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School excursion

Special Offer

First contacts at Kurnell

Stage 2 (Years 3-4), History, Kurnell area

Overview

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In 1770, James Cook landed in Botany Bay on board the Endeavour. Directly ashore were the Aboriginal people of the Eora Nation. This Stage 2 (Years 3-4) history excursion will explore the first contact between Aboriginal clans and white settlers.

Read more about First contacts at Kurnell

The first encounter between the crew of the Endeavour and the Eora Nation would dramatically shape the future of our continent.  

Your NPWS Aboriginal guide will demonstrate the use of indigenous artefacts. By sharing in bush survival wisdom, students will develop an appreciation of the Dharawal People's connection to Country before white settlement. 

Through stories recounted on-site, students will gain perspectives on the British arrival and its impact on Aboriginal culture.

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

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

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:

  • Visit sites along Monument track and reflect on the story of the encounter between the Dharawal People, James Cook and the crew of the Endeavour
  • Walk Burrawang or Muru track to discover how Aboriginal people lived in this country before the British colonisation
  • Look at preserved specimens of native animals that live or have lived in the area
  • Learn about Dharawal culture from Aboriginal rangers as they demonstrate artefacts
  • Visit the museum, see relics from the Endeavour, a scale model of the ship and other artefacts from the meeting place.

Excursion details

When

Weekdays during school term

Where
Kurnell Visitor Centre, Kurnell area
Duration
4hrs
Grading
Easy. Guided walk along a sloped unpaved track incorporating a soundscape and a walk along a concrete path. Bushwalks along the other flat trails are a combination of boardwalk and dirt track.
Price

$20 per student for groups of 25 or more. GST included. For smaller groups conditions apply.

Accessibility
Easy
Meeting point
Meet at Kurnell Visitor Centre, Kamay Botany Bay National Park
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.
Enquire now
Enquire now

Operated by

Park info

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

  • 7am–7.30pm August to May. 7am–5.30pm June to July.

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

  • Park entry fees:

    $8 per vehicle per day applies in the Kurnell area only. The park has coin-operated pay and display machines - please bring correct coins. The park also has credit card accepting payment facilities.

    Buy a pass
See more visitor info

Links

Henry Head track, Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Photo: John Spencer