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School excursion

The earth's environment at Nielsen Park

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

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Info for teachers

Everything you need to know about The earth's environment at Nielsen Park.

Program outline

  • Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
  • Introduction to the site and overview of what the excursion will entail
  • Walk to the lawns of Greycliffe House, morning tea, toilet break 
  • Identify the living environments of various animals and plants and examine their specific adaptations that support their survival 
  • Investigate the structural features of some Australian native plants including the endangered Nielsen Park sheoak 
  • Conduct a field sketch of the park  
  • Lunch
  • Walk along the Hermitage foreshore taking in views to the city 
  • Discuss the physical features of the harbour and learn about the difference between a bay and a harbour. The Hermitage foreshore offers a great class photo opportunity. 
  • Return to Greycliffe Avenue. Farewell and depart on bus. 

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).

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    The school needs to arrange the transport to and from Nielsen Park. Take New South Head Road away from the city. Turn left into Vaucluse Road and then left into Greycliffe Avenue. Meet at the corner of Coolong Road and Greycliffe Avenue.

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available in Greycliffe Avenue, including several designated disabled spots.

    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 - hard

    Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty. Please let us know if you are bringing someone with accessibility requirements so that we can plan accordingly. There are wheelchair-accessible toilets at Nielsen Park.

    The earth's environment at Nielsen Park Enquire now

    Park info

    • in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

    • Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • Park entry fees:

      Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.

      Other fees:

      Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

      Buy annual pass

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