School excursion

Investigating the living world: Minnamurra

Budderoo National Park

Overview

Join us as we explore living things on this Stage 3 (Years 5 to 6) Science and technology excursion. Students will investigate and analyse the natural environment of Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park.

Students will identify and group species, and discuss the structural and behavioural adaptations that help these species survive and thrive in the rainforest. From the ringtail and brush-tailed possum to the superb lyrebird, we'll examine some fascinating animal facts and adaptations.

Students will also learn about the role national parks play in protecting and supporting plants and animals, including threatened species such as the grey-headed flying fox.

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 ST3-4LW-S. Examines how the environment affects the growth, survival and adaptation of living things
Objectives	Learning activities may include: Considering human activities and their impact on the site Observing and identifying some of the plants and animals living in the rainforest and the relationship between them Recording the flora and fauna observed during fieldwork and identifying introduced species Observing and recording adaptations of plants Drawing and labelling a diagram of an animal and its adaptations.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park
Duration: 2hrs 30min
Grading: Easy. There will be a classroom presentation and guided walk through the rainforest.
Price: Minimum $350 per group for up to 25 students, $14 per student (includes GST).
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
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-3-science-technology-investigating-living-world-minnamurra/local-alerts

Park info

in Budderoo National Park in the South Coast and Country NSW regions
Budderoo National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. The park gates at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre open at 9am and close at 5pm every day.
Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day only in the Minnamurra Rainforest area. Bus or taxi: $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child.
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 Investigating the living world: Minnamurra.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing
Morning tea and toilet break
Classroom presentation
Examine a range of preserved animals and observe and discuss their unique adaptions
Group discussion and question time
Guided interpretive walk through rainforest
Optional self-guided walk to waterfall (teacher to lead)
Lunch
Farewell and depart on bus.

Getting there and parking

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is located in the foothills of Jamberoo Valley, west of Kiama on the NSW South Coast. To get there from Jamberoo, drive west on Jamberoo Road and turn left onto Jamberoo Mountain Road. Take the first right onto Minnamurra Falls Road, and you’ll find Minnamurra Rainforest Centre about 3km along to the end of the road.

Road quality

Sealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

All weather

Parking

Car and bus parking is available in a bitumen carpark at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, including 2 accessible parking spots.

Note that coach bookings are essential prior to arrival.

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

Investigating the living world: Minnamurra 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.