School excursion

Environmental change and management at Wattamolla

Stage 5 (Years 9-10), Geography, Royal National Park

Aerial view of Wattamolla picnic area and lagoon, Royal National Park. Photo: David Finnegan/OEH

Overview

Join us at beautiful Wattamolla in Royal National Park for this Stage 5 (Years 9-10) Geography excursion. Students will acquire new fieldwork skills as we investigate the environmental status of the coastal and woodland environments.

Students will investigate and determine both the natural processes and human influences impacting the environment here. High visitation by both tourists and locals makes this an ideal site to consider how a natural place should be sustainably managed.

We'll discuss the current management responses in place to mitigate impacts, and whether these are proving effective.

Through this immersive, real-life fieldwork scenario, students will develop their skills in environmental surveying, mapping, critical thinking and discussion. They'll come away with a real-world understanding of the problems environmental managers face, and some of the solutions available.

This excursion is designed to support the Environmental Change and Management K-10 Geography syllabus.

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

Stage	Stage 5 (Years 9-10)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE5-2. Explains processes and influences that form and transform places and environments GE5-3. Analyses the effect of interactions and connections between people, places and environments GE5-4. Accounts for perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues GE5-5. Assesses management strategies for places and environments for their sustainability GE5-7. Acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using appropriate and relevant geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Consider the environmental issues and impacts at Wattamolla Beach Practice field sketch techniques and identify features of the coastline Measure abiotic factors along the sand dunes Identify plants along the revegetated sand dunes Dip net for freshwater animals to determine the health of the creek Review and discuss the management responses of NPWS and other stakeholders and agencies

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Wattamolla picnic area, Royal National Park
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Easy. Guided activities along a beach, across sand dunes and along a creek.
Price: $24 per student for groups of 25 or more. GST included. For smaller groups conditions apply.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Meet at Wattamolla carpark. Please note, there is no mobile phone reception in this area.
Equipment provided: Yes. All field equipment 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.

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-geography-environmental-change-management-wattamolla/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Sydney South
02 9542 0615
npws.royalguidedtours@environment.nsw.gov.au
PO Box 144, Audley NSW 2232

Park info

in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more visitor info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Environmental change and management at Wattamolla.

Program outline

Acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
Conduct a field sketch of the site and compare the sketch with historical photographs
Graph plant distribution and the number of plant species using a vegetation transect along a sand dune
Measure and compare abiotic factors of fore dune and incipient dune
Consider the physical processes that contributed to the shaping of this landform
Dip net in a freshwater creek to determine the health of the ecosystem
Assess current management strategies

Getting there and parking

Wattamolla picnic area is in the eastern precinct of Royal National Park. To get there:

From Audley:

Drive across Audley Weir and continue along Sir Bertram Stevens Drive for approximately 11km
Turn left onto Wattamolla Road, 250m past Bundeena Drive, and follow to Wattamolla picnic area

From Waterfall:

Follow McKell Avenue to the end
Turn left onto Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and continue for approximately 9km
Turn right onto Wattamolla Road and follow to Wattamolla picnic area

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Limited parking is available at Wattamolla picnic area.

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). Please note: drinking water is not available. Students should have their own copy of the excursion worksheet, a clipboard and pencil.

Maps and downloads

Environmental change and management at Wattamolla 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 - no wheelchair access

There is no wheelchair access available. If you have someone with special needs, please let us know in advance so that we can plan accordingly.