I still remember sitting at my dining table with a cold coffee, searching “How do I start homeschooling in Australia” and feeling completely lost. Every website said something different, every state had its own rules, and I honestly didn’t even know if I was allowed to pull my kids out of school.
If that’s you right now, I get it.
The truth is that starting homeschooling is not about having the perfect curriculum or a Pinterest-ready planner. It begins with understanding the basics and taking one step at a time.
Step One: Registration in Your State
The very first thing I did was check what my state required. This part sounded intimidating, but once I looked through it, it was much simpler than I expected.
Here are the official links for every state and territory:
- NSW Home Education
https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/home-schooling
NSW requires an application, a simple plan and a home visit. Moderators are usually supportive. Check out Ultimate Guide and Tips for Registering to NSW Homeschooling by BeyondWalls
- Victoria VRQA
https://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/home/Pages/homeschooling.aspx
Vic is one of the easiest states to register in. You just need an overview of how you’ll cover each learning area.
- Queensland HEU
https://www.qld.gov.au/education/home-schooling
You submit an application and an annual report each year.
- South Australia Home Education
https://www.education.sa.gov.au/parents-and-families/home-education
SA requires a learning plan and a home visit to check the environment.
- Western Australia Home Education
https://www.education.wa.edu.au/home-education
WA homeschooling is overseen by district moderators who visit annually.
- Tasmania Home Education Tasmania
https://hete.org.au/home-education-in-tasmania/
You submit a HESP showing your yearly plan and later report progress.
- ACT Home Education
https://www.education.act.gov.au/home-education
Simple application with a yearly learning plan.
- Northern Territory Home Education
https://education.nt.gov.au/learning-and-teaching/home-education
Requires an education plan and ongoing evidence of progress.
Across Australia, the idea is the same: create a plan, follow it, document learning, and show progress.
My Favourite Art Resources for Homeschooling
Choosing a Curriculum
(The Part That Stressed Me Out Most)
I used to think I needed a full school-style curriculum before I could start. I was wrong. In Australia you’re allowed to mix, match, simplify and use real-life learning. You do not need to choose one curriculum forever.
Here are the most common options parents use:
Paid Curriculums
- Simply Homeschool
https://simplyhomeschool.com.au
Hands-on, Australian-focused and community-driven.
- Euka Future Learning
https://euka.edu.au
Weekly lessons and activities aligned to Australian learning areas.
- BookShark
https://bookshark.com
Literature-based program with beautiful read-alouds.
- Life of Fred
https://lifeoffredmath.com/
Story-based maths that kids genuinely enjoy.
- Maths Online
https://www.mathsonline.com.au/
Video lessons and practice for all year levels.
- Reading Eggs
https://readingeggs.com.au/
Fun online reading and phonics program.
- MyHomeschool
https://myhomeschool.com/
A structured, faith-friendly program with Australian year levels.
- The Good and the Beautiful
https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/
A US curriculum many Aussie families use for reading and language arts.
- Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org/
Free online lessons in maths, grammar, science and more. Works like a curriculum for many families.
Free or Low-Cost Curriculums
- Australian Curriculum
https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/
Shows what is usually taught in school. Great for ideas and structure.
- Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
https://allinonehomeschool.com/
A completely free, faith-based program with day-by-day lessons.
- Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org/
Perfect for maths and other subjects. Short, clear videos.
- Ambleside Online
https://www.amblesideonline.org/
Free Charlotte Mason inspired program with rich books and nature study.
- Teach Starter Free
https://www.teachstarter.com/au/free/
Free worksheets and art projects for quick activities.
- Twinkl Free Options
https://www.twinkl.com.au/resources/australia
Printable worksheets, craft packs and unit studies.
- Library Apps: BorrowBox and Libby
BorrowBox: https://www.borrowbox.com/
Libby: https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby
Both give your family free access to ebooks and audiobooks through your local library.
I learned very quickly that you don’t need to pick one curriculum. Most homeschoolers blend different resources depending on each child.
My First Week (And What I Would Do Differently)
I tried to imitate school: a timetable, a bell, worksheets lined up. By Wednesday, everyone was miserable.
So I simplified.
Morning became maths, reading and a bit of English.
Afternoons were nature, art, Lego, cooking, gardening or a project.
Once a week we planned a “big” outing like the library, a museum or a long walk.
This rhythm felt natural and sustainable. Homeschooling became part of life rather than recreating school.
How BeyondWalls Helped Me Stay Organised
The hardest part for me wasn’t teaching. It was logging and reporting.
What did we learn today?
Which outcome does this match?
How do I prove this counts as learning?
What do I put in a report?
BeyondWalls solved this for me. I take a photo, write one sentence, press Auto-Tag, and it links everything to outcomes for my state. At renewal time, I click “Generate PDF” and the whole year is already organised.
If you feel overwhelmed by documentation, this takes the pressure off immediately.
My Advice If You’re Starting Today
Take one small step.
Register.
Make a simple plan.
Document gently.
Find a rhythm, not perfection.
Your home does not need to look like a classroom.
Your children just need a parent who shows up consistently.
If you want to start homeschooling simply and keep your records stress-free, try BeyondWalls free for 14 days.
