School excursion

Going up the mountain

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Enquire now

Overview

Going up the mountain in Kosciuszko National Park is a school excursion for Stage 4 (Years 7-8) students focusing on geography as a KLA. Students will travel through montane and sub-alpine forests to the alpine area of the park.

Read more about Going up the mountain

Field study sites along Kosciuszko Road give opportunities for students to study the way vegetation changes with altitude, plant adaptations, the impact of grazing, ski resort development and alpine area management.

This excursion starts at Kosciuszko Education Centre, then Sawpit Creek, Daines Gap, Smiggin Holes, Perisher, Spencer's Creek, Charlotte's Pass and back to Kosciuszko Education Cetnre.

Geography 4G2: Global Environments

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

Stage Stage 4 (Years 7-8)
Learning area Geography
Student outcomes

4.1. Identifies and gathers geographical information.

4.6. Describes the geographical processes that form and transform environments.

4.8. Describes the interrelationships between people and environments.

Excursion details

When

Summer months only.

Availability
Guided. Available on request.
Where
Kosciuszko Education Centre, Thredbo-Perisher area
Duration
5hrs
Price

$350 per group for up to 25 students (includes GST). For groups over 25 conditions apply.

Accessibility
Hard
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.
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-4-geography-going-up-the-mountain-kosciuszko-national-park/local-alerts

Enquire now

Operated by

Park info

  • in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
  • The Thredbo-Perisher area is open all year, but some roads and trails may close due to weather conditions or park management issues. Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter (June to October long weekends).

  • Park entry fees apply on Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road

    Winter (June to October long weekends): $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs from purchase); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day. Find out more about the winter entry surcharge.

    Rest of Year: $17 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $7; bus passengers $6.60 per adult, $2.20 per child per day.

    Passes: Day passes, multi-day passes and annual All Parks Pass available from NPWS visitor centres, local agents and operating vehicle entry stations. Single and Multi-Day passes are also available via the Park'nPay app. Short Breaks Pass: $68 for 5 days park entry at price of 4 days (not valid winter).

    Read our Annual Pass FAQs for information.

    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 Going up the mountain.

Getting there and parking

Kosciuszko Education Centre is in the alpine area of Kosciuszko National Park, close to Perisher. To get there from Jindabyne:

  • Drive along Kosciuszko Road from Jindabyne towards Perisher Valley
  • The education centre is around 12km from Jindabyne

Road quality

All 2WD vehicles need to carry snow chains in winter, between June and October long weekends, on:

  • Kosciuszko Road (to Perisher)
  • Guthega Road
  • Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin

Snow chains are recommended for all vehicles driving in the park, including 4WD and AWD, in the event of extreme weather. Read our snow driving in Kosciuszko tips.

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Snow chains required after snow

Parking

There are several asphalt and bitumen carparks at the education centre. There's also bus and off-street parking.

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

Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.