School excursion

Protecting a rainforest environment: Minnamurra

Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography, Budderoo National Park

An NPWS guide leads students on an excursion in Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: Meagan Vella/OEH

Overview

Join us as we explore the earth’s environment on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) geography excursion at Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park. Students will investigate the rainforest's climate, natural vegetation and native animals.

There are many opportunities for students to experience the wonders of Minnamurra Rainforest on this school excursion in Budderoo National Park. Students will go on a guided rainforest walk and take part in sensory activities. They'll collect field work data in the rainforest and during a bug hunt. As they explore, they'll identify sustainable practices while considering the significance of the rainforest.

This excursion has been designed to support the K-10 Earth’s Environment geography syllabus.

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: Take a guided walk through a rainforest Observe and identify some of the plants and animals living in the rainforest and the relationships between them Identify sustainable practices Investigate the way people value national parks Discuss who organises and manages places like Minnamurra, and why these national parks are so important. Observe the human impact on the rainforest and how this can be managed Key inquiry questions: How does the environment support the lives of people and other living things? How do different views about the environment influence approaches to sustainability? How can people use places and environments more sustainably? What are the features and uses of Minnamurra Rainforest? What animals live in Minnamurra Rainforest? How is Minnamurra Rainforest valued and how can we sustainably protect it in the future?

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school terms
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park
Duration: 2hrs 30min
Grading: Easy. Students progress along a path and board walk. Activities are along the walk, in picnic areas and the edges of the forest.
Price: Minimum $350 per group for up to 25 students, $14 per student (includes GST).
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
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-protecting-rainforest-environment-minnamurra/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
02 4236 0469
discovery.scr@environment.nsw.gov.au
Budderoo National Park, Minnamurra Falls Road (Tourist Drive No.9), via Jamberoo NSW 2533

Park info

in Budderoo National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions
Budderoo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. The park gates at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre open at 9am and close at 5pm every day.
Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day only in the Minnamurra Rainforest area. Bus or taxi: $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child.
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more visitor info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Protecting a rainforest environment: Minnamurra.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing
Morning tea and toilet break
Classroom presentation
Hands on environmental activity
Examine a range of preserved animals and observe and discuss their unique features
Group discussion and question time
Guided interpretive walk through rainforest
Optional self-guided walk to waterfall (teacher to lead)
Lunch
Farewell and depart on bus

Getting there and parking

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is in the foothills of Jamberoo Valley, west of Kiama on the NSW South Coast. To get there from Jamberoo, drive west on Jamberoo Road and turn left onto Jamberoo Mountain Road. Take the first right onto Minnamurra Falls Road, and you’ll find Minnamurra Rainforest Centre about 3km along to the end of the road.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Car and bus parking is available at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, including designated disabled spots.

Note that coach bookings are essential prior to arrival.

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

Protecting a rainforest environment: Minnamurra 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

Not wheelchair-accessible