Northern NSW, and specifically the New England area of NSW, is fortunate to have the amazing facility that is Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre located on Rockvale Road, about 18km north-east of the Armidale CBD.  Thalgarrah is a Department of Education school that serves a large area, stretching from the upper Hunter to the Queensland border and from the coast to as far west as Bourke.

Originally established as a Field Studies Centre in 1976 on the site of the former Thalgarrah Public School, the centre has grown into a wonderful education facility that offers fieldwork experiences for school students from Kindergarten to Year 12. Class or school groups can visit for a single day or stay for extended periods with dormitory /camping style accommodation.  It also supports schools and teachers in Environmental Education and Education for Sustainability.

The centre makes use of sites on and near the property for most of the learning programs. The centre also uses a wide variety of field sites in nearby National Parks, Nature Reserves, Aboriginal and Historical sites.  Surrounding the Centre grounds is Swallowfield Wildlife Refuge which is remnant eucalypt woodland with many of its original native fauna still living there.

The Gara River flows close by providing more opportunities for engaging programs at all grade levels.

We also have access to the “Old English Garden” on historic Thalgarrah Station, a once large pastoral run of over 24,000 acres established in the late 1800s.

If you’re looking for your next school excursion location, give Thalgarrah a call.  Matt and the team would be happy to help you out.

Web: https://thalgarrah-e.schools.nsw.gov.au/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThalgarrahEEC