School excursion

Wild world of whales

Awabakal Nature Reserve

Open, check current alerts 

Enquire now

Overview

Wild world of Whales is a school excursion for Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students focusing on Geography outcomes. Explore the open forest and coastal heath communities of Awabakal Nature Reserve as you journey to the lookout to spot migrating whales. Learn about the different types of whales, how they live and why they migrate along the East Coast of Australia.

Read more about Wild world of whales

COG: Living land.

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

Stage Stage 3 (Years 5-6)
Learning area Geography
Objectives

Students will:

  • Walk through the open forest and coastal heath communities and identify plants
  • Look for whales from the lookout
  • Learn about the different types of whales, their role in the environment and how to identify them
  • Learn how beliefs and practices regarding whales have changed over time
  • Discuss the impacts of humans on their environment.

Excursion details

When

Weekdays June to October.

Availability
Guided. Available on request.
Where
Awabakal Nature Reserve in North Coast
Duration
2hrs
Grading
Medium. Guided activities in a suburban National park, on formed and uneven bush walking tracks and along sandy tracks.
Price

$225 per group (includes GST). Max 30 students per group. For groups over 30 conditions apply.

Accessibility
Hard
Meeting point
Awabakal Environmental Education Centre, 51 Boundary Rd, Dudley.
Equipment
provided
Yes. All equipment is provided. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
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.
Enquire now

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-3-cog-wild-world-whales-awabakal-nature-reserve/local-alerts

Enquire now

Operated by

Park info

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Wild world of whales.

Program outline

  • Welcome, introductions, safety briefing and acknowledgement
  • Bush food walk -open forests from Ocean St
  • Morning tea
  • Bush food walk -coastal heathlands
  • Whale watching and discussion
  • Return to Ocean Street
  • Conclusion and farewell

Getting there and parking

Students may meet the Discovery ranger and access the toilets at the Awabakal Environmental Education Centre (EEC), 51 Boundary Rd, Dudley prior to beginning the tour at the end of Ocean Street cul-de-sac, Dudley. Students need to be collected at the end of Ocean Street cul-de-sac, Dudley at the end of the tour.

What to bring

Please wear fully enclosed shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, wet weather gear, and lunch which should be low waste with a refillable water bottle. Students should bring gear in a backpack or similar (not plastic bags).

Maps and downloads

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

There is no wheelchair access. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.