School excursion

Living world WildTracker: Nielsen Park

Sydney Harbour National Park

A guide teaching students about plants on a NSW National Parks school excursion. Photo: Julie Brown/OEH

Overview

On a WildTracker excursion, Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students will explore and analyse the natural environment of Nielsen Park. We'll identify and group species and discuss the adaptations that help these species survive and thrive here.

From the ringtail and brushtailed possum to the powerful owl, we'll examine some fascinating animal facts and adaptations.

Students will learn about the role national parks play in protecting and supporting plants and animals, including the 'Allocasuarina portuensis' which was discovered in Nielsen Park in 1986. We'll discuss how preventative burns form part of the long-term health of the park's ecosystem.

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

Stage	Stage 3 (Years 5-6)
Learning area	Science and Technology
Student outcomes	ST3-1WS-S. Plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer testable questions, and collects and summarises data to communicate conclusions ST3-2DP-T. Plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST3-4LW-S. Examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things
Objectives	Students will: Engage with the local environment of the national park, becoming aware of the plants and animals that live in this particular place Investigate features of varied plants and animals and how their structural and behavioural features support their survival Learn about the role played by NSW national parks staff in supporting the native species to thrive in their environment.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during the school term, 10am to 2pm, including meal breaks
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Nielsen Park, Sydney Harbour National Park
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 20 students. GST included.
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Entrance to Nielsen Park, off Greycliffe Avenue
Equipment provided: Yes
Booking: If you would like to organise a NSW National Parks school excursion please get in touch with local staff or use the 'Enquire now' 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-3-science-and-technology-living-world-wildtracker-nielsen-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Sydney Harbour
02 9668 2006
02 9337 7012
sydney.discovery@environment.nsw.gov.au

Park info

in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.
Other fees:
Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.
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 world WildTracker: Nielsen Park.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety talk
Introduction to the site and overview of what the excursion will entail
Walk to the lawns of Greycliffe House, morning tea, toilet break
Identify the living environments of various animals and how they survive here
Investigate the structural features of some Australian native plants
Bug hunting exercise using scientific methods for bug identification
Lunch
Hermitage foreshore walk along the headland with views to the city.
Discuss Sydney Harbour as a diverse habitat for many marine mammals. The Hermitage foreshore offers a great class photo opportunity!
Farewell and depart on bus

Getting there and parking

Bradleys Head is located between Athol and Taylors Bay. Travelling by bus, drive along Military Road, Mosman and then continue to Bradleys Head Road to the parking area near Athol Hall.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Bradleys Head and at nearby Athol Hall. There is also parking at the Rifle Wall.

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

Living world WildTracker: Nielsen Park 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

Alternative access is needed to some areas.