School excursion

Living Country, living culture

Bournda National Park

An interactive display of Aboriginal tools and baskets. Photo: Deidre Martin © DPIE.

Overview

Join us for Living Country, Living Culture – a Stage 2 History excursion in Bournda National Park. In this cross-curricular program, an Aboriginal guide will help students understand the importance of culture and caring for Country.

Read more about Living Country, living culture

This is an interactive excursion for young students, with sensory and hands-on activities.

Meeting at Hobart Beach campground, students can look forward to a fun day of learning about the culture and Country of the Yuin People, led by a local Aboriginal guide. They’ll find out about bush tucker and medicine, the role of women in Yuin culture, traditional weaving, art, music and dance, and how the Yuin People manage and protect Country.

Aboriginal people have been walking the earth for thousands of years. They continue to have a strong connection to country, and traditional practices and stories play an important part in modern life. Students will come away with an appreciation for the rich Aboriginal culture that exists in their region. They'll make fundamental links between traditional stories, land, Country and languages.

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	GE2-1. Examines features and characteristics of places and environments GE2-2. Describes the ways people, places and environments interact 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
Objectives	Students will: Take a guided walk through the open forest, identify plants and explore the natural resources used by Aboriginal people for medicinal and bush tucker. Understand methods and materials used within Aboriginal culture through fun learning activities. Including ochre and other bush materials to make traditional toys and art. Understand the different roles within a traditional Aboriginal community through storytelling of family, culture and place. Recognise that Aboriginal people are the first Australians and how the local environment is fundamental to life. Find out how Yuin People describe the weather and the seasons. Hear stories to understand why this place is important to Yuin People, how it can be cared for and the connections that shared with the land, sea and animals. Reflect on what may be learned by modern Australians from Aboriginal life.

Excursion details

When: Monday to Friday, between 10am and 1pm, during school term.
Availability: Available on request, subject to staff availability.
Where: Hobart Beach campground
Distance: 1-2km
Duration: 1-2 hr
Grading: Easy. This is a guided walk with activities on unsealed bush tracks and in the campground shelter shed.
Price: $360 per group of 25 students. $14 per extra student, up to maximum group of 30 students.
Accessibility: Hard
Meeting point: Hobart Beach campground shelter shed, Bournda National Park
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-hsie-living-country-living-culture-bournda-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Far South Coast
02 6495 5000
discovery.scr@environment.nsw.gov.au

Park info

in Bournda National Park in the South Coast region
Bournda National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to extreme weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. This park uses a self-registration fee collection system, please bring correct change.
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 Living Country, living culture.

Program outline

Welcome and introductions, acknowledgment and safety talk
Weaving activity
Bush food, cultural interpretation walk
Storytelling, music and dance
Ochre face-painting
Wrap up

Getting there and parking

Hobart Beach campground is in the Wallagoot Lake precinct of Bournda National Park. To get there:

Drive 14km north of Merimbula on the Sapphire Coast Drive
Take the Bournda Road turnoff
Follow this road to the end, then turn left. The shelter shed is on the left.

Road quality

There is a 40km speed limit on the long access road, which has sealed and unsealed sections.
Take care as you drive - the road to the campground can rough at times.

Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Parking is available. Please park in the designated areas.

What to bring

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.

Please bring your belongings in a backpack rather than a plastic bag.

Maps and downloads

Living Country, living culture 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 in advanced if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.