School excursion

Above the treeline

Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Geography, Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

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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:

  • Observe biophysical interactions in the alpine environment and construct a diagram to explain these interactions
  • Describe how the alpine environment is changing in response to climatic variations
  • Describe the geographical processes that form and transform the environment
  • Explain how current management strategies are contributing to the sustainable use of the alpine area
  • Identify the key features of the alpine ecosystem through observation and recording phenomena
  • Understand the spatial and ecological dimensions of the alpine area of NSW
  • Acknowledge the vulnerability of ecosystems to natural and human induced stress.

Excursion details

When

Weekdays November to April.

Availability
Guided. Available on request.
Where
Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko, Thredbo-Perisher area
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.
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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-6-geography-above-treeline-kosciuszko-national-park/local-alerts

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Operated by

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).

  • 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 (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).
See more visitor info

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

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

Not suitable for wheelchairs. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.