the holidays.
• Take your child on a special trip to buy their new school items.
• Get them to help you label and personalise their new school items.
• Start to get them into a similar daily routine a couple of weeks before starting.
• Get them to speak with older siblings or friends with kids who have started school or will be going to their school.

You can read out the full article on Getting Your Child Excited About Starting Prep here.

More Tips for Prep Parents

If your child is heading into prep and you are looking for more tools and ways to enhance their experience then you may also be interested in these articles:

The Insider Tips to Have the Best Prep Year

Back To School Tips For Parents of Prep Students | Teacher Perspective