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School excursion

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Bound for Botany Bay

Stage 2 (Years 3-4), History, La Perouse area

Overview

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In 1770, James Cook and his crew aboard the Endeavour were bound for Botany Bay. Their 8-day stay would have a dramatic impact on the future of Australia. This Stage 2 (Years 3-4) history excursion explores the first British landing on Australian soil.

Read more about Bound for Botany Bay

This hands-on interactive excursion allows students the opportunity explore early Australian history from its first Inhabitants, through to early European explorers, convicts and the 19th century soldiers who defended Sydney.

Students will gain an understanding of how Australia's First Nations people lived in Australia for thousands of years prior to European settlement. A range of authentic artefacts are utilised to showcase one of the oldest living cultures on earth.

Students will discover the impact of early explorers like James Cook, Joseph Banks and Comte de La Perouse whilst completing a hands-on activity. Students will then step into convict ‘slops’ to learn about the sequence of events that led to Australia becoming a penal colony. Students will learn about life as a convict, including the sentences and punishments faced by those sent to Australia and the hardships they faced.

Finally, students will learn about the Bare Island Fortification. In the role of soldiers in 1885, students will examine how and why they were to defend the ‘backdoor to Sydney’.

For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers

Stage Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learning area History
Student outcomes

HT2-1. Identifies celebrations and commemorations of significance in Australia and the world

HT2-2. Describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to changes in the local community over time

HT2-3. Describes people, events and actions related to world exploration and its effects

HT2-4. Describes and explains effects of British colonisation in Australia

HT2-5. Applies skills of historical inquiry and communication
Objectives

Students will:

  • Learn how Aboriginal people survived in their environment using a collection of preserved Australian animals and Aboriginal artefacts
  • Identify some of the consequences of the British arrival for Aboriginal people
  • Gain an understanding of the impact early explorers had on Australia
  • Explore the life of a convict, from why Australia became a penal colony, through to the crimes, sentences and punishment of those sent to our shores
  • Learn about the European history of the site through stories and original architecture

Excursion details

When

Weekdays (all year), 10am to 12pm, including meal breaks.

Availability
Guided. Available on request.
Where
La Perouse area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Duration
4hrs
Grading
Easy. Guided tour and activities along an unsealed walking path including a board walk, grassed area and stairs.
Price

$17 per student. Minimum of 20 students. GST included.

Accessibility
Hard
Meeting point
Meet at Bare Island gate. La Perouse is located at the northern headland of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. You can't access it from the southern end of the park at Kurnell.
Equipment
provided
Yes
Booking
To organise this school excursion please contact the local NPWS office or use the ‘Enquire now’ button.
Enquire now
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Operated by

Park info

  • in the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • 7am–8.30pm November to March. 

    7am–7.30pm April to October.

    La Perouse park entry gate closed to vehicles between 7pm and 5am all year.

    Areas may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • There are no park entry fees in La Perouse area but you'll need to pay to tour Bare Island. Park entry fees apply in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, only.

    Buy annual pass
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