School excursion
Bound for Botany Bay
Stage 2 (Years 3-4), History, La Perouse area
Overview
In 1770, James Cook and his crew aboard the Endeavour were bound for a place he would name ‘Botany Bay’. Their 8-day stay had 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 offers students a unique opportunity to explore Australian history, from the arrival of early European explorers to the lives of the convicts sent to its shores.
Through engaging activities, students will uncover the influence of notable figures such as James Cook, Joseph Banks and Comte de La Perouse. They’ll step into convict 'slops' to trace the events that led to Australia’s role as a penal colony, gaining insight into convict life, including the sentences, punishments and hardships endured.
The excursion also includes a visit to the historic Cable Station, completed in 1882 and later transformed into Kamay Botany Bay Museum. This landmark once served as a vital communication link to the rest of the world. With its rich collection of exhibits showcasing the area’s extensive history and the diverse characters who helped shape it, students will come away with a deeper appreciation of this significant heritage site.
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 |
| Objectives |
Students will:
|
Excursion details
- When
Weekdays (all year), 10am to 2pm, including meal breaks.
- Availability
- Guided. Available on request.
- Duration
- 4hrs
- Grading
- Easy. Guided tour and activities take place 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
- La Perouse coach parking area (opposite Macquarie Watch tower), 1597B Anzac Parade, La Perouse. 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.
Operated by
- School excursion inquiries - Sydney Harbour
- 02 9668 2006
- 02 9337 7012
- sydney.discovery@environment.nsw.gov.au
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