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School excursion

Special Offer

Aboriginal culture: Expanding contacts Arabanoo lookout

Stage 4 (Years 7-8), History, Sydney Harbour National Park

Overview

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Aboriginal culture expanding contacts Arabanoo lookout is a Stage 4 (Years 7-8) school excursion in Sydney Harbour National Park which focuses on history as a KLA. Embark on a learning journey of Aboriginal culture from pre-colonisation to now.

Read more about Aboriginal culture: Expanding contacts Arabanoo lookout

Students will learn through a variety of fun, interactive activities and talks by an experienced Aboriginal Discovery ranger.

History: Expanding Contacts - Aboriginal and Indigenous Peoples, Colonisation and Contact History

Sydney Harbour National Park protects a collection of islands and foreshore areas around one of the world’s most famous harbours. Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head offers fantastic views to North Head and South Head and out to the Pacific Ocean. The lookout is named in honour of an Aboriginal man, Arabanoo, and is marked with signs and monuments to identify the culture and history of the area. The natural environment includes habitats for plants, local animals, bird life and marine creatures.

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

Stage Stage 4 (Years 7-8)
Key learning area History
Objectives

Students will:

  • listen to an Aboriginal person describe the main features of Australia's Aboriginal culture prior to colonisation
  • recognise the results of colonisation on Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples to 1900
  • listen to the Discovery ranger and then be able to describe the key aspects of contact between the Aboriginal people and the colonisers
  • learn how Aboriginal children were educated in Aboriginal society through Aboriginal games
  • be taught about different food sources and how to make and use different weapons.

Excursion details

When

Weekdays during school term.

Availability
Guided. Available on request.
Where
Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head, Sydney Harbour National Park
Duration
4hrs
Grading
Medium. Guided activities in a suburban national park, along a beach, on formed and uneven bush walking tracks on a slope.
Price

Minimum $375 for up to 25 students, $15 per student (includes GST)

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Meeting point
Meet at Arabanoo lookout on Dobroyd Scenic Drive, Balgowlah.
Equipment
provided
Yes. All equipment is provided.
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 Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    Bradleys Head carpark: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head carpark: $5 per vehicle per day. There are pay and display machines that accept cards and coins - no change given. Chowder Bay Road parking: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully.

    Other fees:

    Landing fee or tour fee applies to visit Sydney Harbour islands. To visit Shark, Clark or Rodd islands all vessels, including kayaks, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes not valid for landing fees.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info
Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: David Finnegan