School excursion

Explore a national park

Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park

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Overview

Join us and explore the earth's environment on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Geography excursion in Blue Mountains National Park. Discover the unique native plants and animals that call this majestic place home.

Read more about Explore a national park

Students will participate in hands-on activities to identify plant species and the animals that rely on them to survive. We'll consider some of the challenges to the natural environment here and how these threats can be minimised. 

Together we'll discover more about this important, World Heritage-listed park and the role NPWS plays in protecting and sustaining it.  

This excursion has been designed to support the K-10 Earth's Environment Geography syllabus. It can be delivered at: 

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 a World Heritage-listed national park
  • Learn how to identify a forest or woodland environment
  • Explore the importance of natural vegetation, especially for the animals who rely on these plants for food and shelter.
  • Learn about Aboriginal people's connection to Country, and how they value and sustain the natural environment.
  • Discuss environmental management and some of the interventions required to maintain balance in this important ecosystem. 

Excursion details

When

Monday to Friday during school term

Availability
Guided. Available on request.
Where
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Duration
2hrs 30min
Grading
Medium. Guided bushwalk and activities on a path with uneven surfaces. An easy grade option is available at Three Sisters walk, Katoomba.
Price

Prices start from $395 incl GST per group (up to 20 students).

Accessibility
Hard
Meeting point
  • Wentworth Falls: Wentworth Falls picnic area at the end of Falls Road, Wentworth Falls
  • Three Sisters: Lilianfels Park, outside the coach drop-off zone, Echo Point Road, Katoomba
  • Blackheath: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath
  • Other locations by request
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.
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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-explore-national-park/local-alerts

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Operated by

Park info

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Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Explore a national park.

Program outline

  • Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing 
  • 30-45 minute guided bushwalk to explore a variety of ecosystems and local wildlife, incorporating sensory activities along the way. 
  • Create a nature map using found, natural and local resources.
  • Discuss threats to the local environment and the role NPWS plays in mitigating these   
  • Farewell and depart on bus 

Getting there and parking

The following information lists directions to the 3 Blue Mountains locations from Sydney:

Three Sisters walk

The Three Sisters and Echo Point are in the Katoomba area of Blue Mountains National Park. To get there:

  • Take Great Western Highway (M4 and A32) towards Katoomba
  • At Katoomba, turn left off the Great Western Highway at the traffic lights, then follow the signs to Three Sisters and Echo Point. 

Wentworth Falls track 

Wentworth Falls track starts from Wentworth Falls picnic area in Blue Mountains National Park. To get there:

  • Take Great Western Highway to Wentworth Falls
  • Turn onto Falls Road at the traffic lights and follow the sign to the national park
  • Continue to the end of Falls Road to reach Wentworth Falls picnic area.

Fairfax Heritage walking track 

Fairfax Heritage walking track can be accessed from the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, located in the Blackheath area of Blue Mountains National Park.

  • Take the Great Western Highway to Blackheath. Turn right at the Blackheath traffic lights into Govetts Leap Road. 
  • Drive for 2.5km. After passing through the park entrance, take the second exit from the roundabout.

Parking

Three Sisters walk

  • Parking is available near Echo Point. Please note that time limits and parking fees apply. 
  • Designated coach parking is available next to Lilianfels Park, at the end of Echo Point Road, Katoomba.

Wentworth Falls track 

  • Parking is available at Wentworth Falls picnic area including designated disabled spots and coach parking. 
  • Overflow parking is available on Falls Road.

Fairfax Heritage walking track 

  • Parking is available at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, including several designated disabled spots. 
  • Bus and coach parking is available. 

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. Remember to bring extra food and water, and any necessary medications. Please bring your belongings in a backpack rather than a plastic bag.

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 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 - hard

The Wentworth Falls excursion is not wheelchair-accessible. The excursions at the Three Sisters and Blue Mountains Heritage Centre at Blackheath are wheelchair-accessible.

Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.