School excursion

Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla

Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Geography, Royal National Park

Wattamolla Beach and picnic area, Royal National Park. Photo: Kevin McGrath/OEH

Overview

Senior students will hone their fieldwork skills in this Stage 6 (Years 11-12) Geography excursion at Wattamolla. Located in Royal National Park, Wattamolla offers students a complex site to study biophysical interactions.

Students will observe first-hand the biophysical processes that influence this coastal environment of beach, rocky platforms and freshwater creek. We'll discuss the 4 spheres that shape and impact this landscape.

Students will undertake a scientific investigation to determine biotic and abiotic factors here. They'll use their surveying and mapping skills to form a comprehensive audit of the site and the factors impacting it.

As mock land managers they'll determine the best approach for sustainable management of visitation. Their prescribed role will be to reduce the negative impact on this sensitive coastal ecosystem.

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	GE-11-02. Explains geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments GE-11-04. Assesses responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability GE-11-07. Applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments GE-12-02. Analyses geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments GE-12-04. Evaluates responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability GE-12-07. Selects and applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments
Objectives	Students will: Explore and sketch the headland and rock platform to see first-hand the interactions between the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere Collect and use digital image Practise field sketch techniques using maps and a Google Earth image Measure the abiotic factors of the fore dune and hind dune Identify plants along the revegetated sand dune Observe and analyse changes made to the carpark and vegetated gardens Dip-net for freshwater animals to determine the health of the creek Consider the impact of climate change on the environment Consider the issues and impacts at Wattamolla posed by humans and the management responses of NPWS and other agencies.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Wattamolla picnic area, Royal National Park
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Medium. Guided activities along a beach, across sand dunes and along a creek.
Price: $28 per student for groups of 25 or more. GST included. For smaller groups conditions apply.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
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.

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-biophysical-interactions-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 (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more visitor info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
Observe and discuss development of the carpark and surf club area
Morning tea and toilet break
Conduct a field sketch of the site
Measure and compare abiotic factors of fore dune and hind dune
Dip-net in a freshwater creek to determine ecosystem health
Predict the influence of sea level rise on the freshwater environment
Examine physical processes shaping the landscape
Return walk to shaded area for lunch
Conduct a vegetation transect along a dune
Assess current management strategies through a role-play scenario
Farewell and depart on bus

Getting there and parking

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

Parking is available.

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: Students should have their own copy of the excursion worksheet, a clipboard and pencil.

Maps and downloads

Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla factsheet

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.