Click on a region to see what school excursions are currently available.
Upper North Coast
A journey of discovery
An introduction to the ecology of coastal forest ecosystems. Students will encounter a diverse range of forest types, focusing on the subtropical rainforest near the Pines picnic area. Explores the structure and ecology of rainforest, the interrelationships between observed wildlife and their habitats, food chains and biodiversity.
Park: Yarriabini National Park
When: By arrangement. Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $280 (school days), for up to 30 children plus two teachers/supervisors.
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Coffs Harbour, Phone: 02 6652 0900, or use online inquiry form
Beachcombers
The beach environment offers great diversity in what we can find, see, and touch. A Discovery ranger will help students to discover an abundance of life and materials through beach and rocky shore exploration. We will examine what we found, where it's from, where it really belongs, and what role it plays in this environment. We also discuss our impact on this environment and how we can help protect and conserve our special coastal areas for the future.Parks:
When: by arrangement; duration 1-3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Bundjalung Cultural Heritage Tour - High Schools - Ballina and Lennox Head Aboriginal Place
Join an Aboriginal guide on a tour of
culturally significant places to learn about their importance and
the stories and traditions associated with these places. Visiting
sacred sites will provide an insight into the lifestyle and
traditions of Aboriginal people including the relationship
between the people, land, plants and
animals
Park: Bundjalung National Park
When: by arrangement; duration 4 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Bush Tucker
Join our Aboriginal Discovery rangers for an easy stroll along the forested banks of Bonville Creek, to investigate the rich diversity of plants and animals in the park. Learn about the fascinating bush tucker and useful natural medicines. These have made the estuarine environments of Bongil Bongil National Park a significant resource for local Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people. Students will be allocated a totem and learn about the cultural practices of 'Caring for Country'.
Download:
BBNP bush tucker activity outline (201KB PDF)
Further resources: Show details
Park: Bongil Bongil National Park
When: By arrangement. Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $220 per group; maximum 30 students plus teacher and 1 other supervisor (maximum 2 groups)
Bookings: require at least 2 weeks notice and are subject to staffing availability
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Coffs Harbour, Phone: 02 6652 0900, or use online inquiry form
Cane Toad Education
Through learning about native frogs and cane toads, students will be able to distinguish a native from a pest, appreciate the need for protecting our native species, and how to deal with a pest if they find one.
This activity includes a brief presentation followed by interactive games and activities that will stimulate the desire to learn more about it and help us stop the cane toad from spreading.
Where: at your school or a park by arrangement
When: by arrangement; duration 1-2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Coastal Ecosystems
Our coastline is unique in its beauty and diversity and includes environments such as the rocky shores, beach, ocean and human or built environments. As guardians of these wonderful environments we need to understand the impacts and interrelationships between them.
Students will experience and learn through a series of games and activities about each of the four environments, how they interrelate, the diversity of flora and fauna, the problems and the actions we can all take to help protect our coastal ecosystems.
Parks:
When: by arrangement; duration 3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Ecosystems at risk
This field trip is designed to complement a case study of a particular ecosystem at risk, providing an opportunity to:
- observe a highly diverse rainforest ecosystem, its geographical location and extent, altitude and the effects on it of biophysical interactions, human impacts and contemporary management practices
- question a representative of the management authority about the global significance of the site, possible future impacts, and strategies for managing these
- undertake an additional exercise, where students role-play characters who play a variety of roles in the evaluation and management of risk factors.
Download:
Dorrigo National Park Ecosystems at risk activity outline (346KB PDF)
Further resources: Show details
More information:
Teachers Kit - NSW Rainforests
Park: Dorrigo National Park
When: by arrangement; duration 3 hours, or full day with role play.
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Cost: $250 - $435 for up to 30 students (one Discovery ranger)
Bookings: two weeks notice required
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Dorrigo, Phone: 02 6657 2309, or use online inquiry form
Estuary Canoe Adventure - primary and high schools
Join the ranger and enjoy a leisurely paddle along one of the many coastal estuaries in our region. Along the way students will learn about the natural and cultural heritage values of that reserve and the importance of coastal estuaries to native plants and animals and biodiversity.
Students must be over 8 years and competent swimmers.
Parks:
When: by arrangement; duration 2-4 hours
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Fossil Hunt
The formation of different types of
layers of rock and the breakdown of animals and plants all
contribute to the formation of fossils. What is a fossil and how
precious are they? Can we find fossil evidence in our local area?
By surveying and experimenting using different techniques we
discover and analyse fossils found in a national park. The
protection and management of fossil sites is considered by the
group.
Park: Bundjalung National Park
When: by arrangement; duration 3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Giidany Miirlarl - a special site
Aboriginal Discovery rangers will introduce students to the cultural significance of Giidany Miirlarl (moon sacred place) to the Gumbaynggirr people, and the fascinating life-cycle of the wedge-tailed shearwaters.
