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School excursion

Special Offer

Walgun walk and cultural experience

Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Aboriginal Studies, Cape Byron State Conservation Area

Overview

School excursions in NSW national parks

We are currently taking bookings for school excursions. Not all excursions are being delivered as per the usual program due to rules outlined by NSW Health. Alternative learning options with NPWS include online digital resources or incursions delivered at your school. Please contact your National Parks education contact or the relevant local park office for more information.

Enquire now

Walgun walk and cultural experience is a school excursion in Cape Byron State Conservation Area focusing on Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies, Community Study (Years 11-12). Join traditional custodians to learn about Arakwal Bundjalung People's ongoing connection to Country.

Read more about Walgun walk and cultural experience

During this guided walk, Arakwal Aboriginal guides discuss the Arakwal Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA). It’s the first Land Use Agreement of its kind in Australia. Students find out about how Arakwal and NPWS jointly manage the reserve today. Learn about local bush tucker, hear stories of significant sites and understand how the area has changed over time.

This is an integrated program which can also focus on: 

  • Stage 5 Geography, Environmental Change and Management 
  • Stage 5 History, Australia and Asia – Making a Nation. 

It also meets the F-10 Australian cross-curriculum priorities Sustainability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

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

Stage Stage 6 (Years 11-12)
Learning area Aboriginal Studies
Student outcomes

P1.2. Explains the consequences of invasion and colonisation for Aboriginal and other Indigenous peoples on social justice and human rights

P2.2. Explains the importance of Country and the interrelationship between Country, culture, economic life and social systems for Aboriginal and other Indigenous peoples

P3.2. Explains the impact of key government policies, legislation and legal decisions in relation to land and water rights and heritage and identity

P3.3. Explains the responses and initiative of Aboriginal other Indigenous peoples to key government policies, legislation and legal decisions
Objectives Students will:
  • Discover traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture with Aboriginal guides
  • Listen to Arakwal Bundjalung guides talk about their families and their heritage and how settlement of the Byron Bay area by Europeans impacted traditional Aboriginal culture
  • Learn about the European impact on the landscape, particularly the Pass midden and the movement of Aboriginal people in this area
  • Consider how the landscape affected European settlement and how people were affected by climate and the seasons
  • Take a guided walk, learning about the local environment, natural resources, bush tucker and bush medicine
  • Learn about the Arakwal Indigenous Land Use Agreement and how NPWS and Arakwal People jointly manage local protected areas
  • Recognise that Aboriginal people have interacted positively with the environment for a long time
  • Identify customs, practices, languages and traditions of Aboriginal people.

Excursion details

When
Weekdays during school terms.
Where
Cape Byron walking track, Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Duration
2hrs
Grading
Medium. Guided activities on formed and uneven bush walking tracks, up and down a flight of stairs, along a beach and on a grassed picnic area.
Price
$9.90 per person (minimum $198). Price includes GST.
Accessibility
Hard
Meeting point
Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct at the end of Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Groups meet on the verandah of the northern side of Cape Byron Information Centre.
Equipment
provided
Yes
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 Cape Byron State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
    • Cape Byron State Conservation Area is open all hours, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
    • Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct is open 8am to sunset.
    • The Maritime Museum in the former Lighthouse Keeper’s office at the base of the lighthouse is open 10am to 4pm daily.
    • Opening before 8am for events or disabled access can be arranged by prior notice – contact NPWS Byron Bay office during business hours 02 6639 8300.

  • Park entry fees:

    Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct and Information Centre: $8 per vehicle per hour/$4 per hour motorcycles. Maximum 1 hour per vehicle per calendar day, including all NPWS annual passholders.

    Captain Cook lookout, Cosy Corner, and The Pass: $4 per vehicle/motorcycle per hour. Pay and display machines - cash and credit cards accepted.

    Coach entry: $26 per coach up to 30 seats; $50 per coach 31 to 43 seats; $83 per coach 44 seats and over.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

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