School excursion

A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale

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

Eastern waterdragon (Intellagama lesueurii), Royal National Park. Photo: Gary Dunnett/OEH

Overview

Senior science students will hone their fieldwork skills in this Stage 6 (Years 11-12) Biology 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	Biology
Student outcomes	BIO11/12-2. Designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information BIO11-10. Describes biological diversity by explaining the relationship between a range of organisms in terms of specialisation for selected habitats and evolution of species
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 Identify examples of relationships in the Bonnie Vale ecosystem.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school term
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: No. 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.

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-senior-science-local-ecosystem-bonnie-vale/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 A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
Morning tea and toilet break
Observations at a fresh water pond. Walk the bush track in the direction of the mangroves.
Study the adaptations of a mangrove plant and a wetland animal
Measure abundance and distribution using a transect and quadrats
Measure and compare abiotic factors along the transect
Dip-net to sample estuary species
Identify examples of predation, competition, parasitism, allelopathy, mutualism or commensalism
Lunch and toilet break
Recap and farewell

Getting there and parking

Bonnie Vale picnic area is in the Bundeena area of Royal National Park.

To drive there from Audley:

Drive across Audley Weir and continue along Sir Bertram Stevens Drive for approximately 10km
Turn left onto Bundeena Drive and continue to Bundeena township
As you enter the town, turn left onto Sea Breeze Lane and follow the signs.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Bonnie Vale picnic area. Think about car pooling as visitor numbers in these areas often exceed available parking.

Ferry)

Take a train to Cronulla, then walk for 5 minutes to Cronulla ferry wharf.
Take the ferry from Cronulla wharf to Bundeena wharf.
When you arrive at Bundeena wharf you'll see a map showing you the route to walk to Bonnie Vale picnic area, which takes about 15 minutes.

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: Drinking water is not available. Wear a pair of shoes that can get wet and bring a change of shoes/socks and a small towel. Students should bring a clipboard, worksheets, pens and pencils.

Maps and downloads

A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale 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

Wheelchair accessible car park, picnic area and toilets; if you have someone with special needs, please let us know in advance so that we can plan accordingly.