School excursion

Living Country, living culture

Mimosa Rocks 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 HSIE excursion in Mimosa Rocks 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 Gillards 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	HSIE
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 ST2-4LW-S. Compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things ST2-2DP-T. Selects and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity
Objectives	Recognise that Aboriginal people are the first Australians Investigate the connections that the Yuin People have to the land, sea and animals of this place Hear stories to understand why this place is important to Yuin People and how it can be cared for Find out how Yuin People describe the weather and the seasons Engage with local Aboriginal culture through fun learning activities, use paints from natural ochres, collect bush materials to make traditional toys Have the opportunity to ask questions of a local Aboriginal guide Understand the different roles within a traditional Aboriginal community Take a guided walk and explore natural resources, including traditional ochre for paint, and other bush materials. Excursions only. Listen to Aboriginal stories of family, culture and place Learn how Aboriginal people relate to the local environment around them, and why this is so fundamental to life Walk through the open forest and identify plants and other resources used by Aboriginal people. Excursions only. Understand methods and materials used in Aboriginal art 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: Gillards campground
Duration: 1-2 hr
Grading: Easy. This is a guided walk with activities on unsealed bush tracks.
Price: $350 per group of 25 students. $14 per extra student, up to maximum group of 30 students.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Gillards campground picnic area, Mimosa Rocks 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-mimosa-rocks-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

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

Park info

in Mimosa Rocks National Park in the South Coast region
Mimosa Rocks National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

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

Getting there and parking

Gillards campground is in the southern part of Mimosa Rocks National Park. To get there:

Turn off the Tathra-Bermagui road onto Gillards Road, about 5km south of Tanja and 9km north of Tathra.
Follow signs to the campground.

Road quality

Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Parking is available.

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.