School excursion

Living world wet and dry environments

Royal National Park

Overview

Come and explore the Living World with us on this Stage 1 (Years 1-2) Science and Technology at Bonnie Vale in the Royal National Park. Students will explore both wet and dry environments and learn the importance of plant and animal habitat.

Read more about Living world wet and dry environments

Students will explore the living world around Bonnie Vale. They'll investigate how and why animals and plants support each other in this unique mangrove environment. They'll also learn about the importance of estuarine environments and compare the wet mangrove estuary with the neighbouring dry woodland environment.

Through exploring the natural world, students will learn about living things, how they change, reproduce and their different habitats.

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

Stage	Stage 1 (Years 1-2)
Learning area	Science and Technology
Student outcomes	ST1-4LW-S. Describes observable features of living things and their environments ST1-2DP-T. Uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST1-1WS-S. Observes, questions and collects data to communicate and compare ideas and comparing what they and others know
Objectives	Students will: Learn about friendly and furry animals from wet and dry environments Have fun doing a mini-beast hunt and dip-netting to explore wet and dry environments Discover woodland, mangrove and coastal environments Develop an understanding of living things and their environment.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Bonnie Vale campground
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Easy. Guided activities in a camping area, on a bush track, on grass, on the beach, next to and wading in shallow water.
Price: Student $17 per person. Includes GST, guide and park entry fees. For groups under 25 students, use the 'Enquire now' link.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Meet at Bonnie Vale picnic area approximately 100m along Sea Breeze Lane
Equipment provided: Yes. All field 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-1-science-technology-living-world-wet-dry-environments-royal-national-park/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 info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Living world wet and dry environments.

Program outline

Acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
Identify different features of animals from wet and dry environments.
Walk through the campground observing woodland and mangrove environments, and the birdlife they support
Take part in a beach walk, identifying shells, coral, pumice and other aspects of marine habitats
Mini-beast hunt, exploring dry environments
Dip-netting, exploring wet environments
Build a habitat for a chosen native animal using natural materials

Getting there and parking

Bonnie Vale camp ground - drive through the national park along Sir Bertram Stevens Drive (approximately 10km from Audley weir). Turn into Bundeena Drive and continue another 10km until you enter Bundeena township. Take the second left turn into Sea Breeze Lane. Meet the Discovery Ranger at the car park.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

There are 3 bitumen carparks at the campground. The one to the east of the campground, closest to the nearby picnic area, includes 2 accessible parking spots.

There's a limit of 1 park per site (car, trailer or boat).

Ferry)

Take the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena wharf. It’s a 15-minute walk along a track to Bonnie Vale picnic area.

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: Wear a pair of shoes that can get wet and bring a change of shoes/socks and a small towel.

Maps and downloads

Living world wet and dry environments 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 - medium

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.