School excursion

The Earth's environment

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

Overview

Join The Earth's environment Geography excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students at Tomaree National Park, near Port Stephens. They'll 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 Parks 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 Tomaree National Park, and the important inter-relationships between humans and nature. They'll discover the native plants and animals along the Tomaree Head Summit walking track. They'll also view the historic World War II gun emplacements.

Students will learn about the history and culture of the Aboriginal people and their relationship with Country.

They'll delve into the key roles that 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: Tomaree Head Summit walk, Tomaree National Park
Duration: 2-4 hr
Grading: Hard. There are uneven and undulating surfaces and steps.
Price: $380 per class (maximum 30 students)
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Zenith Beach carpark, at the end of Shoal Bay Road.
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-the-earths-environment-tomaree-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 Tomaree National Park in the North Coast region
Tomaree National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

See more visitor info

Info for teachers

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

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing
Bush walk investigating coastal heathland environment
Morning tea
Viewing of gun emplacements
Walk to Tomaree Summit
Investigating coastal environment from the summit
Farewell and depart

Getting there and parking

Tomaree National Park is easily accessible from Nelson Bay and Anna Bay. It surrounds the towns of Boat Harbour, Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay.

Take the Pacific Highway from Newcastle or Buladelah, turn east onto Richardson Road and continue along Nelson Bay Road.
For Shoal Bay continue along Stockton Street before turning right onto Victoria Parade. Continue along Shoal Bay Road to the Tomaree summit.

Parking

Parking is available. Follow Shoal Bay Road to the lower Zenith Beach carpark.

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

The Earth's environment 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 - no wheelchair access

The track is not wheelchair-accessible.