School excursion

WildTracker

Glenrock State Conservation Area

WildTracker nature discovery, guided by national parks staff. Photo: J. Spencer/OEH

Overview

Come on a WildTracker school excursion for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students focusing on science and technology. Carry out investigations to explore the living world in this beautiful part of Glenrock State Conservation Area.

Read more about WildTracker

Find out about some of the relationships between plants and animals and look for evidence that can lead to more questions and predictions. National Parks and Wildlife Service guides will help you identify some amazing wildlife living in the area and together you can discover what they need to survive and how they are protected.

For program outline, safety and practical information about this excursion, see info for teachers

Stage	Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learning area	Science and Technology
Student outcomes	ST2-1WS-S. Questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations ST2-2DP-T. Selects and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST2-4LW-S. Compares features and characteristics of living and non-living things
Objectives	Students will: Engage with the local environment of a protected conservation area Become aware of the plants and animals that live in this particular place Investigate some features of plants and animals, how they can be grouped and how they rely on each other. Learn about the role played by national parks staff in protecting the environment for the people of NSW.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school terms.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Yuelarbah walking track, Glenrock State Conservation Area
Duration: 2-4 hr
Grading: Medium. Guided walk along a partly sealed wheelchair-friendly walking path. Activities amongst leaf litter and on a flat rock shelf beside a small stream.
Price: $240 per group (includes GST) for 2 hours. Longer tours are available. Maximum 30 students per group. For groups over 30 conditions apply.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Yuelarbah carpark on Burwood Road, Kahibah
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-science-and-technology-wildtracker-glenrock-state-conservation-area/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Newcastle Hunter
02 4927 3267
discovery.newcastlehunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
Hunter Wetland Centre, Sandgate Road, Shortland NSW

Park info

in Glenrock State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
Glenrock State Conservation Area 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 WildTracker.

Program outline

Explore our natural environment along a bush track to find out about the amazing plants and animals that live within the park
Carry out investigations to find some of the invertebrates living in the undergrowth by searching for and examining invertebrates among the trees
Discover the relationship between plants and animals through investigations and identify evidence of life cycles.

Getting there and parking

Yuelarbah walking track is located at the eastern end of Glenrock State Conservation Area. To get there from Newcastle, Charlestown and Sydney, exit the pacific Highway at Dudley Road or Kahibah Road, then turn into Burwood Road.

Parking

Parking is available at Yuelarbah carpark on Burwood Road.

What to bring

It’s a good idea to 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, water, first aid kit and any necessary medications.

Maps and downloads

WildTracker 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

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

Assistance may be required to access this area. The track to Flaggy Creek (roughly 1km) is wheelchair accessible. If you have someone with special needs, please let us know in advance so that we can plan accordingly.