School excursion

WildThings at Bradleys Head

Sydney Harbour National Park

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Overview

Book your WildThings school excursion for Stage 1 (Years 1-2) students in Sydney Harbour National Park. Together we'll explore the living world and identify the features that help native plants and animals thrive here.

Read more about WildThings at Bradleys Head

Using our senses, skills of observation and language, we'll explore and describe the diverse adaptations of plants and animals. Our adventure will include a hands-on investigation into bug and animal habitats, along with nature play. 

This is a fun and immersive harbourside excursion for young, enquiring minds.

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

ST1-1WS-S. Observes, questions and collects data to communicate and compare ideas and comparing what they and others know

ST1-4LW-S. Describes observable features of living things and their environments

STe-6ES-S. Identifies how daily and seasonal changes in the environment affect humans and other living things
Objectives

Students will:

  • Explore the natural, physical environment in and around Bradleys Head 
  • Develop scientific skills of observation, analysis, collaboration, discussion and communication to understand the survival strategies of the nature found here  
  • Conduct a bug hunt and examine the specific features of these diverse minibeasts 
  • Gain an understanding of the role national parks play in protecting the environment at Bradleys Head 

Excursion details

When

Weekdays during the school term, 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
Medium
Meeting point
Athol Hall carpark, where Bradleys Head Road meets Athol Wharf Road.
Equipment
provided
Yes
Booking
If you would like to organise a NSW National Parks school excursion please get in touch with local staff or use the 'Enquire now' link for the online form
Enquire now

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-wildthings-bradleys-head/local-alerts

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Operated by

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 WildThings 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 native plants and the animals they host
  • Lunch at Bradleys Head Amphitheatre
  • Explore the local environment using scientific tools for enquiry (for example, magnifying glasses)
  • Use bug charts to identify and discuss different features of the minibeasts that live here
  • Take the return walk to Athol Hall. 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

Get driving directions

Get directions

    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 Athol Hall.

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available at Bradleys Head and at nearby Athol Hall. There is also parking at the Rifle Wall.

    What to bring

    It’s a good idea to 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, water, first aid kit and any necessary medications

    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

    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

    Alternative access is possible to some areas.