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School excursion

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Above the treeline

Stage 6 (Years 11-12), Geography, Thredbo-Perisher area

Overview

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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.
Enquire now
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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).

    Read our Annual Pass FAQs for information.

    Buy annual pass
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