April 2026 marks a very special time for us at Eco Explorers. Not only are we joining communities across Australia to celebrate Nature Play Week, but we are also proudly celebrating 10 years of connecting children and families with nature.
To kick off these celebrations, we are hosting a special launch event on Saturday, 11th April 2026. Families are invited to join us for a morning of bush play, crafts, nature exploration, hands-on activities for children of all ages. The event will feature a smoking ceremony, welcome to Country and official nature play week launch, and the opportunity to meet our team and learn more about what we do. This is our way of saying thank you to the thousands of families who have been part of our journey over the last decade.
Nature Play Week is an annual celebration encouraging children to get outdoors, explore, and connect with the natural world. Research shows that unstructured outdoor play supports children’s physical, social, and emotional development, fostering creativity, resilience, and curiosity. At Eco Explorers, we have been part of this movement for a decade, providing opportunities for kids to climb trees, explore creeks, dig in the soil, and discover the fascinating world around them. To learn more about the importance of kids spending time in nature, visit Kids in Nature.
The benefits of nature play are clear. Children who regularly engage with the natural world show improved physical health, enhanced problem-solving skills, and stronger emotional wellbeing. Nature play encourages imagination, collaboration, and a sense of wonder that screens and indoor environments cannot replicate. It also creates meaningful opportunities for families to bond, share experiences, and create lasting memories together.
Our story began ten years ago with a simple idea. I was a mum with three young children and no options for outdoor playgroups where kids could freely explore and connect with nature. So, I decided to start my own. From those humble beginnings, Eco Explorers has grown into Melbourne’s largest and longest-standing bush program, running anywhere from 40-70 programs per week over 10 years. From community events, bush schools, festivals, school camps, excursions, bush kinder PDs, and funded events for vulnerable families, we’ve welcomed thousands and thousands of families to our bush programs over the last ten years.
Looking ahead, our mission remains as strong as ever. We are passionate about providing research-backed, nature-based programs because we know how essential nature connection is for children’s development and family wellbeing. Our programs offer more than just outdoor play—they foster community, ignite curiosity, and create special memories that last a lifetime. I feel so fortunate to work alongside an incredible, passionate team made up of teachers, educators, artists, environmental educators, forest school leaders, marine biologists, and outdoor educators, all bringing their unique skills and love for nature to every session.
We invite families old and new to join us for our Nature Play Week launch event and celebrate 10 years of Eco Explorers. Come explore the bush, discover the wonders of the natural world, and be part of a decade of learning, exploring, and growing together.
