Introducing Bush Foods in Schools

Exploring bush foods in an educational setting—tasting their flavours, learning about their traditional uses, and understanding where they come from—is a powerful way to introduce children to the depth and diversity of Aboriginal knowledge systems. It highlights how First Nations peoples have long nurtured and sustained the Australian landscape.

One meaningful way to extend this learning is by creating a bush food garden at your school or early learning centre. This hands-on project is a beautiful way to embed Indigenous perspectives and STEM learning into your outdoor space. It also creates a valuable opportunity to connect with your local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community, inviting them to be part of the garden’s planning, development, and ongoing care. In doing so, children grow a garden that reflects and celebrates the culture and Country of the land they’re on.

Top Tips for Starting a Bush Food Garden

Connect with Your Local Indigenous Community
Begin by reaching out to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people in your area. You might find a local Indigenous-owned business that specialises in cultural gardens—if so, consider engaging them in your project. Their time and expertise should be acknowledged and fairly remunerated.
Invite Children to Imagine the Space
Ask children to draw or paint what they think the garden should look like. These artworks can inspire the garden’s design and help children take ownership of the project from the very beginning.
Research Local Bush Foods
Find out which bush food plants are native to your area. Learn how they grow, what they need to thrive, and whether they’re suitable for a school garden. Focus on species that can be safely harvested and used in classroom learning.
Plant Your Garden with Native Species
Fill your garden space with a variety of native plants—think bush tucker, medicinal plants, and native grasses. Unlike traditional gardens planted in rows, native gardens often have a more natural, scattered layout that reflects the Australian landscape.
Create a Space for Gathering and Storytelling
Once your garden is established, use it as a special place for outdoor learning, yarning circles, and storytelling. It can become a calm, reflective space where children connect with culture, Country, and each other.

Bush Tucker in the Classroom