School excursion

Above the treeline

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

Overview

Above the treeline is a Stage 6 (Years 11-12) school excursion in Kosciuszko National Park which focuses on Geography. Explore the interactions of the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere in the alpine area on a guided walk to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko or to picturesque, glacial Blue Lake.

Read more about Above the treeline

A visit to the Kosciuszko National Park alpine area allows students to experience the vastness and exposure of the highest mountains in Australia. Students observe and record the atmospheric conditions, investigate the distribution and adaptation of plants to the extreme conditions and record information about human impacts and park management actions.

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

Stage	Stage 6 (Years 11-12)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE-11-01. Examines places, environments and natural and human phenomena, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions and changes over time GE-11-02. Explains geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments GE-11-07. Applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments GE-12-01. Analyses rural and urban places, ecosystems, global biodiversity and economic activity, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions, and nature and extent of change over time GE-12-02. Analyses geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments GE-12-07. Selects and applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments
Objectives	Students will: Examine the key features of the montane, sub alpine and alpine ecosystems through fieldwork Understand the spatial and ecological dimensions of the alpine area of NSW Explore the processes, cycles and circulations connecting the alpine environment Discuss the relationship between ecological and human stresses, and the vulnerability and resilience of the ecosystems Describe how the alpine environment is changing in response to climatic variations Explain how current management strategies are contributing to the sustainable use of the sub alpine and alpine area.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays November to April.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko, Thredbo-Perisher area
Duration: 5hrs
Grading: Medium. Both walks have some steps or steep sections and uneven surfaces.
Price: $20 per student, minimum fee of $400.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Equipment provided: Yes. Worksheet masters, weather recording instruments, flora and fauna identification material and raincoats with hoods for those that need them.
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-6-geography-above-treeline-kosciuszko-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Kosciuszko Education Centre
02 6451 3700
kosci.education@environment.nsw.gov.au

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 Above the treeline.

Program outline

There are three location options for this program.

Mount Kosciuszko walk (meet guide at Charlotte Pass parking area):

Welcome, introductions, safety briefing, toilets (15min)
Walk along Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk and return same route (5hrs)

Blue Lake walk (meet guide at Charlotte Pass parking area):

Welcome, introductions, safety briefing, toilets (15min)
Walk to Blue Lake, crossing the Snowy River and return same route (5hrs)
If Snowy River conditions are unsuitable to cross, the program will be changed to the Mount Kosciuszko walk.

Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko walk (meet the guide at Thredbo Village Centre coach parking area):

Welcome, introductions, safety briefing, toilets (15min)
Chairlift ride
Walk to Mount Kosciuszko and return same route (6hrs)
Kosciuszko Express chairlift price is not included
If the Kosciuszko chairlift is not operating, the program will be changed to one of the other location options.

Getting there and parking

Kosciuszko walk begins at Thredbo Village in Kosciuszko National Park. From Jindabyne:

Travel along the Kosciuszko Road and turn left onto Alpine Way
Travel 31km along the Alpine Way and turn right into Thredbo Village
Catch the Kosciuszko Express chairlift to the start of the track

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.

Parking

Parking is available at Thredbo.

What to bring

Please wear long pants, closed comfortable shoes and bring a hat, beanie and sunscreen. Be ready for extreme cold weather conditions with a jumper, thermals, gloves and raincoat. And remember to bring food and any necessary medications.

It’s a good idea to pack your belongings in a backpack rather than a plastic bag because we have some curious birds who may try to break in and share your lunch with you.

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 - no wheelchair access

Not suitable for wheelchairs. Please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with special needs so that we can plan accordingly.