School excursion

Earth's natural systems at Minnamurra Rainforest

Budderoo National Park

Overview

Earth's natural systems at Minnamurra Rainforest is a Stage 6, Year 11 school excursion that focuses on geography as a learning area. Students will undertake a geographical investigation focusing on the characteristics and functioning of the natural systems in a rainforest environment.

This excursion provides an in-depth examination of the value, characteristics and functioning of the rainforest ecosystem at Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park.

Undertaking geographic inquiry, students engage in fieldwork and use geographical tools to examine the atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphic and ecological systems that make up the forest. Students will use sampling methodologies, environmental assessment techniques and specialised fieldwork instruments to measure a range of abiotic and biotic conditions.

By comparing and contrasting their results, students will identify key processes, cycles and circulations that affect the functioning of the forest.

Students learn how an understanding of these factors is needed for sustainable management.

The fieldwork techniques used will support students undertaking their Geographical Investigation in natural environments.

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-11-04. Assesses responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability GE-11-06. Identifies geographical methods used in geographical inquiry and their relevance in the contemporary world GE-11-07. Applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments
Objectives	Students will: Identify the value of Earth’s environments (rainforests) Identify processes, cycles and circulations and their interactions at Minnamurra Rainforest Use field techniques to measure and collect data Describe the geographical processes that form and transform the rainforest Explain how current management strategies are contributing to the sustainable use of the rainforest Use GPS devices to record features and location Observe processes of weather, erosion, and deposition Observe and record processes of invasion and succession in the rainforest.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school terms.
Availability: Guided. Available on request. Different length programs are available on consultation.
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park
Duration: 2-5 hr
Grading: Easy. Fieldwork will take place beside a river along the rainforest path.
Price: Minimum $550 per group for up to 25 students, $22 per student (includes GST).
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
Equipment provided: Yes. Worksheet masters, pre-activity and post-activity resources. 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-6-geography-earths-natural-systems-at-minnamurra-rainforest/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
02 4236 0469
discovery.scr@environment.nsw.gov.au
Budderoo National Park, Minnamurra Falls Road (Tourist Drive No.9), via 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 Earth's natural systems at Minnamurra Rainforest.

Program outline

Welcome, acknowledgement of Country and safety briefing
Morning tea and toilet break
Classroom presentation
Fieldwork to measure abiotic and biotic factors
Complete a vegetation transect
Group discussion and question time
Guided interpretive walk through 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). Please note: Students should have their own copy of the excursion worksheet, a clipboard and pencil.

Maps and downloads

Earth's natural systems 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.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Not wheelchair-accessible.