School excursion

Geography of Homestead Bend

Kinchega National Park

Overview

Immerse yourself in the Geography of Homestead Bend. Visit Aboriginal occupation sites in Kinchega National Park, and the ruins of the Old Kinchega Homestead, and investigate how and why both Aboriginal people and early pastoralists lived in the area.

Read more about Geography of Homestead Bend

Learn how the Homestead Billabong was formed and how the environment changes as it leaves the Darling River.

See Aboriginal occupation sites in Kinchega National Park, and the ruins of the Old Kinchega Homestead, and interpret how and why both the Aboriginal people and early pastoralists lived here.

The Old Kinchega Homestead precinct is a favourite for school groups with Aboriginal Heritage and Pastoral Heritage within a short walk of the car park.

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	GE4-4. Examines perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues GE4-5. Discusses management of places and environments for their sustainability GE4-7. Acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Use maps and satellite images to interpret the natural and built environments Describe and record the environment using simple line drawings Interpret why Aboriginal occupation sites are located in this area Calculated distances using topographic maps Explain the geographical processes that formed the Homestead Billabong.

Excursion details

Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Old Kinchega Homestead, Kinchega National Park
Duration: 2hrs
Grading: Medium. Some short steep sections.
Price: $5 per student.
Accessibility: Hard
Meeting point: Campsite 34 on the Darling River.
Equipment provided: Yes. Workbooks are provided. Students will need a pencil, a ruler and a clipboard to lean on as well as a simple calcuator.
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-4-geography-homestead-bend-kinchega-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Broken Hill
08 8084 2880
npws.westdarling@environment.nsw.gov.au
183 Argent Street, Broken Hill NSW

Park info

in Kinchega National Park in the Outback NSW region
Kinchega National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has a pay and display envelope payment system - please bring correct coins.
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 Geography of Homestead Bend.

Program outline

Group meets at Campsite 34 on the southern end of the River Drive for an introduction to Kinchega National Park and the first activities.

Activities continue on a walk to the Old Kinchega Homestead Ruins around the edge of the Homestead Billabong with time to record and collect information.

Continue walking around the Homestead Billabong to interpret the Aboriginal occupation sites.

It is then a short walk back to the Old Kinchega Homestead where the group can be picked up.

Getting there and parking

On entering Kinchega National Park:

Take the River Drive
The Old Kinchega Homestead is located on Homestead Bend

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as roads in Kinchega National Park can be closed after rain.

Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available at the Old Kinchega Homestead.

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

Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.