School excursion

The earth’s environment at Bradleys Head

Sydney Harbour National Park

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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 Bradleys Head.

Read more about The earth’s environment at Bradleys Head

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

They'll explore the significance of the environment at Bradleys Head and the important interrelationships between humans and the environment.   

We'll look at some of the key, human-led threats to native species and places including urbanisation and domestic pests. This will 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:

  • Identify the native animals and plants that live at Bradleys Head
  • Explore and discuss the threats to plants and animals, including urbanisation and introduced species, that threaten their survival
  • Investigate sustainable practices that protect and support the natural environment 

Excursion details

When

Weekdays (all year), 10am to 2pm, including meal breaks.

Availability
Guided. Available on request.
Where
Bradleys Head – Booraghee Amphitheatre, Sydney Harbour National Park
Duration
4hrs
Grading
Easy. Guided tour and activities along an unsealed walking path including a board walk, grassed area and stairs.
Price

$17 per student. Minimum 20 students. GST included.

Accessibility
Medium
Meeting point
Athol Hall car park, where Bradleys Head Road meets Athol Wharf Road.
Equipment
provided
Yes. All equipment is supplied.
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.
Enquire now

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-the-earths-environment-at-bradleys-head-sydney-harbour-national-park/local-alerts

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Operated by

Park info

  • in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.

    Other fees:

    Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

    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 Bradleys Head .

Program outline

  • Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
  • Introduction to the site and overview of what the excursion will entail
  • Short walk to Bradleys Head Amphitheatre, morning tea, toilet break 
  • Identify the living environments of various animals and plants and examine their specific adaptations that support their survival 
  • Investigate the structural features of some Australian native plants 
  • Conduct a field sketch of the park  
  • Lunch
  • Take the return walk to Athol Hall and discuss the physical features of the harbour, including the difference between a bay and a harbour 
  • Farewell and depart on bus 

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Bradleys Head is located on Bradleys Head Road between Athol and Taylors Bay. Schools travelling by bus will drive along Military Road Mosman and then continue to Bradleys Head Road to the parking area near the amphitheatre.

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    • Parking is available at Bradleys Head and at the nearby Athol Hall and the Rifle Wall.
    • Please note that no onsite parking is available at Bradleys Head on New Years Eve.
    • Vehicles over 6m in length are not permitted down Bradleys Head Road.

    What to bring

    Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, wet weather gear, and lunch which should be low waste with a refillable water bottle. Drinking water is available. It's a good idea for students to bring their gear in a backpack or similar (not plastic bags).

    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 - medium

    Wheelchair accessible car park and toilets. Please let us know if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly