The Earth’s environment

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

Overview

Join The Earth's environment Geography excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) at Brisbane Water National Park, near Gosford. Students will discover how NSW National Parks safeguards over 10 per cent of land in NSW.

Read more about The Earth’s environment

Students will learn about the critical role that NSW National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) plays in conserving our unique native plants, animals and rich cultural heritage.

They’ll explore the significance of the environment at Brisbane Water National Park, and the important inter-relationships between humans and nature.

Students will use geographical tools to identify the features of this beautiful place. They’ll observe the native plants and animals along Girrakool loop track.

They’ll learn about the history and culture of the Aboriginal people and their relationship with Country. As part of this, they’ll experience Aboriginal rock engravings and their significance to the traditional custodians of this park.

Students will discover the underwater world of Girrakool’s creeks, by doing a macroinvertebrate search. They’ll also learn about the key roles NPWS personnel hold in conserving and protecting wildlife, culture and heritage.

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
Objectives	Students will: Use mud maps 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: Weekdays during school term.
Where: Girrakool loop track, Brisbane Water National Park
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Medium. There are uneven and undulating surfaces and steps.
Price: $380 per class (maximum 30 students)
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Girrakool picnic area
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 Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Two picnic areas in Brisbane Water National Park close in the evening:
- Girrakool picnic area is open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 7am to 6pm at other times
- Somersby Falls picnic area is open 8am to 8pm during daylight savings and is open 8am to 5pm at other times
Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept both card and coins, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.
Other fees:
You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.
Buy annual pass

See more visitor info