School excursion
Above the treeline
Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Geography, Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park
Overview
Above the treeline is a Stage 6 (Years 11-12) school excursion in Kosciuszko National Park which focuses on Geography. Explore the interactions of the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere in the alpine area on a guided walk to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko or to picturesque, glacial Blue Lake.
Read more about Above the treeline
A visit to the Kosciuszko National Park alpine area allows students to experience the vastness and exposure of the highest mountains in Australia. Students observe and record the atmospheric conditions, investigate the distribution and adaptation of plants to the extreme conditions and record information about human impacts and park management actions.
For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers
Stage | Stage 6 (Years 11-12) |
---|---|
Learning area | Geography |
Student outcomes |
P2. Describes the interactions between the four components which define the biophysical environment. P3. Explains how a specific environment functions in terms of biophysical factors. P9. Uses maps, graphs and statistics, photographs and fieldwork to conduct geographical inquiries. |
Objectives |
Students will:
|
Excursion details
- When
Weekdays November to April.
- Availability
- Guided. Available on request.
- Duration
- 5hrs
- Grading
- Medium. Both walks have some steps or steep sections and uneven surfaces.
- Price
-
$400 per group for up to 20 students (includes GST). For groups over 20 conditions apply.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Equipment
provided - Yes. Worksheet masters, weather recording instruments, flora and fauna identification material and raincoats with hoods for those that need them.
- 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-6-geography-above-treeline-kosciuszko-national-park/local-alerts
Operated by
- School excursion inquiries - Kosciuszko Education Centre
- 02 6451 3700
- kosci.education@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
- The Thredbo-Perisher area is open all year, but some roads and trails may close due to weather conditions or park management issues. Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter (June to October long weekends).
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Park entry fees apply on Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road
Winter (June to October long weekends): $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs from purchase); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day. Find out more about the winter entry surcharge.
Rest of Year: $17 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $7; bus passengers $6.60 per adult, $2.20 per child per day.
Passes: Day passes, multi-day passes and annual All Parks Pass available from NPWS visitor centres, local agents and operating vehicle entry stations. Single and Multi-Day passes are also available via the Park'nPay app. Short Breaks Pass: $68 for 5 days park entry at price of 4 days (not valid winter).
Eligible pensioners can apply for a complementary NPWS concession pass, to get free park entry. Download the exemption form (154KB doc). Read our Annual Pass FAQs for information.
Buy annual pass.
Info for teachers
All the practical information you need to know about Above the treeline.
Program outline
Mt Kosciuszko walk (meet guide at Thredbo Village Centre coach parking area)
- Welcome, introductions, safety briefing, toilets - 30 min
- Chairlift ride - 30 min
- Walk to Mt Kosciuszko and return same route - 6 hours
Blue Lake walk (meet guide at Thredbo Village Centre coach parking area)
- Drive to Charlotte Pass - 0.5 hrs
- Welcome, introductions, safety briefing, toilets - 0.5 hrs
- Walk to Blue Lake and return same route - 4.0 hrs
Getting there and parking
Kosciuszko walk begins at Thredbo Village in Kosciuszko National Park. From Jindabyne:
- Travel along the Kosciuszko Road and turn left onto Alpine Way
- Travel 31km along the Alpine Way and turn right into Thredbo Village
- Catch the Kosciuszko Express chairlift to the start of the track
Road quality
All 2WD vehicles need to carry snow chains in winter, between June and October long weekends, on:
- Kosciuszko Road (to Perisher)
- Guthega Road
- Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin
Snow chains are recommended for all vehicles driving in the park, including 4WD and AWD, in the event of extreme weather. Read our snow driving in Kosciuszko tips.
Parking
Parking is available at Thredbo.
What to bring
Everyone should wear long pants, closed comfortable shoes and bring a sun hat, beanie, sun cream, jumper, raincoat with hood, adequate food and water, necessary medications, a clip board, pens and a digital camera (could be shared). Everyone will need to bring a back pack (not plastic bags) to carry all of their belongings for the day.
Blue Lake walk - consider wearing shorts under long pants so that the pants can be removed and kept dry when crossing the river. Consider carrying sports sandals for the river crossing.
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
Not suitable for wheelchairs. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.