School excursion

Ecosystems at risk: Minnamurra Rainforest

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

Family on boardwalk, Minnamurra Rainforest. Photo: D Finnegan/OEH

Overview

Ecosystems at risk is a school excursion at Minnamurra Rainforest for Stage 6 (Years 11-12) students that focuses on geography as a learning area. This excursion is designed to complement a case study of a particular ecosystem at risk.

Students will undertake fieldwork that includes an examination of the natural and human impacts at this location and the management of this environment.

They’ll collect information on the biophysical environment by completing data collection and measurements. Students will examine the management strategies in place and propose potential ways to manage issues.

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	H1. Explains the changing nature, spatial patterns and interaction of ecosystems, urban places and economic activity. H2. Explains the factors which place ecosystems at risk and the reasons for their protection. H5. Evaluates environmental management strategies in terms of ecological sustainability. H6. Evaluates the impacts of, and responses of people to, environmental change. H7. Justifies geographical methods applicable and useful in the workplace and relevant to a changing world. H9. Evaluates geographical information and sources for usefulness, validity and reliability. H10. Applies maps, graphs and statistics, photographs and fieldwork to analyse and integrate data in geographical contexts. H12. Explains geographical patterns, processes and future trends through appropriate case studies and illustrative examples.
Objectives	Students will: Identify the key features of the rainforest as an ecosystem at risk Explore the geographical processes that form and transform the rainforest Gain an understanding of how vulnerable this ecosystem is to natural stress and to external and internal human impacts Explain the factors that place this ecosystem at risk Identify current management strategies and explain how these contribute to ecological sustainability Examine the importance of ecosystem management and protection. This includes maintaining genetic diversity, utility values, intrinsic values, heritage values and the need to allow natural change to proceed.

Excursion details

Availability: Guided. Available on request. Different length programs are available upon consultation.
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park
Duration: 2-5 hr
Grading: Easy. Fieldwork will take place along a river beside the rainforest path.
Price: Minimum $550 per group for up to 25 students, $22 per student (includes GST).
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
Equipment provided: Yes. Worksheet masters, pre and post-activity resources, and additional references will be provided on booking.
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-ecosystems-at-risk-budderoo-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
02 4236 0469
minnamurra@environment.nsw.gov.au
Budderoo National Park, Minnamurra Falls Road (Tourist Drive No.9), via Jamberoo NSW 2533

Park info

in Budderoo National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions
Budderoo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. The park gates at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre open at 9am and close at 5pm every day.
Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day only in the Minnamurra Rainforest area. Bus or taxi: $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child.
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more visitor info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Ecosystems at risk: Minnamurra Rainforest.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing
Morning tea and toilet break
Classroom presentation
Fieldwork collection
Complete a vegetation transect
Soil and leaf litter survey
Group discussion and question time
Guided interpretive walk through rainforest
Optional self-guided walk to waterfall (teacher to lead)
Lunch
Farewell and depart on bus

Getting there and parking

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is located in the foothills of Jamberoo Valley, west of Kiama on the NSW South Coast. To get there from Jamberoo, drive west on Jamberoo Road and turn left onto Jamberoo Mountain Road. Take the first right onto Minnamurra Falls Road, and you’ll find Minnamurra Rainforest Centre about 3km along to the end of the road.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Car and bus parking is available at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, including designated disabled spots.

Note that coach bookings are essential prior to arrival.

What to bring

Students should wear enclosed shoes, layered clothing (including a raincoat if wet weather is likely) and a hat, and bring a refillable water bottle. Students should have their own copy of the excursion worksheet, a clipboard and pencil.

Maps and downloads

Ecosystems at risk: Minnamurra Rainforest 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

Not wheelchair-accessible