School excursion

Exploring the rainforest - Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

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

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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.

Read more about Exploring the rainforest - Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

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)
Key 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.
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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

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Operated by

Park info

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

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.

Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: David Finnegan