School excursion

The earth's environment

Towarri National Park

A close up of an NPWS guide's badge with a group of students in the background. Photo: Adam Hollingworth © DPIE

Overview

Did you know that over 10 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 Towarri National Park.

Read more about The earth's environment

Students will go for a walk along the banks of Middle Brook to Washpools waterhole. They’ll observe the high diversity of plant species and changing ecosystems from the forest floor to the mountaintops. Washpools is a natural waterhole, making it a great place to undertake nature surveys.

As students explore, they’ll come to understand the important role of workers in a national park. Through investigation and discussion, they’ll discover how they can help to conserve and protect these special places.

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: Use geographical tools to identify features of a National Park Understand Aboriginal connection to country Identify plants, animals and invertebrates and investigate their role in an ecosystem Learn about the various management roles in a National Park and how these contribute to conserving environment, heritage, and culture.

Excursion details

When: Monday to Friday during school terms.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Washpools picnic area and viewing platform, Towarri National Park
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Medium. Guided tour and activities on an undulating, unsealed fire trail, along a creek bed, amongst leaf litter on the forest floor and along an unsealed walking path.
Price: $10 per student.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Washpools picnic area and viewing platform in Towarri National Park.
Equipment provided: Yes
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-towarri-national-park/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 Towarri National Park in the Country NSW region
Towarri National Park 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 creek environment
Morning tea
Bushwalk and nature survey
Lunch
Role play looking at different jobs in NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Conclusion and farewell

Getting there and parking

From Scone, take Middlebrook Road and drive for 20km to Washpools picnic area. The last 7km of this road is unsealed.

Road quality

Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

There's a gravel carpark at Washpools picnic area and viewing platform.

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.

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.