The Duke at the Zoo program is designed to suit a range of needs, goals, and motivations of young people (aged 16-20), is inclusive and accessible for a range of abilities. The Award can play a vital role in providing opportunities for young people to develop essential life skills, increase their employability and foster their creativity and innovation.
In 2026, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program at Zoos SA will be split into Semester 1 and 2 programs.
Semester 1 starts on 31st January 2026.
Semester 2 starts on 25th July 2026.
The program includes monthly Saturday Service Day sessions at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
There will also be monthly Wednesday evening Adventurous Journey planning sessions at Adelaide Zoo.
During each semester, there will be overnight journeys for participants. These take place during the school holidays.
To complete the Duke of Edinburgh program, participants select goals that are aligned with their passions, skills, and goals. With the help of our team of educators, they will learn, explore and achieve those goals.
Each Award has four sections:
Skills
Broaden abilities and unleash talents
This section occurs outside of scheduled session times.
Examples can include photography, videography, plant identification, animal anatomy, walking trail interpretation, bush cooking.
Voluntary Service
Connect with the community and provide service to others
This section will be able to be completed primarily through monthly Duke at the Zoo sessions.
Examples can include tree planting, biodiversity surveys, care for animal exhibits, trail maintenance, assisting with Zoo events
Physical Recreation
Improving physical fitness and wellbeing by getting active
This section occurs outside of scheduled session times. Note, this is tailored to students’ abilities and can be adapted for accessibility.
This may include team or individual pursuits to work up a sweat from yoga to swimming, ball sports to rock climbing.
Adventurous Journey
Team building inspired through adventure and discovery journeying in unfamiliar and challenging environment
Includes: Preparation & Training; at least one practice overnight hike for Bronze participants and a qualifying overnight hike for all participants.
Please note that only the Voluntary Service and Adventurous Journey sections will be completed as a group. The other sections will be completed in the participants’ own time with support from Zoos SA staff.
Gold Award has a fifth section – Gold Residential Project.
To broaden experience through involvement with others in a residential setting. This section occurs outside of what Zoos SA offers.
The Duke at the Zoo program is designed to suit a range of needs, goals, and motivations of young people (aged 16-20), is inclusive and accessible for a range of abilities.
A Zoos SA Membership is no longer required to participate.
| Award Level | Program Fee | Duration | Includes |
| Bronze | $670 / semester | 1 semester | Program delivery, service component delivery, qualifying journey, planning sessions, Duke of Ed registration |
| Silver | $740 / semester | 1 semester | Program delivery, service component delivery, qualifying journey, planning sessions, Duke of Ed registration |
| Gold | $1,150 (2 semesters) | Full year | Program delivery, service component delivery, qualifying journey, planning sessions, Duke of Ed registration |
A limited number of subsidised places are available for eligible students.
Please contact [email protected] to discuss your eligibility.
Note: Program fees must be paid prior to the start of the program.
Already enrolled in the Duke of Ed through your school or another provider? You can complete your Adventurous Journey component with Zoos SA.
| Award Level | Journey Fee | Includes |
| Bronze (2-day) | $375 | Planning session, Zoo/Safari Park entry, two-day hike supervision, tents, cooking gear, accommodation |
| Silver (3-day) | $445 | Planning session, Zoo/Safari Park entry, three-day hike supervision, tents, cooking gear, accommodation |
These options do not include Duke of Ed registration or subsidised pricing.
You can also complete your Service component by volunteering at Zoos SA.
| Package | Format | Fee | |
| Weekend Service |
|
$300 | |
Please note: Service placement does not include subsidised pricing or Duke of Ed registration.
To register your interest, please fill out the form below and a member of the Zoos SA Wild Learning Team will be in contact.
Alternatively you can reach out via email [email protected] or call 08 8230 1258 during business hours.
If you would like to participate in Duke at the Zoo 2026, please register your interest via the form and a member of the Wild Learning Team will be in contact. For any further questions, please contact [email protected]
Seize the opportunity to make 2026 YOUR year of growth, challenge, and triumph. This year we’re offering two incredible semesters filled with unforgettable experiences.
Semester 1: 31st January to 18th July 2026
Semester 2: 25th July to 19th December 2026
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a leading structured (non-formal education) youth development program, empowering young people to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion, and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstance.
As a non-formal education framework, the Award can play a vital role in providing opportunities for young people to develop essential life skills, increase their employability and foster their creativity and innovation.
Zoos SA is currently offering Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards open to young people aged 16-20. The program includes participants developing skills to support the Adventurous Journey section of the Award as well as completing voluntary service with activities at Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Safari Park and external conservation organisations.
We are also proud to offer a number of subsidies, to support participants from disadvantaged backgrounds.
To achieve an Award, each young person must learn a skill, improve their physical well-being, volunteer, and experience a team adventure in a new environment. In each of these elements, participants are working towards a self-determined personal goal.
All participants are supported by a network of educators qualified in areas across outdoor and academic education fields.
The key elements of our program are:
Through this challenging journey of self-discovery, our Participants:
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