School excursion

Cape Byron Lighthouse: A special place

Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area

Overview

Experience a bird’s eye view from the top of the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse in this Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) Geography excursion. Students will learn about the features of this special place and its significance to people and the community.

This school excursion includes a guided tour through the Maritime Museum and up to the top of the lighthouse. Students will explore important features of the lighthouse and see the Cape from a different perspective.

With help from their guide, students will survey visitors and the community. Through conducting surveys, they’ll understand the significance of this place and how this may vary between different people.

Students will explore the state conservation area and find ways to care for this important place.

This program focuses on the use of geographical tools and processing geographical information. Students will learn to incorporate illustrated tables and surveys, and view, use and create maps.

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

Stage	Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GEe-1. Identifies places and develops an understanding of the importance of places to people. GEe-2. Communicates geographical information and uses geographical tools.
Objectives	Students will: Learn about the Cape Byron Lighthouse and why it is important Undertake a field sketch to investigate the organisation of and features of the lighthouse precinct Use maps to determine the location of features within the reserve Learn about ways that we can look after the lighthouse and the reserve Undertake a visitor survey with an NPWS guide to explore a point of view, record data using tally marks and analyse the results. Take a lighthouse tour and explore the lighthouse precinct from a different perspective Use images to learn about the heritage of families that lived in the Cape Byron Lighthouse and compare the differences and similarities to families of today.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Cape Byron Lighthouse, Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Duration: 2hrs
Grading: Easy
Price: $12 per person (includes GST). Minimum fee of $240.00. Teachers and other staff are free.
Accessibility: Easy
Meeting point: Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct at the end of Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Groups meet on the verandah of the northern side of the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage (Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre).
Equipment provided: Yes
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/early-stage-1-geography-cape-byron-lighthouse-special-place/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Byron Bay
02 6639 8300
npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au
Tallow Beach Road, Byron Bay NSW

Park info

in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
- Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is open all hours, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn is open 8am to sunset.
- The Maritime Museum in the former Lighthouse Keeper’s office at the base of the lighthouse is open 10am to 4pm daily.
- Opening before 8am for events or disabled access can be arranged by prior notice – contact NPWS Byron Bay office during business hours 02 6639 8300.
Park entry fees:
Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn and Information Centre: $10 per vehicle per hour/$4 per hour motorcycles. Maximum 1 hour per vehicle per calendar day, including all NPWS annual passholders.
Captain Cook lookout, Cosy Corner, and The Pass: $5 per vehicle/motorcycle per hour. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Cash and credit cards accepted at Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre.
Coach entry: $30 per coach up to 30 seats; $57 per coach 31 to 43 seats; $94 per coach 44 seats and over.
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Cape Byron Lighthouse: A special place.

Program outline

Welcome, introductions, acknowledgement and safety talk (5mins)
Session 1 (25mins)

A special place: Cape Byron Lighthouse and its features and values
Visitor survey: People’s perceptions of Cape Byron

Session 2: Round robin activities in 3 groups (30min rotations)

Group 1: Lighthouse tour, focusing on changing technology over time
Group 2: Field sketch and historical games of the early 1900s (teacher-led activity)
Group 3: Caring for Cape Byron treasure map activity (signs)

Getting there and parking

Cape Byron Lighthouse is 2km east of the Byron Bay town centre. To get there, take Lawson Street (which becomes Lighthouse Road) and follow it to the lighthouse.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

There is bus parking at the Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct. Buses transporting students on approved programs are free. Additional vehicles are required to pay the appropriate parking fees.

Parking is limited at excursion venues. An $8 per car entry fee applies at the lighthouse. A $4 per hour parking fee applies to The Pass, Captain Cook and Tallow Beach carparks.

Those with NPWS passes are exempt. Annual passes can be purchased online or from any NPWS office.

What to bring

Hat, sunscreen, adequate food and drinking water. Fresh water bubblers are available at The Pass.

Please wear long pants, closed comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. Be ready for all weather conditions with a jumper and raincoat. And remember to bring food and any necessary medications.

It’s a good idea to pack your belongings in a backpack rather than a plastic bag.

Maps and downloads

Cape Byron Lighthouse: A special place 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 - easy

Wheelchair facilities are available. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.