It's been a long trip for this group of kids to get to Sydney's northern beaches.
Along with a group of carers, around 40 children between the ages of six and 15 have made the journey from north west NSW to Sydney, including carer Isabel Orcher who says the kids could barely contain their excitement on the long bus journey.
"They didn't sleep much on the bus and they were up all night just always talking about water."
It's more than 700km - or about a 10 hour drive from towns in the far north west of NSW - participating in the Bush to Beach program, including Bourke and Brewarinna.
The trip is a reward for regular school attendance and an opportunity to experience a world beyond their own communities.
Teacher's aide Jeanette Hammond is from the Brewarrina Central School.
"It's a reward system. We work with the guys from Bush to Beach and the schools. The kids get here for attendance, wearing school uniform and just overall behaviour at school."
Bush to Beach founder Jack Cannons says the program teaches children valuable skills.
"Brewarrina and its surrounding areas including, Weilmoringle, Bourke, Goodooga and other far west NSW towns are disadvantaged by location, drought, flood and the extreme heat. The trip away provides the children with a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore new places, while learning valuable skills. The educational component of the trip teaches the kids water safety, CPR, basic first aid while making new friends among families from Sydney's northern beaches."
Indigenous children get taught water safety as they take part in the annual Bush to Beach program. Source: SBS
Now in its 12th year, the Bush to Beach program includes outings, accommodation, and food, all organised and donated by the Bush to Beach Committee at South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club.
During this visit 1,000 meals are being served and around 1,000 hours of voluntary work will be provided.
The program is partly funded by donations, and the NSW government and volunteers also help keep the program running.
Organisers of the program would like to see the program expanded to other states.
