School excursion
The earth's environment at Nielsen Park
Sydney Harbour National Park
Info for teachers
Everything you need to know about The earth's environment at Nielsen Park.
Program outline
- Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
- Introduction to the site and overview of what the excursion will entail
- Walk to the lawns of Greycliffe House, 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 including the endangered Nielsen Park sheoak
- Conduct a field sketch of the park
- Lunch
- Walk along the Hermitage foreshore taking in views to the city
- Discuss the physical features of the harbour and learn about the difference between a bay and a harbour. The Hermitage foreshore offers a great class photo opportunity.
- Return to Greycliffe Avenue. Farewell and depart on bus.
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).
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
The school needs to arrange the transport to and from Nielsen Park. Take New South Head Road away from the city. Turn left into Vaucluse Road and then left into Greycliffe Avenue. Meet at the corner of Coolong Road and Greycliffe Avenue.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available in Greycliffe Avenue, including several designated disabled spots.
By public transport
Use Trip Planner to plan your bus trip to Nielsen Park.
Maps and downloads
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
Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty. Please let us know if you are bringing someone with accessibility requirements so that we can plan accordingly. There are wheelchair-accessible toilets at Nielsen Park.
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.
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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