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School excursion

Special Offer

Going up the mountain

Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Geography, Thredbo-Perisher area

Overview

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Going up the mountain is a school excursion in Kosciuszko National Park for Stage 6 (Years 11-12) students focusing on Geography. Students will use field work to record and compare the geology, weather, native plants, animals, human use and sustainability of the montane, sub-alpine and alpine ecosystems.

Read more about Going up the mountain

Geography: biophysical interactions; ecosystems at risk

Historical summer grazing is used to illustrate the vulnerability of the alpine ecosystem to disturbance. Students use photographs and diagrams to examine the degradation and rehabilitation of the alpine and sub-alpine areas.

Students evaluate the impacts of ski resorts on water catchment values, and review park management actions to protect ecosystems and support sustainable use of the environment.

Combine this with other Kosciuszko Education Centre excursions: Kosciuszko – a special place and Above the treeline.

For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers

Stage Stage 6 (Years 11-12)
Learning area Geography
Student outcomes

P2. Describes the interactions between the four components which define the biophysical environment.

P3. Explains how a specific environment functions in terms of biophysical factors.

P9. Uses maps, graphs and statistics, photographs and fieldwork to conduct geographical inquiries.
Objectives

Students will:

  • Identify the key features of the montane, sub alpine and alpine ecosystems through direct observation and recording phenomena
  • Understand the spatial and ecological dimensions of the alpine area of NSW
  • Explore the geographical processes that form and transform environments
  • Acknowledge the vulnerability of ecosystems to natural and human induced stress
  • Accept the importance of ecosystem management and protection
  • Describe how the alpine environment is changing in response to climatic variations
  • Explain how current management strategies are contributing to the sustainable use of the sub alpine and alpine area.

Excursion details

When

Weekdays November to May.

Availability
Guided. Available on request. Subject to staff availability.
Where
Kosciuszko Education Centre, Thredbo-Perisher area
Duration
6hrs 30min
Grading
Easy. Short walk in terrain with uneven surfaces.
Price

$350 per group for up to 25 students (includes GST). For groups over 25 conditions apply.

Accessibility
Medium
Meeting point
Kosciuszko Education Centre, located on Kosciuszko Road at Sawpit Creek, 14kms from Jindabyne towards Perisher.
Equipment
provided
Yes. All environmental games equipment is provided.
Booking
If you would like to organise a NPWS school excursion please get in touch with local staff or use the 'Enquire' link for the online form.
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Operated by

Park info

  • in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
  • The Thredbo-Perisher area is open all year, but some roads and trails may close due to weather conditions or park management issues. Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter (June to October long weekends).

  • Park entry fees apply on Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road

    Winter (June to October long weekends): $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs from purchase); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day. Find out more about the winter entry surcharge.

    Rest of Year: $17 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $7; bus passengers $6.60 per adult, $2.20 per child per day.

    Passes: Day passes, multi-day passes and annual All Parks Pass available from NPWS visitor centres, local agents and operating vehicle entry stations. Single and Multi-Day passes are also available via the Park'nPay app. Short Breaks Pass: $68 for 5 days park entry at price of 4 days (not valid winter).

    Read our Annual Pass FAQs for information.

    Buy annual pass
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