School excursion

Lake Mungo and Culpra Milli immersion

Stage 5 (Years 9-10), Aboriginal Studies, Mungo National Park

A group of students at Lake Mungo, Mungo National Park. Photo: Red Earth © Red Earth

Overview

Stage 5 students (Years 9 to 10) will make meaningful connections with First Nations People in this excursion. It’s tailor-made for Aboriginal Studies. Students travel to Mungo National Park for a 5 to 7-day immersion experience.

Read more about Lake Mungo and Culpra Milli immersion

This excursion is also relevant to Geography, Environmental Science and History learning areas, and Stages 3 and 4 (Years 5 to 8) students.

During the first half of the immersion, students learn about the rich culture of the Barkindji land at Culpra Milli, on the banks of the Murray River. Activities include maintaining ancient fish traps, swimming and sharing stories around the campfire. Students make connections and develop an understanding of modern life in remote Indigenous communities.

The latter half of the immersion takes students to Mungo National Park, where they're hosted by Traditional Owners and Aboriginal rangers. The spiritual and cultural significance of Lake Mungo is explained through modern and ancient stories, and students will explore the park with rangers.

This is the front lines of reconciliation. Students return to their school with a deep understanding of the myriad ways in which Australia's history has affected modern life for Aboriginal people. They’ll also know about the importance of the connection between culture, language, people and Country.

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

Stage	Stage 5 (Years 9-10)
Learning area	Aboriginal Studies
Student outcomes	AST5-2. Explains ways in which Aboriginal Peoples maintain their identity AST5-3. Describes the dynamic nature of Aboriginal cultures. AST5-4. Explains adaptations in, and the changing nature of, Aboriginal cultural expression across time and location
Objectives	Students will: Camp at 2 historically important sites with Traditional Owners: Lake Mungo in Mungo National Park and Culpra Milli Explore the stories, history and traditions of the Barkindji and Mutthi Mutthi Peoples Learn about the scientific practices that led to important discoveries and conservation at Lake Mungo Take part in crafting traditional artefacts such as clapsticks or Mungo canoes Understand the spiritual, cultural and historical significance of locations around Mungo National Park and Culpra Milli

Excursion details

When: March to October, 5 to 7-day programs. Contact Red Earth for more details.
Where: Mungo National Park in Murray-Riverina
Grading: Easy
Price: $1,950 to $2,050 per student, all inclusive.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Your group will be picked up from and returned to your school or another location of your choice. All transport included in the cost.
Equipment provided: Yes
Booking: If you would like to organise a school excursion please use the 'Enquire' link or email or call Red Earth.

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-5-aboriginal-studies-lake-mungo-culpra-milli-immersion-mungo-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

Park info

in Mungo National Park in the Murray-Riverina region
Mungo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. Fees are payable through self-registration envelopes outside Mungo Visitor Centre. Different fees apply for commercial tour operators and vehicles with 8 seats or more.
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more visitor info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Lake Mungo and Culpra Milli immersion .

Program outline

Staying on Country with Traditional Owners and their families
Hearing dreamtime stories around the campfire under a blanket of stars.
Hiking through Mungo National Park with Aboriginal rangers and seeing the fossil record come to life.
Discovering the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of Lake Mungo through ancient and modern Aboriginal perspectives.
Exploring the stories and traditions of First Nations Peoples – past, present and emerging.

Getting there and parking

This is a door-to-door immersion and all transport is provided from your school.

What to bring

A complete packing list will be provided once your booking is confirmed.

Maps and downloads

Lake Mungo and Culpra Milli immersion factsheet

Safety messages

Pre activity briefing: participants will be briefed at the start of each day and activity.

Safety equipment: Red Earth staff carry first aid kits, satellite phones, EPIRBs (emergency position indicating radio beacons), hold current First Aid certificates and are aware of emergency procedures.

Staff accreditation: Red Earth staff have current Remote Area First Aid accreditation and 4WD vehicle driving and recovery certification. 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 of potential hazards. Red Earth 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: Red Earth staff are trained to deal with emergencies, and emergency procedures are in place. Emergency response protocols and procedures will be detailed and discussed with travelling school staff before the immersion takes place.

Risk assessment and risk benefits

A comprehensive risk assessment will be made available after confirmation of your booking.