The earth's environment at Wattamolla

Royal National Park

Info for teachers

Everything you need to know about The earth's environment at Wattamolla.

Program outline

Acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
Using preserved specimens, discuss the features of native animals and the impact of introduced species.
Morning tea
Mini-beast hunt
Dip-netting in a freshwater creek
Lunch
Bushwalk along part of the Coast track to Providential Point, observing native plants and animals along the way
Build a habitat for a chosen native animal using natural materials

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

Wattamolla is located on the coast in the Royal National Park and offers spectacular scenery with accessible bush walks, lagoon, lookouts, a creek and a beach. Follow Sir Bertram Stevens Drive (approximately 11km from Audley weir). Turn onto Wattamolla Road (200m south of the Bundeena turn off) and drive along Wattamolla road for approximately 4km.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Parking is available but it can get very busy on the weekend, when parking might be limited.
Think about car pooling to Wattamolla because the number of people visiting often exceeds the parking spaces available.

Maps and downloads

The earth's environment at Wattamolla 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 - medium

Wheelchair-accessible carpark, picnic areas and most activity areas. There is no accessible bush track. If there is someone with special needs in your group, please let us know in advance so that we can plan accordingly.

Park info

in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
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