School excursion

What is a national park?

Stage 2 (Years 3-4), HSIE, Morton National Park

People exploring the Mount Bushwalker walking track, Morton National Park. Photo: Michael Van Ewijk

Overview

Find out what is a National Park in this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) school excursion at Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park, focusing on HSIE. A Discovery Ranger will show you the unique flora and fauna in this park and why it is protected for future generations.

Read more about What is a national park?

Come on a guided walk with an Aboriginal Discovery ranger and explore the natural environment, the impact of fire, the relationship between plants and animals and habitat change.

Students can dress up in the uniforms of various NSW National Parks staff, with discussion about the importance of these jobs, benefits to the park and park visitors, and human impacts on parks. Students can also do a 'minibeast measure', using simple plots to identify and record minibeasts and habitats. This education activity addresses syllabus requirements for primary students through interactive displays, hands-on activities and research.

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

Stage	Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learning area	HSIE
Student outcomes	GE2-1. Examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-2. Describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-4. Acquires and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry

Stage

Stage 2 (Years 3-4)

Learning area

HSIE

Student outcomes

GE2-1. Examines features and characteristics of places and environments

GE2-2. Describes the ways people, places and environments interact

GE2-4. Acquires and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry

Excursion details

When: By arrangement.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, Morton National Park
Grading: Easy
Price: $295 per group for up to 25 students, $11.80 per student (includes GST).
Accessibility: Easy
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-hsie-what-is-a-national-park-morton-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - South Coast
02 4236 0469
discovery.scr@environment.nsw.gov.au

Park info

in Morton National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions
Morton National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

Parts of the south-eastern area of this park were once used for military training and may contain unexploded artillery shells. These areas have restrictions in place for your safety.
Park entry fees:
Fitzroy Falls: $4 per vehicle per day. Bundanoon area: $8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines - cash and cards accepted.
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more visitor info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about What is a national park?.

Getting there and parking

Fitzroy Falls is in the northern precinct of Morton National Park. To get there:

From Moss Vale, drive 18km east along Nowra Road to Fitzroy Falls.
From Nowra, drive 41km via Kangaroo Valley and Nowra Road.
From Wollongong, drive 65km via Robertson along Illawarra Highway, Sheepwash Road into Nowra Road.
From Sydney, drive 137km via Hume Highway to Mittagong, then Bowral into Sheepwash Road and Nowra Road.
From Canberra, drive 174km via Hume and Illawarra highways to Moss Vale, then into Nowra Road.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Parking is available in a paved carpark at the visitor centre, including 2 accessible parking spots. Bus parking is available.

A daily motor vehicle entry fee applies at the visitor centre carpark.

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

What is a national park? 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 - easy

Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.