School excursion

Aboriginal culture

Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography, Blue Gum Hills Regional Park

An Aboriginal guide taking students on a bushwalk on an Aboriginal culture school excursion in Blue Gum Hills Regional Park. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DPIE

Overview

Experience Blue Gum Hills Regional Park through the eyes of an Aboriginal person on this Stage 2 Aboriginal Culture Geography excursion. Learn about Aboriginal culture through the knowledge and stories of an Aboriginal person.

Read more about Aboriginal culture

On this excursion, students will learn about Aboriginal people, their connection to country and the impact of European settlement on the area. They'll engage with Aboriginal culture through fun learning activities, hear Dreamtime stories, and investigate the connections that Aboriginal people have to place.

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 GE2-4. Acquires and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Recognise that Aboriginal people are the first Australians Investigate the connections that Aboriginal People have to the land, sea and animals of this place. Hear stories to understand why this place is important to Aboriginal People and how it can be cared for Find out how Aboriginal people describe the weather and the seasons Engage with local Aboriginal culture through fun learning activities.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays all year.
Availability: Available on request.
Where: Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in North Coast
Duration: 2hrs
Grading: Easy. Guided activities in a suburban national park, on formed and uneven bush walking tracks, and on a grassed picnic area.
Price: $225 per group (includes GST). Maximum 30 students per group. For groups over 30 conditions apply.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Blue Gum Hills Regional Park carpark, off Minmi Road, Minmi.
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-aboriginal-culture-blue-gum-hills-regional-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 Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in the North Coast region
Blue Gum Hills Regional Park is open 7.30am to 8pm during daylight savings (7.30am to 5pm at other times), 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 Aboriginal culture .

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing
Bushwalk – environment and culture
Morning tea
Aboriginal cultural activities. Cultural activities can include weapons and tools, bush foods or art.
Local dreamtime stories
Conclusion and farewell

Getting there and parking

Blue Gum Hills Regional Park is located off Minmi Road, Minmi.

What to bring

Please wear fully enclosed shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, wet weather gear, and lunch which should be low waste with a refillable water bottle. Students should bring gear in a backpack or similar (not plastic bags).

Maps and downloads

Aboriginal culture 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 - medium

Wheelchair facilities include disabled toilets, parking and picnic access. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.