NEW: Kids for the Reef School Excursion Rebate Program

Tuesday, 11 August 2026

The Australian Government's new funding makes a trip to the Great Barrier Reef more accessible for a wider number of Australian schools.

What is the Kids for the Reef School Excursion Rebate Program?

The rebate program provides financial assistance to eligible Australian schools and registered home educators taking Year 4 to Year 12 students on educational excursions to the Great Barrier Reef.

Funding is based on each school’s location - schools travelling from regional, remote and very remote areas may be eligible for higher rebates. There is also additional support for schools with lower socio-educational advantage and eligible excursions involving First Nations students.

The program is open until 30 June 2028, or until funding has been exhausted.

 

Rebate amounts and eligibility

Rebates are calculated on how far your school is from the departure point of your chosen Reef activity and can range from $20 to $400 per student. Calculate your distance from the Reef here.

To receive funding, excursions must meet the program’s eligibility requirements, including visiting approved Great Barrier Reef experiences delivered by registered tourism operators.

 

Start planning your school tour to the Great Barrier Reef. Check out our Sustainability and Environments tour to Cairns or talk to us now to plan your own itinerary.