Bush Journal
History
Program
This excursion provides a study of the early life of Norman Windybanks, the son of local pioneer, Edward Windybanks, the founder of a boat building industry in the Cowan Creek area.
During the day, the students will follow the fictitious diary of Norman as he and good friend Jimmy wind their way down along the Birrawanna Track to Bobbin Head in the early 1900's.
Through his diary entries, the students will learn about the history of the area to get a sense of life in the early 1900s.
Learning intentions
Students are learning about:
- how our community has changed over time
- the features that have been lost and what has been retained
- the contribution people have made to our community
Key information
Learning activities
Kalkari Discovery Centre
Commencing at the Kalkari Discovery Centre, the students get to know more about the Windybanks family through Norman’s Bush Journal and old photos of the Windybanks family. This will enable them to compare with their own lives in the 21st century.
The students will receive their own blank bush journal enabling them to document their own journey along the bush track during the day.
Reading from Norman’s diary, the students will learn about Norman’s Aboriginal friend, Jimmy and the Aboriginal engravings of the area. At the 3D map, the students find related rivers and places.
Bushwalk to Bobbin Head
During the walk to Bobbin Head, the students follow Norman’s path and journal entries, recreating a day in his life and comparing his daily life to their own. The students are will undertake several hands-on activities to help them understand the history and changes of the area which they will document in their own journals, including sketching and poetry reading. Students will also learn the local Aboriginal names for several of the plants and animals that will be seen along the way.
Bobbin Head history
Journal reading is completed. Students are challenged in their observations of old photos of early Bobbin Head to see what has remained the same and what has changed.
Suggested timetable
| Time | Classes A, B, C, D |
| 10.00am | Welcome Acknowledgement of Country, Overview of the day. |
| 10.10am | Morning Tea |
| 10.30am | Kalkari Visitors Centre |
| 11.30am | Bushwalk and journal activities |
| 12.30pm | Lunch |
| 1.00pm | Bushwalk continues |
| 1.30pm | Bobbin Head history |
| 2pm | Conclusion and depart |
* Please call the centre if you have more than 4 classes.
Syllabus outcomes
History K-10 Syllabus (2012)
Outcomes
- H2-2 describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to changes in the local community over time
- HT2-5 applies skills of historical inquiry and communication
Cost and details
| Bus access map |
Map for access to venue will be sent with the confirmation. Please ensure you print a copy and provide it to the bus driver on the morning of the excursion. |
| Cost |
2026 DoE $20 per student - GST free 2026 Non-gov school cost $25 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750 per class NOTE: National Parks entry is $1.10 per student in addition - GST free |
| Class numbers and size |
Up to 4 classes Max. 30 students per class Please contact the centre if you have more than 4 classes. |
| Risk assessments | A complete risk assessment will be sent upon confirmation. |
| What to bring |
Backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunblock, raincoat, hat, sturdy shoes. Students wear sports uniform. |
| Adverse weather | On days where the weather is unsuitable (see risk assessment), a Gibberagong staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements. Please check your bus company’s cancellation policy. |
| Medical notifications | Notify Gibberagong EEC by completing and returning the medical form before the excursion. This form will be sent out upon confirmation of booking. |
