About Field of Mars EEC | NSW Environmental Education Centre Network

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre is a specialist NSW Department of Education school located in Field of Mars Reserve, East Ryde.

We provide curriculum-aligned excursions, incursions, high-potential and gifted education programs, teacher professional learning and learning resources for NSW public and non-government schools from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Our programs use bushland, waterways, urban environments and school grounds to support syllabus-aligned learning in science, geography, HSIE, creative arts, wellbeing and sustainability.

Since 2007, Field of Mars EEC has delivered curriculum-aligned excursions and incursions to 293,718 students from Sydney and regional NSW schools. In 2025, the centre provided positive experiences in nature to 22,623 students, a record for the organisation.

Our location and environment

Field of Mars EEC is based in the urban bushland of Field of Mars Reserve in East Ryde, within the Lane Cove River catchment.

We also use local bushland, waterways, parks, urban sites and school grounds to deliver flexible outdoor learning and incursion programs. These settings allow students to investigate real environments and connect learning to places, communities and issues that are relevant to them.

What we offer

We work with NSW public and non-government schools across Greater Sydney and, where possible, regional NSW to deliver:

• School excursions and incursions for K–12 students.
• High-potential and gifted education enrichment programs.
• Specialised fieldwork, geography, science, creative arts and wellbeing programs.
• Teacher professional learning in outdoor learning, fieldwork, sustainability and curriculum-based environmental education.
• Pre-visit and post-visit resources, digital books, lesson ideas, classroom activities and social stories.
• Where relevant, programs include Aboriginal perspectives, local ecology, land and water management, sustainability and connections to place.

Our team and expertise

Field of Mars EEC programs are led by qualified NSW Department of Education teachers with specialist knowledge in environmental education, outdoor learning, curriculum, fieldwork and student safety.

Our staff use local ecological knowledge, teaching expertise and practical fieldwork strategies to create safe, engaging and syllabus-aligned learning experiences for students and teachers.

Who can book

We welcome bookings from NSW public and non-government schools.

Schools can book primary excursions and incursions, secondary fieldwork programs, HPGE enrichment days and teacher professional learning. Programs can be adapted to suit class stage, student needs, site conditions and curriculum requirements.

Visitor information and access

Field of Mars EEC is located at Field of Mars Reserve, Pittwater Road, East Ryde NSW 2113.

We provide visitor information, maps, transport advice, bus access details, parking information, risk management support and site-specific guidelines to help schools plan a safe and successful visit.

Frequently asked questions

Our frequently asked questions provide information for teachers, parents and carers about bookings, prices, supervision, accessibility, risk management, facilities, transport, equipment and what students need to bring.

Our role in the NSW Environmental and Zoo Education Centres network

Environmental and Zoo Education Centres support schools across NSW through curriculum-based excursions, incursions, fieldwork, professional learning, learning resources and sustainability education.

Why choose Field of Mars EEC?

• Qualified NSW Department of Education teachers lead all programs.
• Programs are curriculum-aligned and designed for K–12 students.
• Students learn through hands-on fieldwork, outdoor learning, inquiry and creative practice.
• Programs use real environments, including bushland, waterways, urban places and school grounds.
• Teachers can access learning resources, social stories and follow-up materials to support classroom learning before and after a visit.