School excursion

The earth's environment at Audley

Royal National Park

Overview

Join us on this immersive Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Geography excursion in Royal National Park – Australia's first national park. Students will explore the beautiful natural environment at Audley, and examine the diverse life found here.

Read more about The earth's environment at Audley

We'll discuss some of the important historical and protected cultural sites that exist here, and why these are so significant. Students will learn how people – both past and present – have connected with the environment here.

Our guide will share how the NPWS team conserves and protects the natural environment at Royal National Park. Students will come away with an understanding of the many roles that exist and what some of this important work entails.

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

Stage	Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE2-1. Examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-2. Describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-3. Examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments GE2-4. Acquires and communicates geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Identify native and introduced animals and learn about some features, classification, threats and management practices Bushwalk to explore the natural environment, discover plants, habitats and evidence of animals in the area Observe how areas are managed and the roles dedicated to this Participate in hands-on activities to learn about the environment, culture and heritage of the park Explore issues, values and attitudes towards national parks.

Excursion details

When: Week days during school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Audley Dance Hall Cafe, Royal National Park
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Easy. Guided activities in a shaded amphitheatre, a bushwalk through woodland which includes stairs. Activities on grass and in bushland near a river.
Price: $17 per student for groups of 25 or more. Includes park entry fees, NPWS guide fees and GST. For smaller groups, conditions apply.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: There are 2 options for this excursion. If completing the Honeymoon track as part of the excursion, please meet at the carpark of Royal Area Office, 159 Farnell Avenue, Audley Heights. Otherwise, please follow Farnell Avenue down the hill to Audley Road, cross the weir and turn right into Triangle carpark at Ironbark Flat where our guides will meet your buses.
Equipment provided: Yes. All equipment 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-2-geography-earths-environment-audley/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 The earth's environment at Audley.

Program outline

Acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
Demonstration and discussion using preserved specimens
Walk the Honeymoon track or walk a part of Robertson’s roundabout
Bird watch along the river
Mini-beast hunt exploring biodiversity
Create a representation of a national park using natural materials

Getting there and parking

Audley Dance Hall Cafe is in the Audley precinct of Royal National Park. To get there:

From Loftus:

Turn off Princes Highway at Farnell Avenue
Continue down the hill and drive across Audley Weir
Turn right into Triangle carpark just after the weir

From Waterfall:

Turn off Princes Highway at Waterfall train station
Follow McKell Avenue to the end
Turn left onto Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and follow to Audley
Turn left into Triangle carpark just before the weir

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Park facilities

Bus parking is available at Audley.

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).

Facilities

Toilets, tables and picnic grounds are available by the river. There is a café for tea and coffee.

Toilets

Picnic tables

Maps and downloads

The earth's environment at Audley 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, amphitheatre, picnic and activity area. The Honeymoon track is not wheelchair accessible. If your group includes someone with special needs, please let us know in advance so that we can plan accordingly.

Other important info

Supervision: Discovery rangers will guide and encourage students to participate in activities. The supervision of the students is the responsibility of the teachers and the school must ensure that an adequate number of supervisors are present.