School excursion

The earth’s environment

Glenrock State Conservation Area

Overview

Did you know that over 9 per cent of NSW is a national park? That’s over 7 million hectares. This Stage 2 (Years 3-4) earth’s environment Geography excursion is delivered at Glenrock State Conservation Area.

Read more about The earth’s environment

Learn about the local Aboriginal culture and impact of European settlement on the area.

Walk Yuelarbah walking track, an ancient Aboriginal pathway, to Burwood Beach and explore the changing ecosystems from the forest to the sea.

Understand the important role of workers in a national park, and how you can help to conserve and protect these special places. Explore the high diversity of flora, including the last pocket of coastal rainforest in the region, and animal species such as the powerful owl.

Students will learn about the critical role national parks play in preserving our native plants, animals and rich cultural heritage.

We’ll look at some of the key, human-led threats to native species and places including urbanisation and domestic pests. By examining these threats we’ll invoke a strong sense of the role students – our future environmental leaders – can play in preserving these important places for the future.

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: Visit, explore and identify features of a national park Visit sites and understand how national parks protect different types of heritage Identify the roles of workers in managing a park Explore the environment Walk to the beach Understand why visitors enjoy the area Search for evidence of animals that live here Observe evidence of human activities and interactions Identify ways to help conserve and protect our heritage.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays all year.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Yuelarbah walking track, Glenrock State Conservation Area
Duration: 2-4 hr
Grading: Medium. Guided activities in a suburban national park, on formed and uneven bushwalking tracks, up a flight of stairs, along a beach and on a grassed picnic area.
Price: $225 per group (includes GST) for 2 hours. Longer tours available. Maximum 30 students per group. For groups over 30 conditions apply.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Burwood Road carpark in Glenrock State Conservation Area, Dudley.
Equipment provided: Yes. All 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-2-geography-earths-environment-glenrock-state-conservation-area/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Newcastle Hunter
02 4927 3267
discovery.newcastlehunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
Hunter Wetland Centre, Sandgate Road, Shortland NSW

Park info

in Glenrock State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
Glenrock State Conservation Area is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

See more info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about The earth’s environment.

Program outline

Welcome, introductions, safety briefing and acknowledgement of Country
Bushwalk investigating open forest environment
Bushwalk investigating creek environment
Morning tea
Bushwalk investigating rainforest environment
Bushwalk investigating beach environment
Lunch
Role play looking at different jobs in NSW National Parks
Conclusion and farewell

Getting there and parking

This school excursion begins at Burwood Road carpark, Dudley and concludes at the Glenrock Scout Camp. Buses need to travel to the Scout Camp (located at the end of Scout Camp Road, off Burwood Road) to collect students at the end of the excursion. Coach parking is available at the Scout Camp.

Parking

There's parking in bitumen seal Yuelarbah carpark on Burwood Road, including 3 accessible parking spaces.

Parking is also available in bitumen seal Angophora carpark.

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).

Maps and downloads

The earth’s environment 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 - no wheelchair access

Wheelchair access to Flaggy Creek bridge only. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.