Meet at the new outdoor learning venue at the base of the island before walking across to explore this important seabird habitat, discover conservation actions to protect it, and be introduced to the surrounding Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Download:
MINR Special Site activity outline (185KB PDF) – a detailed activity outline including safety information.
Database - Gumbaynggirr language (174KB PDF)
Worksheet - Gumbaynggirr place names of north east NSW (103KB PDF)
Further resources:
Teachers' kit: Rookery Roundabout - a comprehensive kit packed with resources including a 50 page booklet, color flip cards and lesson plans.
Park: Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
When: by arrangement; duration 1.5 hours.
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Cost: $190 per group; maximum of 30 children plus teacher per Discovery ranger.
Bookings: 2 weeks notice required
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Coffs Harbour, Phone: 02 6652 0900, or use online inquiry form
Journey to an Ancient World
This is a longer 7km walk from Banksia Point along the Lyrebird track via the spectacular Weeping Rock. Jump aboard on a journey back in time to the ancient rainforests of the Gondwana super-continent. The journey provides a window into the ancient past when rainforests covered the land we now call Australia. This longer activity provides an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of rainforest over geological time. Suitable for Years 7 to 12
- Explores changing perceptions towards rainforest over time.
- Introduces concepts of indigenous management of rainforest on the Dorrigo Plateau.
- Highlights how the rainforests of CERRA represent remnants of once widespread rainforest and how they fulfil the criteria for inclusion on the list of World Heritage Areas.
- Demonstrates how global climatic changes have a profound effect on Australia’s vegetation and bio-diversity.
- Explores the Geo-heritage of The Great Escarpment and Ebor Volcano.
Park: New England National Park
When: By arrangement. Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Cost: Up to 30 students and 1 Discovery Ranger: $375
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Dorrigo, Phone: 02 6657 2309, or use online inquiry form
Muttonbirds by Moonlight
Experience a guided walk across the island as evening falls, to observe the daily return of thousands of wedge-tail shearwaters (muttonbirds) to their nesting burrows, where hungry partners or chicks await. While a full moon rises over the sea, students hear stories about the life cycle and ecology of this far-travelling sea bird, as well as the threats to its ongoing survival.
This activity is only available between the months of August to April when the shearwaters are present on the island.
Further resources:
Teachers' kit: Rookery Roundabout - a comprehensive kit packed with resources including a 50 page booklet, color flip cards and lesson plans.
Park: Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
When: By arrangement from August to April only. Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Cost: $190 per group up to 20 students per Discovery ranger.
Bookings: 2 weeks notice required
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Coffs Harbour, Phone: 02 6652 0900, or use online inquiry form
National Parks and Rangers - Primary Schools
Join the Discovery rangers and answer questions such as what is a national park, why are they important, why we have them and how can we help protect them. Students learn through interactive and fun activities including creating their very own "micro park" to demonstrate the different types of national parks and what can be found in them.
Parks:
When: by arrangement; duration 3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Night-time experience
Discover the bush at night on this
evening activity. Learn about the significance of old-growth
forests in providing habitat for threatened species. Students
will be encouraged to use all their senses to sharpen their
night-time perception and detect nocturnal creatures heading out
for the night.
Park: Yarriabini National Park
When: By arrangement. Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $300 for up to 36 children, plus
teachers/supervisors
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Coffs Harbour, Phone: 02 6652 0900, or use online inquiry form
Our coast
Our coast offers a diverse range of
environments to explore. A Discovery ranger will help students
examine the difference between natural and built features,
investigate the difference between land and marine animals and
plants and discover the abundance of life and materials found on
the beach. Students will participate in a number of hands-on
activities including rockpool ramble and beach treasure hunt.
This excursion explores natural and built features such as
shelters and adaptations, and examines the values associated with
visiting and living on the coast. It also explores issues of
managing current threats to the coastal environment. Suitable for
Years K to 6.
Park: Bundjalung National Park
When: By arrangement. Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $165 for up to 30 students (one Discovery ranger);
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Rainforest by the Sea
An introduction to the ecology and biodiversity of the littoral rainforest in Bongil Bongil National Park. Students will discover the mysteries of the rainforest. The activity is based on examining elements of rainforest biodiversity and animal-plant relationships, through facilitated observation and hands on fun activities.
Download:
BBNP Tuckers Rocks activity outline (184KB PDF)
Further resources: Show details
More information:
Teachers' kit NSW Rainforests
Park: Bongil Bongil National Park
When: by arrangement; duration 2.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $280 for group of 30 students + teacher (maximum 2 groups)
Bookings: 2 weeks notice required
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Coffs Harbour, Phone: 02 6652 0900, or use online inquiry form
Rainforest Environments - Primary Schools
We offer a variety of activities based on the rainforest theme suited to all ages. Students learn about the importance and ecology of rainforest environments. Interactive activities provide students with information on rainforests such as layering, significance to biodiversity, the broad range of flora and fauna, cultural heritage values, and natural and human threats to this environment.
