School excursion

The earth's environment at Bradleys Head

Sydney Harbour National Park

Overview

The earth's environment is a fun, Stage 1 (Years 1-2) geography excursion at Bradleys Head. Students will identify the physical features of this beautiful place. They'll discuss how people interact with the place in both past and present contexts.

We'll look at the plants and animals that live here, along with the human-built elements and their use. We'll discuss the important balance of needs this environment demands, and how this is achieved and maintained.

Using local materials and their mapping skills, students will design their own fun nature map of Bradleys Head.

In this active and hands-on geography excursion for Stage 1 students, Bradleys Head is brought to life. An awareness of place and the connection between people and place is fostered throughout.

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

Stage	Stage 1 (Years 1-2)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE1-1. Describes features of places and the connections people have with places GE1-2. Identifies ways in which people interact with and care for places GE1-3. Communicates geographical information and uses geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Explore the picturesque environment of Bradleys Head Examine the plants and animals that live here and the adaptations that allow them to thrive Examine the human features of the environment and how the needs of nature and people are balanced here Discuss the role people play in the care and maintenance of places

Excursion details

When: Weekdays (all year), 10am to 2pm, including meal breaks.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Bradleys Head – Booraghee Amphitheatre, Sydney Harbour National Park
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Easy. Guided tour and activities along an unsealed walking path including a board walk, grassed area and stairs.
Price: $17 per student. Minimum of 20 students. GST Included.
Accessibility: Hard
Meeting point: Meet at Athol Hall carpark, off Bradleys Head Road
Equipment provided: Yes. All field equipment including basic first aid kits are 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-1-geography-the-earths-environment-bradleys-head-sydney-harbour-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Sydney Harbour
02 9668 2006
02 9337 7012
sydney.discovery@environment.nsw.gov.au

Park info

in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.
Other fees:
Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.
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 The earth's environment at Bradleys Head.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
Introduction to the site and overview of what the excursion will entail
Short walk to Bradleys Head Amphitheatre, morning tea and toilet break
Identify the living environments of various animals and plants, and examine the specific adaptations that support their survival.
Investigate the structural features of some Australian native plants
Create a unique nature map using locally found natural materials
Lunch at Bradleys Head Amphitheatre
Take the return walk to Athol Hall and discuss the physical features of the harbour, including the difference between a bay and a harbour.
Farewell and depart on bus

Getting there and parking

Bradleys Head is located between Athol and Taylors Bay. Travelling by bus drive along Military Road, Mosman and then continue to Bradleys Head Road to the parking area near the amphitheatre.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Bradleys Head and at the nearby Athol Hall and the Rifle Wall.
Please note that no onsite parking is available at Bradleys Head on New Years Eve.
Vehicles over 6m in length are not permitted down Bradleys Head Road.

What to bring

Remember to wear a hat and sunscreen, bring wet weather gear, and lunch which should be low waste with a refillable water bottle. Drinking water is available. Please bring your gear in a backpack or similar, and not a plastic bag.

Maps and downloads

The earth's environment at Bradleys Head 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 - hard

Wheelchair accessible carpark and toilets. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with accessibility requirements so that we can plan accordingly.