School excursion
Aboriginal culture
Brisbane Water National Park
Info for teachers
Everything you need to know about Aboriginal culture.
Program outline
- Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing
- Bush walk –environment and culture
- Morning tea
- Aboriginal cultural activities (can include weapons and tools, bush foods or art)
- Local Dreamtime stories
- Conclusion and farewell
What to bring
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 because we have some curious birds who may try to break in and share your lunch with you.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Girrakool loop track is located in the northern section of Brisbane Water National Park.
To get there from the F3 Highway:
- Exit Central Coast Highway towards Gosford
- Take the first left onto Wisemans Ferry Road
- Take the first left onto Old Pacific Highway
- Take the first left onto Quarry Road
- The picnic area, where the trail begins, is through the tunnel and straight ahead.
Parking
- Parking is available at Girrakool picnic area, including 1 accessible parking space.
- A wooden beam runs along the length of the carpark. People with reduced mobility may need assistance to get across the wooden beam.
- Please be aware of the carpark opening hours. Gates are locked at closing.
Maps and downloads
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 - no wheelchair access
- The track is not wheelchair-accessible.
- Girakool picnic area is wheelchair-accessible.
Park info
- in Brisbane Water National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Two picnic areas in this park – Girrakool picnic area and Somersby Falls picnic area – are closed in the evening. They are open 7am to 8pm during daylight savings and 7am to 6pm at other times.
Other areas of Brisbane Water National Park will be open at all times, however may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept both card and coins, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.
Other fees:
You will need a permit to hold a wedding or undertake commercial photography within the park.
Buy annual pass