Parks:
When: by arrangement; duration 2-4 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Rainforest magic
Students will be encouraged to use all their senses during an evening walk through the rainforest. The rainforest only reveals its night-time magic to those who enter it with a sense of wonder and quiet patience.
This activity enhances student perceptions of rainforest bio-diversity as much of the faunal bio-diversity within rainforest is only active at night.
Also available:
Teachers Kit - Biodiversity for kids
Teachers Kit - NSW Rainforests
Further resources: Show details
Park: Dorrigo National Park
When: evenings by arrangement; duration 1.5 hours
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Cost: $190 for groups up to 20 students
Bookings: two weeks notice required
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Dorrigo, Phone: 02 6657 2309, or use online inquiry form
Rainforest remnants
Step back in time to an age before the first settlers arrived, when much of the greater Clarence basin was covered in a pristine carpet of lush sub-tropical rainforest. This small remnant, on the banks of the Orara River and listed as an endangered ecological community, offers children a unique learning opportunity.
Interpretative subjects covered on this activity include changing use patterns for the area (both Aboriginal and European), challenges to managing forest remnants and the ecological significance of this reserve.
Park: Coramba Nature Reserve
When: By arrangement. Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $220 for group of students up to 30 (per Discovery Ranger)
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Coffs Harbour, Phone: 02 6652 0900, or use online inquiry form
Sands of Time
The formation of our continent is
closely linked to how our sand and soil formed. Where does soil
come from?. How is it made and what processes does it go through
over time? By collecting and experimenting with nature’s
ingredients, students will learn and see how soil forms and which
of nature’s elements play a role in this process. We also
learn how Australian soils are different, what they are made up
of and what exists within a rock
cycle.
Park: Bundjalung National Park
When: by arrangement; duration 40 minutes
Difficulty: easy
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Seaside Detectives
Our coastline is unique in its beauty and diversity and includes environments such as the rocky shores, beach, ocean and human or built environments. As guardians of this wonderful environment we need to understand the impacts and inter-relationships between the rocky shores and surrounds. Students will experience and learn through a series of games and activities, learning about each of the four environments, how they inter-relate and diversity of flora and fauna within these environments.
Park: Bundjalung National Park
When: by arrangement; duration 3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Seaside Detectives
Our uniquely beautiful coastline incorporates marine, foreshore and human environments - there's plenty to explore and learn about. With the help of a Discovery ranger, students enjoy games and explore the area, giving them the opportunity to grasp concepts like adaption, community, diversity, and habitat. We will also discuss the needs and wants of humans in relation to the coastal environment and explore the impacts of human use. Finally, we take the children along a creative and theatrical path where we demonstrate what we have learnt about coastal environments.
Park: Bundjalung National Park
When: by arrangement; duration 3 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Seasonal wildlife
National Parks is proud to present four
Seasonal Wildlife Educational Roadshows on koalas, emus, magpies
and kangaroos. These fun interactive presentations cover issues
of conservation management, threats to the wildlife and habitat,
what to do when animals attack, why these animals are special and
what we can do to help protect them. Activities include power
point, slide and video presentations, ‘role plays’,
special guest visitors, music, educational games and other
hands-on activities. Suitable for years
K-6.
Park: Bundjalung National Park
When: By arrangement. Duration varies on arrangements.
Difficulty: easy
Cost: Price on application.
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Grafton, Phone: 02 6641 1500, or use online inquiry form
Sensing the Rainforest
This program aims to highlight the wonders of the rainforest - observing, listening, touching, smelling and searching to discover this special environment. It is a fun program for all ages, adults included. Suitable for Stages 1 - 6, all learning areas. The 2km path has a wheelchair option if required.
Download
Dorrigo National Park Sensing activity outline (335KB PDF) - a detailed activity outline including safety information.
More information
Teachers Kit - NSW Rainforests
Park: Dorrigo National Park
When: by arrangement. Duration 1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $190 for up to 30 students (one Discovery ranger)
Bookings: two weeks notice required.
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Dorrigo, Phone: 02 6657 2309, or use online inquiry form
The Rookery Roundabout
Join a Discovery ranger on a guided walk across the island. You'll take a series of stops, observing and learning about the role of the reserve in protecting a breeding rookery for the wedge-tail shearwater (muttonbirds). Children will learn the stages of development in the life cycle of the shearwaters as well as exploring the impacts of human visitors and feral animals. The activity interprets the cultural heritage and significance of the island to the local Gumbaynggirr people and how use of the island by the wider community has changed over recent times.
Download:
MINR special site activity outline (PDF) - a detailed activity outline for Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, including safety information.
Further resources:
Teachers' kit: Rookery Roundabout - a comprehensive kit packed with resources including a 50 page booklet, color flip cards and lesson plans.
Database - Gumbaynggirr language (174KB PDF)
Worksheet - Gumbaynggirr place names of north east NSW (103KB PDF)
Park: Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
When: by arrangement. