School excursion

The earth's environment at Nielsen Park

Sydney Harbour National Park

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 Nielsen Park.

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 Nielsen Park and the important interrelationships between humans and the environment.

We'll learn about the fascinating and endangered Nielsen Park sheoak tree – found in limited numbers at this site. Ironically, this species has only survived and regenerated through fire, and is now threatened due to the absence of periodic fire events. Guides explain how they discovered this adaptation, and what they're doing to support the sheoak's ongoing survival.

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: Identify the native animals and plants that live in Nielsen Park 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: Nielsen Park, 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: Hard
Meeting point: Entrance to Nielsen Park off Greycliffe Avenue
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.

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-nielsen-park-sydney-harbour-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Sydney Harbour
02 9668 2006
02 9337 7012
sydney.discovery@environment.nsw.gov.au

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 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.

Getting there and parking

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.

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).

Maps and downloads

The earth's environment at Nielsen Park 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 - 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.