Sydney is on the ‘must-see’ list of most international visitors to Australia and Aussie icons such as the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are famous throughout the world.
If your school is located in country NSW, or interstate, then your students have less opportunity to travel to Sydney and explore this magnificent city. Let us show you ‘our city’ with a sightseeing tour of the major points of interest (things that our international visitors want to see)! Bondi Beach, the SCG, “The Gap” at the South Head of Sydney Harbour, Vaucluse, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Bennelong Point and the Opera House, Circular Quay, Macquarie Street and much more! Add in your choice of venues and activities for a truly memorable Sydney experience.
Sydney offers diverse opportunities to support several key learning areas to suit NSW and interstate schools.
Contact us today to design your ideal Sydney excursion.
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British Colonisation
Sydney offers your students the opportunity to explore first-hand, significant sites along with their stories of British Colonisation. Many of the venues use a combination of role play, artefacts, guided tours, costumes and storytelling to engage your students while bringing British Colonisation history to life. There are so many unique experiences to choose from, each focusing on another small part of the British Colonisation story.
There are two new additions to the British Colonisation program choices.
NEW
Cockatoo Island: offers primary and secondary students the unique opportunity to explore the history and development of colonial and industrial Australia. Layers of history sit side-by-side, providing a perfect example of how human occupation and use of the site has changed over time.
The excursions are led by experienced and qualified teacher guides and tours include the convict and industrial precincts (including the new tunnel soundscape) and audio-visual displays.
Primary students also participate in craft activities and hear stories of the island’s remarkable history and colourful characters, including infamous inmate and sole escapee Captain Thunderbolt! Tours are adapted to suit various Stages 2 & 3, HSIE and Science and Technology topics.
Secondary Stages 4 & 5 Geography and Stage 5 History students are also well catered for with curriculum-aligned tours which include a variety of activities. Tours can also be provided for Stages 4 & 5 Design and Technology as well as Stages 4 & 5 Visual Arts and Civics and Citizenship.
We are currently developing an overnight Cockatoo Island excursion package suitable for Primary and High School Students which will include private ferry transport, accommodation (permanently set-up tents), meals, your choice of tours and activities plus other venues and activities in Sydney throughout your 2 or 3 day itinerary. Contact us for more details!
NEW
Sydney Harbour YHA and The Big Dig Archaeology Centre: located in The Rocks with fantastic views over Sydney Harbour, YHA have successfully built their latest group accommodation complex on a site which was once part of the crowded early penal colony settlement. The design & building process has carefully preserved and showcased the archaeology to create an accessible teaching and learning site, complimented by two purpose built classrooms, a simulated dig and artefact displays. Curriculum specific, facilitated programs are available to all groups whether staying at this accommodation or elsewhere.
At this YHA, there is a dedicated group accommodation floor catering for a maximum group size of approximately 40 guests. Groups over this size would be allocated to adjacent areas as close as possible to the dedicated groups’ wing. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and full catering is available in the groups dining area (separate to public guests).
Quintessential Sydney:
Students from regional areas love a “Big City Experience”. Take a ferry ride on Sydney Harbour, visit Taronga Zoo, explore Darling Harbour with Imax, Sydney Aquarium & Wildlife World, National Maritime Museum, Chinese Gardens & more. Include a Monorail ride, Sydney Tower & Oztrek, take a group photo on the steps of the Opera House, walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge, meet the Bondi Lifesavers! Visit Luna Park, enjoy a jet-boat ride, see live theatre or opera, explore behind the scenes at the famous SCG or former Sydney Olympic Stadium, brave the Skywalk experience at Sydney Tower (small groups & minimum age applies), and lots more!
High School groups
We can also tailor 2 or 3 day itineraries to suit Year 11 & 12 Business and Legal Studies, HSC Geography, Hospitality & Tourism and more. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements. Please note that we’re unable to offer day-tours for these itineraries.
Our interstate visitors
For groups visiting from interstate and arriving via Sydney Airport, we’re happy to include - free of charge - Sydney sightseeing before you head off to Canberra (sightseeing inclusions are subject to flight arrival time). Or, stay overnight in Sydney to include even more activities (at applicable cost).
Even a brief time in Sydney en-route to/from Canberra can give your students the opportunity for a Group Photo on the steps of the Opera House, a walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a ferry ride on Sydney Harbour, and a sightseeing tour including the famous Bondi Beach!
In Sydney you can also explore incredible stories surrounding the arrival of the First Fleet and the early days of British Colonisation.
What others say:
“I found staff at Macquarie Educational Tours very helpful with last minute changes to our accommodation, itinerary and the overall number of attendees. Thank you very much for making our Sydney Camp very successful.”
“The kids had a great time as usual! They experienced many educational and ‘fun’ activities that have enhanced their learning in so many areas this year. Thanks again to the fantastic team at Macquarie.”