School excursion

Teddy bears' picnic

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

A group of students gathered in a circle for an excursion activity in Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DPE

Overview

Teddy bears' picnic is an Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) school excursion in Kosciuszko National Park, focusing on HSIE and Science and Technology as LAs. You'll listen to a story, go on a sensory awareness walk and play teddy bear tag amongst other activities.

Stage	Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)
Learning area	HSIE, Science and Technology
Student outcomes	STe-1WS-S. Observes, questions and collects data to communicate ideas STe-3LW-ST. Explores the characteristics, needs and uses of living things
Objectives	Students will: Observe the forest environment using their senses Identify the basic needs of animals through personal observation Discover how the needs of a variety of animals are met in a forest environment Explain the impact on animals as the forest changes.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays October to May.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Kosciuszko Education Centre, Thredbo-Perisher area
Duration: 4hrs 30min
Grading: Easy. Short walk on and off tracks. Environmental games are in a picnic area.
Price: $350 per group for up to 25 students (includes GST). For groups over 25 conditions apply.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Kosciuszko Education Centre, Kosciuszko Road at Sawpit Creek, 14 kms from Jindabyne towards Perisher.
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-teddy-bear-picnic-kosciuszko-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Kosciuszko Education Centre
02 6451 3700
kosci.education@environment.nsw.gov.au

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 (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Teddy bears' picnic.

Program outline

Welcome, introduction to staff, safety briefing
Teddy Bear Big Book story reading
Morning Tea / Toilet
Earth walk (sensory awareness walk in the forest)
Teddy Bear Tag (environmental game)
Missing Teddy Bear Trail
Lunch 45 min Musical Trees (environmental game)
Conclusion and depart

Getting there and parking

Kosciuszko Education Centre is in the alpine area of Kosciuszko National Park, close to Perisher. To get there from Jindabyne:

Drive along Kosciuszko Road from Jindabyne towards Perisher Valley
The education centre is around 12km from Jindabyne

Road quality

All 2WD vehicles need to carry snow chains in winter, between June and October long weekends, on:

Kosciuszko Road (to Perisher)
Guthega Road
Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin

Snow chains are recommended for all vehicles driving in the park, including 4WD and AWD, in the event of extreme weather. Read our snow driving in Kosciuszko tips.

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

Snow chains required after snow

Parking

There are several asphalt and bitumen carparks at the education centre. There's also bus and off-street parking.

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: Each child should bring their own teddy bear or similar stuffed toy animal.

Maps and downloads

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 - medium

The lecture room, car park, picnic area, displays and toilets are wheelchair accessible. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.