Learning activities

Mapping features

Students will investigate how places in a national park are managed for different visitors and for conservation and sustainability. They will use maps to locate and record features in the National Park to understand how places are used and the strategies employed to protect these special places.

Bushwalk

During a bush walk, the students will use their senses to observe their surroundings and record in their bush journal. This will include observing the plants and animals that make this national park special and the strategies used (e.g. boardwalks, signs, shoe cleaning) for conservation and sustainability.

Aboriginal resources walk

Students will observe and identify a range of plants used by local Aboriginal People for food, medicine and tools.

Cultural sites and mapping

Students learn that Aboriginal Peoples have lived on and cared for this Country for thousands of years. As they observe ancient rock engravings and other significant sites, students are guided to recognise them as important evidence of the past that are still present today. This experience fosters cultural understanding, deepens historical awareness, and builds a sense of connection to Country.

Suggested timetable

Time	Classes A, B, C, D
10.00am	Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome, Overview of the day
10.10am	Morning Tea
10.30am	Bushwalk and activities (staggered times)
12.30pm	Lunch (classes in separate locations)
1.00pm	Bushwalk and activities continued (staggered times)
1.30pm	Return to base
2.00pm	Conclusion and depart

* Please call the centre if you have more than 4 classes.

Syllabus outcomes

Human Society and Its Environment K-6 Syllabus (2024)

Outcomes

• HS2-GEO-01 explains how people care for Australia’s environments and participate in Australian society, using geographical information
• HS2-ACH-01 describes Aboriginal Peoples’ obligations to Country, Culture and Community HS2-ACH-01

Content

Aboriginal Peoples use and care for the environment sustainably

• Identify and use appropriate terminology when sharing Knowledges about Country
• Describe how Aboriginal Peoples sustainably use the resources of Country

People have responsibility to care for Australia's environments

• Observe and describe ways people organise places into spaces for different purposes
• Compare the objectives of managing places for conservation and managing places for sustainability
• Describe how reserved lands are managed in New South Wales at Mungo National Park, Kosciuszko National Park, Wollemi National Park and Barrington Tops National Park
• Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander food practices that are sustainable

People use geographical information to understand climates and environments

• Describe ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples map Country and Place

Geography K-10 Syllabus (2017)

Outcomes

• GE2-1 examines features and characteristics of places and environments
• GE2-2 describes the ways people, places and environments interact
• GE2-3 examines differing perceptions about the management of places and environments

Content

Perception of environments

Students:

• investigate the ways people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, value environments, for examples:

  • discussion of why people value environments differently e.g. cultural, recreational values

Protection of environments

• investigate sustainable practices that protect environments, including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, for example:

  • examination of how environments can be used sustainability e.g. recreational practices

Perception and protection of places

Students:

• investigate how the protection of places is influenced by people’s perception of places, for example:

  • discussion of how people’s perceptions influence the protection of places in Australia, eg sacred sites, national parks, world heritage areas

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
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.