School excursion

Stories of a different time at La Perouse

La Perouse area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park

Students and NPWS guide inside the La Perouse Museum. Photo: Kim Collas

Overview

Stories from a different time is a fascinating Stage 1 (Years 1-2) history excursion at La Perouse. Students will learn about the first contact between the Aboriginal people, traditional custodians of the land, and the new British arrivals.

Historical concepts of past and present are brought to life through a fun dress-up and role-play activity.

Students will share in detailed accounts of James Cook's Endeavour landing in Australia.

They'll learn about famous natural sciences patron Sir Joseph Banks, who collected an abundance of new botanical specimens for study. Banks was also one of the first Europeans to compile a list of Aboriginal words.

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

Stage	Stage 1 (Years 1-2)
Learning area	History
Student outcomes	HT1-2. Identifies and describes significant people, events, places and sites in the local community over time HT1-3. Describes the effects of changing technology on people's lives over time HT1-4. Demonstrates skills of historical inquiry and communication
Objectives	Students will: Tour one side of Botany Bay, the landing point for Cook's Endeavour expedition and a significant site in the history of Australia. Hear various perspectives of the first contact between the Aboriginal people and the British arrivals Learn about life as a convict in the new colony and how the port was used, and changed, over time. Discover what a renowned English naturalist thought of the fascinating new plants and animals he found in Australia

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during the school term, 10am to 2pm, including meal breaks
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: La Perouse area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Easy. Guided tour and activities along an unsealed walking path including a board walk, grassed area and stairs.
Price: $17 per student. Minimum of 20 students. GST included.
Accessibility: Hard
Meeting point: Bare Island gate. La Perouse is located at the northern headland of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. You can't access it through the southern end of the park at Kurnell.
Equipment provided: Yes
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.

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/education/stage-1-history-stories-of-a-different-time-la-perouse-kamay-botany-bay-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Sydney Harbour
02 9668 2006
02 9337 7012
sydney.discovery@environment.nsw.gov.au

Park info

in the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
7am–8.30pm November to March.

7am–7.30pm April to October.

La Perouse park entry gate closed to vehicles between 7pm and 5am all year.

Areas may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
There are no park entry fees in La Perouse area but you'll need to pay to tour Bare Island. Park entry fees apply in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, only.
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Stories of a different time at La Perouse.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
Explore the headland at La Perouse and discuss the history of the 1820s Macquarie Watchtower. It was the first customs building in Australia.
Visit the monument to French naval explorer Lapérouse, after whom the site is named
Learn about the La Perouse cable station and former Salvation Army home for women, also located at this site
Walk across the wooden bridge to meet at Bare Island gate
Introduction to the site and overview of what the excursion will entail
Morning tea and toilet break on Bare Island
Explore Bare Island and discuss early Aboriginal culture and Cook's landing spot in Botany Bay in 1770
Discuss the fascinating discoveries of renowned naturalist Sir Joseph Banks
Convict uniform dress-up and role-play
Lunch and toilet break on Bare Island
Discover the Happy Valley Great Depression camp of the 1930s, which was once located at this site
Make our way back to the bus and depart

Getting there and parking

Bare Island is located at the end of Anzac Parade in the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Follow Anzac Parade towards La Perouse. The area has coach and car parking, a museum, picnic areas, historic fort and a beach.

What to bring

Please wear fully enclosed shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, wet weather gear, and lunch which should be low waste with a refillable water bottle. Students should bring gear in a backpack or similar (not plastic bags).

Maps and downloads

Stories of a different time at La Perouse factsheet

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 - hard

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty. The downstairs section of the museum is wheelchair accessible, but there are steps involved so you'll need some assistance. The upstairs section is inaccessible due to a narrow stairway. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.