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School excursion

Special Offer

A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale

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

Overview

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Senior science students will hone their fieldwork skills in this Stage 6 (Years 11-12) science excursion in Royal National Park. Located on the Hacking River estuary, Bonnie Vale is an ideal site for studying wetlands as 'a local ecosystem'.

Read more about A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale

Bonnie Vale is a popular riverside picnic area. It's well known for its diverse vegetation, clear water and abundant wildlife. 

Here, senior science students will investigate the mangroves of Cabbage Tree Basin to measure environmental conditions. They'll observe specialised adaptation features of plants and animals and examine co-dependencies that enhance their chance for survival. 

This excursion provides a unique opportunity for students to use a variety of fieldwork sampling techniques. Students will gather diverse data and obtain a solid understanding of this fragile and important ecosystem.

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

Stage Stage 6 (Years 11-12)
Learning area Senior Science
Student outcomes

P7. Explains relationships between organisms in the environment.

P12. Discusses the validity and reliability of data gathered from first-hand investigations and secondary sources.
Objectives

Students will:

  • Measure and compare abiotic factors in the wetlands
  • Dip-net to identify animals found in the ecosystem
  • Examine and identify adaptations of plants and animals
  • Use a transect to determine distribution and abundance of species
  • Use recorded observations to construct a food web
  • Identify examples of relationships in the Bonnie Vale ecosystem
 

Excursion details

When

Weekdays during school term

Availability
Available on request.
Where
Bonnie Vale picnic area, Royal National Park
Duration
4hrs
Grading
Easy. Guided activities along a bush track, next to a fresh water pond, in the mangroves and at the edge of the water.
Price

$28 per student for groups of 25 or more. GST included. For smaller groups conditions apply. 

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Meeting point
Bonnie Vale picnic area approximately 100m along Sea Breeze Lane.
Equipment
provided
Yes. All equipment is 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.
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Operated by

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
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