About Us

Background

The centre was created in 1975 for the specific purpose of providing for state, national and international primary schools, high schools, colleges and universities an "in-field" hands-on facility. A facility where teachers could bring their students for the sole purpose of carrying out really worthwhile, extension of classroom "true", outdoor education learning programs and experiences.

By combining the primarily theoretical, "in-school" component, with the "in-field", "living classroom" practical component, teachers have a teaching assistant that has no equal, and supports "in-school", teaching in a way nothing else can.

The other main reason for the creation of the "centre" was to address the issue of 25% to 30% of students in any class being deprived of their full potential. This is caused by a very outdated teaching system of confining students in what is for many, a very boring, uninteresting, sterile environment of four walls, a ceiling and a floor.

Students taking part in the centre’s "living-classroom" program’s show interest and understanding in subjects that did not occur in the normal classroom.

Many teachers feel that until one third of a student’s formal education years are spent in taking part in "true" outdoor education, extension of the normal "in-school" lessons, the totally unacceptable sharp classroom ability gradient line that is the historical feature of our normal teaching system, will not be rectified.

The Centre's Staff

Our specialist field guides and visiting university lecturers are all dedicated people with many years of 'in-field' experience and are able to present their skills and knowledge to groups in an entertaining and informative way.

Our chef prepares delicious meals, barbecues and picnics.

About Us

Vivonne Bay Outdoor Education Centre is a state native vegetation and wildlife protected property and is on the interim list for Australian Heritage Listing. The property is 206 hectares in size and has 1 kilometre of ocean frontage onto Vivonne Bay. The property also includes 15 kilometres of self-guided, sign posted walking trails.

Recently proclaimed the 'best beach' in Australia after extensive research by a Sydney University Professor; Vivonne Bay boasts an outstanding long, sandy beach with beautiful turqoise waters and is a superb site for beachcombing, surfing and fishing.

Vivonne Bay Eco-Adventures is the 24 hour general emergency base for the western end of Kangaroo Island and has an all weather emergency air strip.