School excursion

Sustainable biomes at Minnamurra Rainforest

Budderoo National Park

A group on the boardwalk, which spans large rocks and the creek below and is in the middle of the lush Minnamurra Rainforest. Credit: David Finnegan © DCCEEW

Overview

Students will experience the rainforest's beauty in this Stage 5 (Years 9 to 10) geography excursion at Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. They’ll examine the physical characteristics and distribution of rainforest biomes.

Stage 5 students will assess environmental impacts and management strategies that minimise these impacts to ensure sustainable biome use. They will also investigate how humans have altered rainforest biomes around the world to produce food and materials.

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

Stage	Stage 5 (Years 9-10)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE5-2. Explains processes and influences that form and transform places and environments GE5-3. Analyses the effect of interactions and connections between people, places and environments GE5-4. Accounts for perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues GE5-5. Assesses management strategies for places and environments for their sustainability GE5-7. Acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using appropriate and relevant geographical tools for inquiry
Objectives	Students will: Take a guided walk through the rainforest Collect and record geographical data from the rainforest, using a variety of techniques Identify a range of geographical issues relating to the rainforest, including management issues, biodiversity and tourism Explain the interaction of the physical and human elements of the rainforest Understand why and how rainforest issues are managed Recognise the responsibility of government to manage the rainforest.

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-5-geography-sustainable-biomes-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 Sustainable biomes at Minnamurra Rainforest.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing
Morning tea and toilet break
Classroom presentation
Group discussion and question time
Collect and record geographical data from the ecosystem using a variety of techniques
Assess current management strategies and recognise the government’s responsibility to manage this national park
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, and a refillable water bottle. Students should bring gear in a backpack or similar (not plastic bags).

Maps and downloads

Sustainable biomes at Minnamurra Rainforest 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.