School excursion
Bound for Botany Bay
Stage 2 (Years 3-4), History, La Perouse area
Overview
In 1770, James Cook and his crew aboard the Endeavour were bound for Botany Bay. Their 8-day stay would have a dramatic impact on the future of Australia. This Stage 2 (Years 3-4) History excursion explores the first British landing on Australian soil.
Read more about Bound for Botany Bay
This hands-on interactive excursion allows students the opportunity explore early Australian history from its first Inhabitants, through to early European explorers, convicts and the 19th century soldiers who defended Sydney.
Students will gain an understanding of how Australia's First Nations people lived in Australia for thousands of years prior to European settlement. A range of authentic artefacts are utilised to showcase one of the oldest living cultures on earth.
Students will discover the impact of early explorers like James Cook, Joseph Banks and Comte de La Perouse whilst completing a hands-on activity. Students will then step into convict ‘slops’ to learn about the sequence of events that led to Australia becoming a penal colony. Students will learn about life as a convict, including the sentences and punishments faced by those sent to Australia and the hardships they faced.
Finally, students will learn about the Bare Island Fortification. In the role of soldiers in 1885, students will examine how and why they were to defend the ‘backdoor to Sydney’.
For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers
| Stage | Stage 2 (Years 3-4) |
|---|---|
| Learning area | History |
| Student outcomes |
HT2-1. Identifies celebrations and commemorations of significance in Australia and the world HT2-2. Describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to changes in the local community over time HT2-3. Describes people, events and actions related to world exploration and its effects HT2-4. Describes and explains effects of British colonisation in Australia HT2-5. Applies skills of historical inquiry and communication |
| Objectives |
Students will:
|
Excursion details
- When
Weekdays (all year), 10am to 2pm, including meal breaks.
- Availability
- Guided. Available on request.
- 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 of 20 students. GST included.
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Meeting point
- Meet at Bare Island gate. La Perouse is located at the northern headland of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. You can't access it from the southern end of the park at Kurnell.
- Equipment
provided - Yes
- Booking
- To organise this school excursion please contact the local NPWS office or use the ‘Enquire now’ button.
Operated by
- School excursion inquiries - Sydney Harbour
- 02 9668 2006
- 02 9337 7012
- sydney.discovery@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
7am–8.30pm November to March.
7am–7.30pm April to October.
La Perouse park entry gate closed to vehicles between 7pm and 5am all year.
Areas may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
-
There are no park entry fees in La Perouse area but you'll need to pay to tour Bare Island. Park entry fees apply in the Kurnell area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, only.
Buy annual pass