Homeschool Sydney · New South Wales
Homeschooling in Sydney
9 local places and programs we've checked for homeschool families in Sydney — 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 New South Wales? Start with our guide to the rules, browse the full Australia resource directory, or read about finding groups and co-ops.
Reading activities
- FreeAges 5–15
State Library of NSW kids and families (including Atlas clubs)
Workshops, tours, events and downloadable activities for children and families. The library's free Atlas junior membership for ages 5–15 includes online art, writing and book clubs; a parent or guardian registers on the child's behalf.
Visit sl.nsw.gov.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAll ages
City of Sydney Library
Free membership for NSW residents across the City of Sydney's branch libraries, with generous borrowing limits, Kanopy kids streaming and free events such as Rhymetime, Storytime and coding workshops. Check the site for current session times.
Visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Science experiments
- PaidAges 5–18
Penrith Observatory school programs (Western Sydney University)
Astronomy programs at Western Sydney University's Penrith Observatory for K–12 students, booked by phone or email. Programs are written for schools, so ask whether a home-education group can book; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit westernsydney.edu.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Educational excursions
- Free + paid optionsAges 5–18
State Library of NSW learning programs
The State Library of NSW in the city runs curriculum-linked excursions and activities built around its collections, plus resources for students, families and lifelong learners. School programs are booked by teachers, so home-education groups should ask whether they can book; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit sl.nsw.gov.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - PaidAges 4–18
Taronga Zoo Sydney learning programs
Curriculum-linked workshops led by Taronga educators followed by self-guided time in the zoo, plus full-day programs and the Zoomobile outreach service. Programs are written for schools and community groups, so ask whether a home-education group can book; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit taronga.org.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - Free + paid optionsAges 5–18
Australian National Maritime Museum learning resources
Curriculum-linked activities from the maritime museum at Darling Harbour, designed for use before or after a visit. The museum also runs school excursions and school holiday programs; school programs have minimum group sizes, so check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit sea.museum ↗ (opens in a new tab) - PaidAges 6–18
Museums of History NSW learning
Onsite programs at historic sites such as Hyde Park Barracks and Vaucluse House, and live virtual excursions led by a museum educator. Programs are priced and booked per class, so home-education groups should contact the learning team about eligibility; check the site for current dates and prices.
Visit mhnsw.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Outdoor learning
- Free + paid optionsAges 5–18
Centennial Parklands school programs
Curriculum-based nature and fieldwork programs in Centennial Park and the surrounding parklands, plus free classroom resources on topics such as adaptations of living things. Programs are written for schools, so ask whether a home-education group can book.
Visit centennialparklands.com.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Parent support communities
- Free + paid optionsAll ages
Sydney Home Education Network (SHEN)
A volunteer-run, non-profit support group for home educators in Sydney and surrounding regions, with member-booked events and excursions and a companion Facebook group. It is listed among the NSW Government's home schooling support contacts.
Visit shen.org.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How homeschooling works in Sydney
In New South Wales, a child of compulsory school age who is learning at home must be registered for home schooling. Applications are now made to the NSW Department of Education, and an Authorised Person assesses each application, usually with a home visit. Registration is granted for a set period and must be renewed.
Homeschooling in Sydney: common questions
Is homeschooling legal in Sydney?
Yes. In New South Wales, a child of compulsory school age who is learning at home must be registered for home schooling. Applications are now made to the NSW Department of Education, and an Authorised Person assesses each application, usually with a home visit. Registration is granted for a set period and must be renewed.
Where can homeschoolers go for excursions in Sydney?
Options we've checked include State Library of NSW learning programs, Taronga Zoo Sydney learning programs and Australian National Maritime Museum learning resources. 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 Sydney help homeschoolers?
Libraries we've listed for Sydney include State Library of NSW learning programs, State Library of NSW kids and families (including Atlas clubs) and City of Sydney Library. Check each library's site for membership, programs and online learning resources that homeschool families can use.
Can I get homeschool tutoring in Sydney?
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 Sydney.
Extra help in Sydney
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.