School excursion

The earth's environment at Wattamolla

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

Wattamolla picnic area, Royal National Park. Photo: Understand Down Under

Overview

Explore the Earth’s Environment with us on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Geography excursion at Wattamolla in the Royal National Park. Students will explore and investigate natural habitats and learn about the physical features and characteristics of the environment.

Read more about The earth's environment at Wattamolla

Students participate in a series of hands-on activities to explore both aquatic and terrestrial environments. They investigate how these different environments provide habitats for animals.

Students will have the unique experience of going on a bushwalk along a section of the upgraded Coast track. During this walk, they'll examine how the environment is being protected from human impacts. They'll also explore ways that Aboriginal people use the environment sustainably.

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 native and introduced animals and learn about some features, classification, threats and management practices Investigate the natural environment, discover plants, habitats and evidence of animals in the area Explore biodiversity while hunting for mini-beasts Investigate the natural environment and animal habitats and learn dip-netting techniques Learn about habitats by creating models.

Excursion details

When: Week days during school term.
Where: Wattamolla picnic area, Royal National Park
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Easy. Guided activities are in a woodland/ heath environment which includes stairs. Some activities on grass, near a creek and a beach.
Price: Student $20 per person. Includes GST, guide and park entry fees. For groups under 25 students, use the 'Enquire now' link.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Meet at Wattamolla carpark. Please note, there is no mobile phone reception in this area.
Equipment provided: Yes. All equipment is provided.
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-the-earths-environment-at-wattamolla-royal-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Sydney South
02 9542 0615
npws.royalguidedtours@environment.nsw.gov.au
PO Box 144, Audley NSW 2232

Park info

in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more visitor info

Info for teachers

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

Program outline

Acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
Using preserved specimens, discuss the features of native animals and the impact of introduced species.
Morning tea
Mini-beast hunt
Dip-netting in a freshwater creek
Lunch
Bushwalk along part of the Coast track to Providential Point, observing native plants and animals along the way
Build a habitat for a chosen native animal using natural materials

Getting there and parking

Wattamolla is located on the coast in the Royal National Park and offers spectacular scenery with accessible bush walks, lagoon, lookouts, a creek and a beach. Follow Sir Bertram Stevens Drive (approximately 11km from Audley weir). Turn onto Wattamolla Road (200m south of the Bundeena turn off) and drive along Wattamolla road for approximately 4km.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Parking is available but it can get very busy on the weekend, when parking might be limited.
Think about car pooling to Wattamolla because the number of people visiting often exceeds the parking spaces available.

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

The earth's environment at Wattamolla 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

Wheelchair-accessible carpark, picnic areas and most activity areas. There is no accessible bush track. If there is someone with special needs in your group, please let us know in advance so that we can plan accordingly.