Kumbartcho Environmental Education Centre

In addition to the enchanting fairy trails, Kumbartcho Sanctuary and Nursery is home to a locally beloved Environment Centre. Open to both schools and the general public, this venue offers an abundance of hands-on learning activities, displays and educational resources.

Unlike newer council environmental centres, the Kumbartcho Environment Centre lacks the expected "bells and whistles." It is clearly lacking technological upgrades and modern amenities. Regardless, my children simply adored their recent visit. The receptive staff, homely atmosphere and engagement with learning cannot be faulted.

The most striking display is a large tree "growing" indoors. Children can sit beneath the canopy to read a book or admire the adjacent native fish display. Other displays include:

• light-up nocturnal room
• native fish tanks
• insect collections
• reference library
• environmental videos

Interactive learning experiences are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. When we visited, the current activities included a fishing game, recycling small world play and identifying / sorting suitable foods for native animals. Activities regularly change to maintain the interest of regular visitors.

An adjoining room was packed with educational resources such as puzzles, puppets, games and books.

The fun continues outside, with a sheltered playground, cubby, picnic shelters and barbeque.