School excursion

Exploring the rainforest - Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

Stage 1 (Years 1-2), HSIE, Budderoo National Park

Exploring Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

Overview

Explore the natural features of the beautiful Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park on this school excursion for Stage 1 (Years 1-2) students focusing on HSIE. Compare some of the built features and investigate the ways in which people interact with this environment.

This location offers visitors a rare opportunity to view rainforest that once covered vast areas of the Illawarra region. Minnamurra Rainforest is particularly special because of its diversity of rainforests types, and the range of wildlife that exists within a relatively small area.

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

Stage	Stage 1 (Years 1-2)
Learning area	HSIE
Student outcomes	GE1-1. Describes features of places and the connections people have with places GE1-2. Identifies ways in which people interact with and care for places GE1-3. Communicates geographical information and uses geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Visit the rainforest Use their senses to make observations and gather information about this environment Identify the animals, plants and connections for people such as town water or timber that come from this environment Observe the natural and built features of this environment Use geographical terms for location and features like creek, forest, valley, hill, slope Identify places that have not been modified by people Talk about their experiences of this environment Reflect on how they feel about the rainforest, and how other people might feel about it.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school terms.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park
Duration: 1hr 45min
Grading: Easy. Classroom presentation and guided walk through the rainforest.
Price: Minimum $300 per group for up to 25 students, $12 per student (includes GST)
Accessibility: Easy
Meeting point: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
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-hsie-exploring-rainforest-budderoo-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
02 4236 0469
minnamurra@environment.nsw.gov.au
02 4236 0393
Budderoo National Park, Minnamurra Falls Road (Tourist Drive No.9), via Jamberoo NSW 2533

Park info

in Budderoo National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions
Budderoo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. The park gates at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre open at 9am and close at 5pm every day.
Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day only in the Minnamurra Rainforest area. Bus or taxi: $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child.
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more visitor info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Exploring the rainforest - Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.

Program outline

Welcome, introductions, safety briefing and acknowledgement
Classroom presentation
Group discussion and question time
Guided walk through rainforest
Optional self-guided walk to waterfall

Getting there and parking

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is located in the foothills of Jamberoo Valley, west of Kiama on the NSW South Coast. To get there from Jamberoo, drive west on Jamberoo Road and turn left onto Jamberoo Mountain Road. Take the first right onto Minnamurra Falls Road, and you’ll find Minnamurra Rainforest Centre about 3km along to the end of the road.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Car and bus parking is available at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, including designated disabled spots.

Note that coach bookings are essential prior to arrival.

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

Exploring the rainforest - Minnamurra Rainforest Centre 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 - easy

This area is wheelchair accessible. Access to the picnic area, cafe and first 500m of the loop walk is assisted access. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.