Outdoor learning on the rise: Victorian bush kinder grants open

The Victorian Government has recently opened applications for the Bush Kinder Grants Program, inviting eligible early childhood services to apply for one-off grants of $6,000 to establish new or enhance existing, outdoor learning programs in 2026. The initiative forms part of a $3.6 million investment over four years aimed at enriching children’s connection to nature and improving educational outcomes.

1. Enhanced Learning EnvironmentsBush kindergartens provide immersive, multi-sensory experiences, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and environmental awareness in children. These settings align with emergent pedagogical frameworks that value experiential and nature-based learning.
2. Increased Access and EquityWith up to 150 grants available annually, a wide range of services, urban and regional alike, can adapt or expand outdoor programs. This helps broaden access for children from diverse backgrounds to benefit from nature-rich early learning.
3. Budget Support for Program DevelopmentThe $6,000 grants offer a practical boost for operational costs like transport, equipment, staffing needs, or site arrangements, reducing financial barriers for services wishing to integrate outdoor learning.
4. Strategic Alignment with Sector GoalsThe program supports goals common across the sector: fostering sustainable, inclusive practices, advancing child wellbeing, and promoting curriculum innovation. It offers providers an externally-backed framework to organise and develop meaningful programs.