School excursion
Environmental change and management at Wattamolla
Royal National Park
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.
Read more about Environmental change and management at Wattamolla
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:
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Excursion details
- When
Weekdays during school term.
- Availability
- Guided. Available on request.
- Duration
- 4hrs
- Grading
- Easy. Guided activities along a beach, across sand dunes and along a creek.
- Price
-
$20 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.
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.
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
Get driving directions
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
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.