School excursion

The earth's environment

Towarri National Park

A close up of an NPWS guide's badge with a group of students in the background. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DPIE

Overview

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 Towarri National Park.

Read more about The earth's environment

Students will go for a walk along the banks of Middle Brook to Washpools waterhole. They’ll observe the high diversity of plant species and changing ecosystems from the forest floor to the mountaintops. Washpools is a natural waterhole, making it a great place to undertake nature surveys.

As students explore, they’ll come to understand the important role of workers in a national park. Through investigation and discussion, they’ll discover how they can help to conserve and protect these special places.

We’ll look at some of the key, human-led threats to native species and places including urbanisation and domestic pests. By examining these threats we’ll invoke a strong sense of the role students – our future environmental leaders – can play in preserving these important places for the future.

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: Use geographical tools to identify features of a National Park Understand Aboriginal connection to country Identify plants, animals and invertebrates and investigate their role in an ecosystem Learn about the various management roles in a National Park and how these contribute to conserving environment, heritage, and culture.

Excursion details

When: Monday to Friday during school terms.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Washpools picnic area and viewing platform, Towarri National Park
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: $10 per student.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Washpools picnic area and viewing platform in Towarri National Park.
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-2-geography-earths-environment-towarri-national-park/local-alerts

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 Towarri National Park in the Country NSW region
Towarri National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger

See more info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about The earth's environment.

Maps and downloads

The earth's environment factsheet