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School excursion

Special Offer

Mountain landscapes: Blue Mountains

Stage 4 (Years 7-8), Geography, Katoomba area

Overview

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Blue Mountains National Park showcases landforms on an unforgettable scale in this impressive Stage 4 (Years 7-8) excursion for geography students. Students will observe and record the geographical landscape at Katoomba and beyond.

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From their vantage point at Katoomba, students will investigate the major geographical processes operating in this uplifted, dissected sandstone plateau. They'll use simple tools and maps to observe and identify features of the natural environment. 

They'll then take the 2.4km walk into the valley and down the famous Furber Steps. 

The Scenic World Cableway can be found at the base of the mountain. Groups can opt to take the return walk uphill or, for an additional fee paid to Scenic World, ascend in the spectacular Cableway. 

Students will be immersed in a mountain environment and will learn how this landscape is managed sustainably. 

This excursion is also available at Wentworth Falls or Blackheath.

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

Stage Stage 4 (Years 7-8)
Key learning area Geography
Student outcomes

GE4-1. Locates and describes the diverse features and characteristics of a range of places and environments

GE4-2. Describes processes and influences that form and transform places and environments

GE4-4. Examines perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues

GE4-5. Discusses management of places and environments for their sustainability

GE4-7. Acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry

Objectives

Students will:

  • Explore the diverse features and characteristics of the Blue Mountains
  • Learn about and discuss the geomorphic processes that created this impressive landscape 
  • Use simple tools and maps to observe and identify features of the natural environment
  • Learn about the importance of this Country to Aboriginal people, and the traditional methods for managing this special place
  • Examine the ways NPWS sustainably manages and protects the landscape from the negative impact of tourism and pests  
  • Discuss the extreme risk of bushfire throughout this region. Examine the suite of strategies in place to prevent and respond to bushfire events. 

Excursion details

When

Monday to Friday during school term.

Where
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park
Duration
2-2.5 hr
Grading
Medium. Guided bushwalk and activities on an uneven surface, including steep stairs and a boardwalk.
Price

$295 per group for up to 20 students (plus the cost of a one-way Scenic World Cableway ticket if this option is taken up). GST included. For groups of more than 20 students, additional park staff are required and additional fees will apply.

Accessibility
Hard
Meeting point
Visiting groups can choose to meet at one of the following locations:
  • Katoomba: Katoomba Falls Reserve next to the kiosk, opposite the oval on Cliff Drive.
  • Wentworth Falls: Wentworth Falls picnic area, at the end of Falls Road, Wentworth Falls
  • Blackheath: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath
Equipment
provided
Yes. We can provide a selection of worksheet questions for teachers to compile prior to the excursion for students.
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.
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Park info

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Perrys Lookdown drive, Blue Mountains National Park. Photo: Nick Cubbin