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School excursion

Living with fire

Stage 3 (Years 5-6), Geography, Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park

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Info for teachers

Everything you need to know about Living with fire.

Program outline

  • Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing 
  • Aboriginal culture and fire
  • Fire management practices
  • Field work – overview of the Fairfax track fire
  • How humans cope with fire – staying safe
  • Farewell and depart

What to bring

Please wear long pants, closed comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. Be ready for all weather conditions with a jumper and raincoat. Remember to bring extra food and water and any necessary medications. Please bring your belongings in a backpack rather than a plastic bag.

Getting there and parking

You can reach Fairfax Heritage walking track from the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, located in the Blackheath area of Blue Mountains National Park:

  • Take the Great Western Highway to Blackheath. Turn right at the Blackheath traffic lights onto Govetts Leap Road.
  • Drive for 2.5km. After passing through the park entrance, take the second exit from the roundabout where there is coach parking.

Parking

Parking is available at Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, including several designated disabled spots.

Bus and coach parking is available.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Pre activity briefing: participants will be briefed at the start of the activity/day.

Safety equipment: NPWS staff carry radios and first aid kits, hold current first aid certificates and are aware of emergency procedures.

Staff accreditation: NPWS staff have current Senior First Aid accreditation. They are experienced in working with groups of students in the natural environment and have excellent knowledge of the specific areas they are visiting including potential hazards. NPWS is committed to a Child Safe and Friendly Environment. Our staff have been screened for child-related employment and have completed a Working with Children Check.

Emergencies: NPWS staff are trained to deal with emergencies and emergency procedures are in place. Ongoing supervision of a student following first aid treatment will be the responsibility of the visiting school.

Risk assessment and risk benefits

Our rangers and guides have the technical skill and experience to assess the risks and the benefits of a variety of activities delivered as part of our learning programs.

We believe in including opportunities that allow students to learn and experience for themselves through exploration in the natural environment.

Please make your own risk assessment based on the information provided. Detailed potential risks and controls are provided for the site to assist teachers in risk management planning. Teachers and carers should be aware of, and consider the needs, abilities and medical conditions of students when visiting this site. The supervision of students remains the responsibility of the teacher. The school must ensure an adequate number of adult supervisors are present.

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

There are no stairs on this walk and it is mostly downhill. Pathways are wide and relatively flat.

Easy access is free of obstacles such as steps, rough terrain or significant slopes, and may have ramps or boardwalks.

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