Homeschool Melbourne · Victoria
Homeschooling in Melbourne
9 local places and programs we've checked for homeschool families in Melbourne — museums, libraries, nature programs, excursions and local groups. Programs, dates and prices change, so check each provider's site before you plan a visit.
New to homeschooling in Victoria? Start with our guide to the rules, browse the full Australia resource directory, or read about finding groups and co-ops.
Science experiments
- FreeAges 5–14
Scienceworks at home
Online science activities and experiments from Scienceworks in Spotswood. The museum itself runs family workshops and school excursions linked to the Victorian Curriculum; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit museumsvictoria.com.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Arts and crafts
- Free + paid optionsAges 3–12
NGV Kids
Children's programs at the National Gallery of Victoria, including exhibition activity trails, plus free activity sheets and games to download and continue at home. Check the site for current exhibitions and events.
Visit ngv.vic.gov.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - Free + paid optionsAges 5–18
ACMI education
Workshops in filmmaking, animation, games and digital art at Australia's museum of screen culture in Federation Square, plus virtual lessons and free online learning resources. Booked programs are aimed at schools, so ask whether home-schooled students can join; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit acmi.net.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Educational excursions
- Free + paid optionsAges 5–18
State Library Victoria school programs
Facilitated workshops and tours from Foundation to VCE, such as Australian history and creative writing sessions, plus free self-guided trails through the library. Programs are booked by schools, so home-education groups should contact the education team about eligibility; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit slv.vic.gov.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - PaidAges 3–18
Melbourne Zoo education visits (Zoos Victoria)
Self-guided education visits to Melbourne Zoo, with education workshops and digital programs also offered by Zoos Victoria. The booking form is set up for schools, so families should ask whether a home-education group can book; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit zoo.org.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAll ages
Melbourne Museum at home
Virtual tours of Melbourne Museum exhibitions, talks from museum experts, learning resources and family activities that can be used at home. Useful for preparing for, or following up, a visit to the museum in Carlton.
Visit museumsvictoria.com.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - PaidAges 5–18
National Trust Victoria education programs
Facilitated history programs at heritage sites including the Old Melbourne Gaol, Polly Woodside tall ship, Rippon Lea Estate and Como House. Programs are written for school groups with minimum numbers, so ask whether a home-education group can book; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit nationaltrust.org.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Outdoor learning
- Free + paid optionsAges 3–18
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria learning
Excursions and learning programs at the Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens, from early childhood garden discovery sessions to plant science programs for older students. Most programs are booked by schools or early learning services, so ask whether a home-education group can book.
Visit rbg.vic.gov.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Parent support communities
- FreeAll ages
Home Education Network local groups directory
A directory of local home education groups across Victoria, including Melbourne suburbs, kept by the Home Education Network. Groups are run by volunteers and organise their own meet-ups and outings.
Visit home-ed.vic.edu.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How homeschooling works in Melbourne
In Victoria, children of compulsory school age who are educated at home must be registered with the VRQA. Families choose their own approach, but instruction must substantially address eight learning areas. Some registered families are selected each year for a review of their home education.
Homeschooling in Melbourne: common questions
Is homeschooling legal in Melbourne?
Yes. In Victoria, children of compulsory school age who are educated at home must be registered with the VRQA. Families choose their own approach, but instruction must substantially address eight learning areas. Some registered families are selected each year for a review of their home education.
Where can homeschoolers go for excursions in Melbourne?
Options we've checked include State Library Victoria school programs, NGV Kids and Melbourne Zoo education visits (Zoos Victoria). Many programs are designed for school groups, so ask whether homeschool families or groups can book, and check current dates and prices.
Do libraries in Melbourne help homeschoolers?
Libraries we've listed for Melbourne include State Library Victoria school programs. Check each library's site for membership, programs and online learning resources that homeschool families can use.
Can I get homeschool tutoring in Melbourne?
Many families use a tutor for a tricky subject, senior study or test preparation. Our homeschool tutoring guide explains when it helps and what to ask. Success Tutoring runs learning centres around Australia — check successtutoring.com for a centre near Melbourne.
Extra help in Melbourne
If your child needs support in a particular subject, our homeschool tutoring guide explains when a tutor helps and what to ask before you sign up.