Trees of Remembrance: School Holiday Program

Every tree at the Shrine has a meaning! But do you know why?

This summer, families are invited to take part in our free school holiday program, designed to help children explore the Shrine Reserve through nature, stories, and discovery.

With several activities available including a guided children’s tour and daily drop-in experiences, your summer adventure starts at the Shrine.

Trees of Remembrance: Guided Children's Tour

Weekdays only | Bookings required

Join us for a guided children’s tour in the Shrine reserve. With over 300 trees at the Shrine, every tree tells a story!

With the first trees planted over 90 years ago, the gardens honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and Victorian service people. On this guided tour, primary school aged children will stop at trees and memorial plaques to learn why families gather to remember.

This gentle adventure is perfect for curious minds as we bring history to life and invite families to share stories of remembrance.

Sessions will run on the following dates:

• Mon 12 January - Friday 16 January 2026
• Mon 19 January - Friday 23 January 2026

There are two 45-minute sessions per day at 10:30am & 11:30am.

Important information to read before you book:

• This program will be held outdoors, please bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat.

• This starting point for this children's tour is the Shrine Visitor Centre

• In the event of extreme weather, you will be contacted by the Shrine with alternative arrangements.

Book Now

FREE, DROP-IN ACTIVITIES AVALIABLE EVERY DAY

No booking required | Available from the Visitor Centre

Trees of Remembrance: Self-Guided Activity

Discover trees and memorial plaques around the Shrine Reserve at your own pace using a kid-friendly worksheet. Match trees with their plaques to uncover a hidden secret code along the way!

Draw a memorial tree

After exploring the Shrine Reserve, kids can get creative by drawing their own memorial tree. Using the worksheet, they can imagine the story their tree might tell, adding details, symbols, or colours to show what it represents.

Activity Cards

Set off on a Shrine adventure trail!
Collect your card from the Visitor Centre — perfect for primary school-aged explorers.

Choose from four exciting themes:

• Unlock the secrets!
• Discover how things work!
• Use your imagination!
• Solve the mysteries!

Explorer Kits

Make your visit even more exciting with an Explorer Kit — the ultimate fact-finding companion!
Pick one up from the Visitor Centre and return it at the end of your visit.

Each kit includes:

• Magnifying glass
• Periscope
• Kaleidoscope
• Compass
• Notebook
• Pencil
• Finger puppet
• Picture book