School excursions are changing.
While visiting a museum, zoo or major attraction will always have a place in school travel, Australian schools are increasingly looking for something more from their excursions: real-world experiences that connect classroom learning with the world beyond the school gates.
As schools begin planning their 2027 and 2028 programs, several exciting themes are emerging, from STEM and future careers to sustainability, First Nations perspectives and hands-on life skills.
At Away We Go Tours, we believe the best school excursions are more than a list of attractions. They should have a purpose, support curriculum outcomes and create experiences students remember long after they return to school.
So, what are the big school excursion trends to watch? HERE ARE THE TOP 5
- STEM, AI & Future Careers
Technology is changing the way we live and work, and schools are increasingly looking for ways to introduce students to the careers of the future. Excursions that combine STEM, technology and career exploration can give students the opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes in real workplaces and discover careers they may never have considered. Think:
- Robotics and automation
- Artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Drones and aviation
- Engineering
- Medical science
- Space and astronomy
- Renewable energy
- Advanced manufacturing
- Technology and innovation
The most engaging STEM excursions don’t simply ask students to learn about technology they allow them to experience it. A university visit, industry experience, practical workshop and career presentation can become a powerful learning journey that answers a question many students in Year 10, 11, 12 are beginning to ask: “What career should I pursue?”
- Sustainability, Climate & the Environment
Environmental education continues to be an important focus for Australian schools. Students are increasingly learning about climate change, biodiversity, water security, conservation and sustainable practices in the classroom. An excursion gives students the chance to take those lessons outside and see them in action. Imagine students:
- Exploring Australia’s unique ecosystems
- Learning about marine conservation
- Participating in environmental activities
- Learning about water management
- Exploring biodiversity
- Visiting conservation projects
- Discovering how communities are responding to climate change
From the Great Barrier Reef to Australia’s national parks and regional environments, there are countless opportunities to turn environmental education into an immersive experience. More importantly, these experiences can be tailored to different year levels, from primary students discovering Australian wildlife to senior students investigating climate science and environmental management. AWGT offers hands-on programs on Tangalooma Island, Lady Elliot Island and K’gari, just to name a few. Ask our destination specialist about the Kids for the Reef rebates to help make your excursion even more affordable.
- First Nations Knowledge, Country & Culture
There is also a growing opportunity to create excursions that provide students with meaningful connections to First Nations culture, Country and knowledge. Rather than treating Indigenous culture as a standalone activity, schools can explore how traditional knowledge connects with science, sustainability, astronomy, ecology, land management and Australian history. AWGT offers authentic excursions to the Northern Territory where students can organically immerse themselves in remote communities
Students might explore:
- Indigenous ecological knowledge
- Traditional land management
- Bush foods and native plants
- Indigenous astronomy
- Water and Country
- Traditional technologies
- Conservation
- Indigenous history and culture
These experiences can create powerful connections between curriculum areas while helping students develop a deeper understanding of Australia’s history and its people. Ask our destination specialist about the Save and Learn NT rebates to help make your excursion even more affordable.
- Democracy, Civics & How Australia Works
Canberra remains one of Australia’s most valuable educational destinations, but the way we think about a Canberra excursion is evolving. Rather than simply visiting Parliament House and ticking off a list of attractions, schools can create a broader learning experience around How Australia Works Students can explore democracy, government, elections, law, Australian history, defence, economics and the institutions that shape our country.
A Canberra program could combine:
- Australian Parliament
- Democracy and elections
- National institutions
- Australian history
- Indigenous history
- Defence and remembrance
- Economics and money
- Leadership and citizenship
For students, this can transform Canberra from a school trip into an opportunity to understand their role in Australia’s future. Plus, our destination specialists will help you qualify for the PACER rebate to help make your excursion even more affordable.
- Health, Wellbeing & Real-World Skills
Another area with exciting potential is education that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. Schools are looking for experiences that develop practical skills, confidence and resilience not just academic knowledge. This could include:
- Health and wellbeing
- Nutrition
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Resilience
- Personal safety
- Emergency services
- Financial literacy
- Outdoor skills
Imagine an excursion where students meet emergency service professionals, learn first aid, develop teamwork skills and discover how communities respond during emergencies. These are experiences students can take home with them and use in everyday life. A successful school excursion shouldn’t feel like a collection of unrelated attractions.
It should have a story. Students should understand why they are visiting each location, how each experience connects to the next and what they are taking away from the journey. That is where a tailored itinerary can make such a difference. At Away We Go Tours, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all school excursions. Every school has different learning outcomes, budget and student needs.
Whether you are planning a one-day local experience or a multi-day interstate or international educational journey, we can help bring the right combination of learning, experiences, transport, accommodation and activities together.
Away We Go Tours creates tailored school excursions across Australia and internationally, designed around your school’s learning goals, student cohort and budget.
From Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne to Queensland, the Northern Territory, the Gold Coast and international destinations, our team can help create an educational experience that’s right for your school.
Planning a 2027 or 2028 school excursion? Get in touch with Away We Go Tours to start creating your itinerary.