Land Listeners:Bushcraft, Ecology & Learning from Country in Australia
LAND LISTENERS: AUSTRALIA
WITH EDUCATORS
Led by Lisé Whitfield & Andy Ashton
COST PER STUDENT:
$3,750
AGE GROUP:
• 9–11 & 12–15 years old
PERFECT FOR:
Perfect for curious students aged 9–15 who love the outdoors, hands-on learning, and connecting deeply with nature and culture.
-
In the vast desert landscapes of Australia’s Red Centre and the forests, caves, and coastlines of Western Australia, students step into a way of learning that begins with listening.
Land Listeners is a five-week, place-based learning adventure exploring Indigenous knowledge systems, ecology, bushcraft, and land-based observation. During one week in Yulara and four weeks in Margaret River, students learn through guided cultural experiences, scientific fieldwork, mapping, storytelling, navigation, outdoor skills, creative work, and careful observation of Country.
The program runs four days per week, with two classroom/studio days and two field-immersion days. Students also receive approximately two hours of small-group math tutorials each week.
-
During five weeks of classroom study and field immersion, students investigate:
Anangu and Wadandi relationships with Country
Tjukurpa, cultural protocols, and knowledge transmission
Desert, forest, cave, coastal, and intertidal ecosystems
Indigenous astronomy and seasonal knowledge
Bush foods, plant knowledge, survival, and adaptation
Biodiversity, animal tracking, and habitat observation
Bushcraft, shelter design, navigation, and land awareness
Traditional technologies and natural materials
Marine conservation and human impact
Scientific and artistic field journaling
Storytelling, mapping, and oral communication
Students will learn through both scientific inquiry and culturally guided experiences, developing practical outdoor skills alongside a deeper understanding of stewardship, interconnection, and responsibility.
-
Throughout the five-week adventure, students work on two complementary projects that grow alongside their learning and become lasting keepsakes of their journey.
The first is a Journey Story Map—a handmade concertina book inspired by the idea that stories can be carried through personal symbols. Rather than reproducing Aboriginal artwork or symbols, students develop their own visual language to document the places, people, questions, and experiences that shape their expedition. Beginning in Yulara and continuing through Margaret River, the Story Map becomes a creative record of both the landscapes they explore and the ways they themselves grow along the way.
Alongside this, students build an illustrated Field Guide to Country, recording plants, animals, geological features, ecological observations, and cultural insights shared by local educators. Combining scientific observation, careful sketching, mapping, and reflective writing, each field guide becomes a unique record of two of Australia's most remarkable ecosystems.
On our final day, families are invited to a celebration of learning where students present their Journey Story Maps and Field Guides to Country, sharing the stories, discoveries, observations, and personal growth captured throughout the program. Together, these two projects become meaningful records of both the outer journey across Australia's diverse landscapes and the inner journey of learning to observe, listen, and connect more deeply with Country.
-
Program Fee and Inclusions
Program fee: USD $3,750 per student
A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $600 is included in the total tuition.
The program fee includes:
Five-week educational program designed and led by Lisé Whitfield and Andy Ashton
Four program days per week, Monday–Thursday, approximately 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Two classroom/studio days and two field-immersion days each week
Interdisciplinary instruction in ecology, environmental science, Indigenous knowledge systems, literacy, art, storytelling, bushcraft, and land-based skills
Approximately two hours of small-group math tutorials each week
All required student entry fees and organized program excursions
Cultural learning experiences with local educators and knowledge holders
Classroom materials and standard project supplies
Personal field-journal work
Final Living Museum of Land & Culture showcase
Ongoing parent communication and program coordination
-
Family accommodations in Yulara and Margaret River
Flights to Yulara and onward travel to Western Australia
Local family transportation, including airport transfers and daily travel to program meeting points
Rental cars, fuel, parking, and other family transportation costs
Meals and snacks; students bring a packed lunch, snacks, and water each day
Personal outdoor clothing and equipment
Travel and medical insurance
Optional parent entry fees or participation costs where parent attendance is available
Families are responsible for booking their own lodging for:
Yulara: October 26–30
Travel/transition weekend: October 31–November 1
Margaret River: November 2–26
Yulara Planning Note: Yulara is a very remote, contained destination with very limited services and inconsistent internet access. Families who work remotely should plan carefully and should not assume high-speed connectivity.
FAQs ABOUT THE LAND LISTENERS LEARNING ADVENTURE
-
Curious learners aged 9–15 who love the outdoors, hands-on discovery, and connecting with nature and culture.
-
The first week is based in Yulara, near Uluru, followed by four weeks in the Margaret River region of Western Australia. Families must arrange travel between the two locations over the October 31–November 1 transition weekend.
-
Families should book accommodation in or very near Yulara for October 26–30 and within convenient driving distance of the WorldWise classroom and meeting locations in the Margaret River region for November 2–26. More precise neighborhood and meeting-point guidance will be provided to enrolled families before booking.
-
WorldWise will provide enrolled families with suggested areas, but families are responsible for researching, booking, and paying for their own lodging.
-
The program runs Monday through Thursday, approximately 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Some field days may begin earlier or finish later depending on travel time, tides, weather, cultural programming, or site requirements. Families will receive the detailed schedule in advance.
-
Families are responsible for transportation to and from daily meeting locations and for travel between Yulara and Margaret River. A rental car will be strongly recommended—and may be essential—in both regions. WorldWise will support carpool coordination through the private parent WhatsApp group, but cannot guarantee transportation.
-
No. Students bring a packed lunch, snacks, and sufficient water each day. Families will receive guidance regarding food storage and any restrictions for particular field locations.
-
English is the primary language, so there's no language barrier for students.
-
No formal certification is currently included. Students will complete a substantial body of interdisciplinary work, including field journals, scientific observations, creative projects, and contributions to the final Living Museum. A program summary or learning documentation can be provided to families upon request.
-
Students will need sturdy closed-toe walking shoes, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, sun protection, a comfortable daypack, reusable water bottles, and basic classroom supplies. A complete packing and school-supply list will be sent before the program begins. Families should expect variable desert, forest, cave, and coastal conditions.
-
Parents may be invited to join selected field experiences when space, cultural protocols, transportation, insurance, and site rules allow. Any parent entry, transportation, or activity fees are separate from student tuition. The final showcase will be open to families.
We have answered the most commonly asked questions about our Learning Adventures. You can take a look at them here.
