The earth's environment

Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography, Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

Overview

A lizard perched on a log with a group of students in the background on a school excursion in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DPIE

Children sorting seed pods and leaves on a school excursion. Photo: Elana Clark © DPE

Students listening to a NSW National Parks ranger on a school excursion. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DPE

View photo in full screen

View full screen Pause Play

Stage 2 Geography The earth's environment at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area

Get directions

Did you know that over 10 per cent of NSW is a national park? That’s over 7 million hectares. This Stage 2 (Years 3-4) earth’s environment Geography excursion is delivered at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area.

Read more about The earth's environment

Students will learn about the critical role national parks play in preserving our unique native plants, animals and rich cultural heritage.

They’ll explore the significance of the environment at Copeland Tops State Conservation Area and the important interrelationships between humans and the environment. Walking along Copeland Creek, we’ll soak up the breathtaking scenery under a canopy of red cedar, grey myrtles, shatterwood and many more majestic rainforest species.

Uncover the mysterious wildlife that call this special place home, including microbats, brush-tailed possums and wompoo pigeons. You’ll discover what they eat, where they sleep and how they live in this incredibly diverse environment.

Learn about the long history of mining in the area and see where gold-hungry souls toiled in Mountain Maid gold mine – one of New South Wales’ longest-running operational gold mines.

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

Stage	Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE2-1. Examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-2. Describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-3. Examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments GE2-4. Acquires and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Identify the native animals and plants that live in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area Explore and discuss the threats to plants and animals including urbanisation and introduced species that impact their survival Investigate sustainable practices that protect and support the natural environment.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school terms.
Availability: Guided. Available on request. Shorter length excursions are available on request.
Where: Copeland Tops State Conservation Area in North Coast
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Medium. Guided tour and activities on an undulating, unsealed fire trail, along a creek bed, amongst leaf litter on the forest floor and along an unsealed walking path.
Price: $380 per group (includes GST). Maximum 30 students per group. For groups over 30 conditions apply.
Accessibility: Hard
Meeting point: Copeland Tops State Conservation Area carpark
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.

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Newcastle Hunter
02 4927 3267
discovery.newcastlehunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
Hunter Wetland Centre, Sandgate Road, Shortland NSW

Park info

in Copeland Tops State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
Copeland Tops State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

See more visitor info