School excursion

Environmental change and management at Wattamolla

Royal National Park

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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:

  • 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.
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.
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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

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Operated by

Park info

See more info for teachers

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

Get 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

    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.