School excursion

Walgun Cape Byron: The earth’s environment

Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area

Overview

Join us on an Earth’s environment Geography excursion at beautiful Walgun Cape Byron for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students. Students will explore the features of the reserve and learn about people’s differing perceptions of the park and how it is managed.

Students will identify the different environments in the reserve and their significance to animals and people. We’ll discuss the way different people, including Arakwal Aboriginal People, value this environment.

Together we’ll discuss some of the strategies in place to protect the natural and cultural heritage within the park. Students will gain an appreciation of the considerations and complexities of environmental management.

Hands-on activities include ‘creating’ a park ranger and making a mini park. Students will go on a junior ranger walk to learn about and closely observe Walgun Cape Byron plants and animals.

Students will use a variety of geographical tools including illustrated tables and viewing, using and creating maps. This is a fun and informative geography excursion for young minds.

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
Objectives	Students will: Examine features and characteristics of Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area Learn about management and care of national parks and how people play different roles in protecting them Examine the importance of natural vegetation to the health of the environment, animals and people. Learn about the ways people value and interact with environments, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Acquire and communicate geographical information using geographical tools for inquiry.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in North Coast
Duration: 2hrs 30min
Grading: Easy. Guided activities in a national park, on formed and uneven bushwalking tracks, up a flight of stairs, along a beach and on a grassy picnic area. The track from the lighthouse to The Pass is around 1.5km.
Price: $12 per person (includes GST). Minimum fee of $240.00 (includes GST). Teachers and other staff are free.
Accessibility: Hard
Meeting point: Cape Byron Lighthouse precinct at the end of Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay. Groups meet on the verandah of the northern side of the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage (visitor centre).
Equipment provided: Yes
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-walgun-cape-byron-earths-environment/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Byron Bay
02 6639 8300
npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au
Tallow Beach Road, Byron Bay NSW

Park info

in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
- Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is open all hours, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn is open 8am to sunset.
- The Maritime Museum in the former Lighthouse Keeper’s office at the base of the lighthouse is open 10am to 4pm daily.
- Opening before 8am for events or disabled access can be arranged by prior notice – contact NPWS Byron Bay office during business hours 02 6639 8300.
Park entry fees:
Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn and Information Centre: $10 per vehicle per hour/$4 per hour motorcycles. Maximum 1 hour per vehicle per calendar day, including all NPWS annual passholders.
Captain Cook lookout, Cosy Corner, and The Pass: $5 per vehicle/motorcycle per hour. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Cash and credit cards accepted at Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre.
Coach entry: $30 per coach up to 30 seats; $57 per coach 31 to 43 seats; $94 per coach 44 seats and over.
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 Walgun Cape Byron: The earth’s environment.

Program outline

Introductions, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk.
Activity 1: What is a National Park? Values and perceptions of national parks activity, discussion about features, and role play about who and how we manage our parks. (45min)
Toilet break before walk
Activity 2: Junior ranger walk. A guided walk of Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area passing the most easterly point of the Australian mainland and focusing on rainforest, coastal and marine environments and the interconnection between species. The walk ends at west Wategos picnic area. (45min)
Activity 3: Mini parks activity. Students will design and create their own park incorporating important features, services, infrastructure and rules to manage the park. (45min)
Activity 4: Discussion and debrief.

Getting there and parking

This activity begins at Cape Byron Lighthouse and ends at the western end of Wategos Beach. To get to Cape Byron Lighthouse, take Lawson Street (which becomes Lighthouse Road) and follow it to the lighthouse. Wategos Beach is on Marine Parade, off Palm Valley Drive, Byron Bay.

Parking

Bus parking is located at the lighthouse precinct. Buses transporting students on approved programs are free. Additional vehicles will need to pay appropriate fees.

Parking is limited at excursion venues. An $8 car entry fee applies at the lighthouse. Those with NPWS Park Passes are exempt. Annual passes can be purchased online or from any NPWS office.

What to bring

Bring a hat, sunscreen, adequate food and drinking water. Fresh water bubblers are available at The Pass.

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.

Maps and downloads

Walgun Cape Byron: The earth’s environment 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.

Wheelchair facilities are available at the lighthouse precinct and The Pass, however the track from the lighthouse to The Pass is not wheelchair friendly. If you are interested in booking this program, please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.