School excursion

Survival in the rainforest: Minnamurra

Budderoo National Park

Overview

Join us at beautiful Minnamurra Rainforest for this Stage 4 (Year 7-8) Science excursion. Students will conduct a variety of hands-on investigations using equipment to measure and record the abiotic and biotic factors of the rainforest ecosystem.

Students will experience the Minnamurra Rainforest ecosystem and investigate the interactions taking place while gaining hands-on experience of the living world.

Along the rainforest walk, students will investigate whether the features of some plants and animals are adaptations for survival in the rainforest environment. Students will also learn about and review solutions for conserving and managing rainforest ecosystems.

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

Stage	Stage 4 (Years 7-8)
Learning area	Science
Student outcomes	SC4-14LW. Relates the structure and function of living things to their classification, survival and reproduction SC4-15LW. Explains how new biological evidence changes people's understanding of the world
Objectives	Learning activities may include: Considering human activities and their impact on the rainforest Measuring and recording abiotic factors of the rainforest ecosystems 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 Completing food chains relevant to the ecosystem Identifying some of the plants and animals that live in the rainforest and their features Looking for ways in which science and technology can help find solutions for conserving and managing this ecosystem.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during the school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park
Duration: 2hrs 30min
Grading: Easy. 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.
Equipment provided: Yes. Worksheet masters, pre- and post-activity resources, and additional references will be provided on booking.
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-science-survival-in-the-rainforest-minnamurra/local-alerts

Operated by

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
02 4236 0469
Minnamurra@environment.nsw.gov.au
345 Minnamurra Falls Road, Jamberoo NSW 2533

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 Survival in the rainforest: Minnamurra.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing
Morning tea and toilet break
Classroom presentation
Group discussion and question time
Measure and compare abiotic factors of the rainforest
Guided interpretive walk through the 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

Survival in the rainforest: 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.