School excursion

Exploring the rainforest

Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography, Booti Booti National Park

A student listening to an NSW National Parks guide during a school excursion. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DPE

Overview

Explore the rainforest of Booti Booti National Park on Exploring the Rainforest Geography excursion. Stage 2 (Years 3-4) will discover the characteristics and features of this rainforest by the sea.

Read more about Exploring the rainforest

Students will be guided through the park and introduced to a coastal rainforest ecosystem. They’ll discover what a rainforest is, determine why they’re such special places and how we can conserve them.

Starting from The Ruins campground, students will venture out to stunning Seven Mile Beach before taking a short walk south to Booti Hill. As students ascend through the twisted eucalyptus, they can take in the magnificent coastal view. During winter, they might even spot a whale.

To explore the rainforest, students will take part in hands on activities including rainforest art, data collection, bug survey, nature observation and sensory awareness. Through these activities they will examine the features of a rainforest, learn the different species interactions that occur in this unique ecosystem and ways in which this place has and is being looked after.

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: Take a guided walk through a rainforest Observe and identify some of the plants and animals living in the rainforest and the relationships between them Identify sustainable practices Investigate the way people value national parks Discuss who organises and manages places like Booti Booti National Park and why national parks are so important Observe the human impact on the rainforest and how this can be managed.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school terms.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Booti Booti National Park in North Coast
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Medium. Guided tour and activities along an unsealed walking path including sand, grassed area and stairs.
Price: $380 per group (includes GST). Maximum 30 students per group. For groups over 30 conditions apply.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: The Ruins campground 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.

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-exploring-rainforest-booti-booti-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 Booti Booti National Park in the North Coast region
Booti Booti National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. Day passes are available from the Manning Great Lakes Area Office, Bulahdelah Visitor Information Centre and the Hawks Nest Newsagency.
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.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk.
Introduction to the site and overview of what the excursion will entail
Toilet break and morning tea
Walk to the beach
Climb the northern side of Booti Hill through coastal heath and rainforest
Identify the living environments of various animals and plants and examine the specific adaptations that support their survival.
Investigate the structural features of unique native plants
Conduct a field sketch of the park
Lunch
Return to the campground and toilets
Farewell and depart on bus

Getting there and parking

The Ruins campground and picnic area is located in Booti Booti National Park.

To get there from Forster:

Follow The Lakes Way for 15km towards Pacific Palms
Turn left into the campground

To get there from the Pacific Highway near Bulahdelah:

Follow The Lakes Way for 45km
Turn right into the campground

What to bring

Please wear long pants, closed comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. Be ready for all weather conditions with a jumper and raincoat. And remember to bring food and any necessary medications.

It’s a good idea to pack your belongings in a backpack rather than a plastic bag because we have some curious birds who may try to break in and share your lunch with you.

Maps and downloads

Exploring the rainforest 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 - medium

Medium access presents some minor difficulties, such as a grassy surface. You may require a little assistance to get around in some areas.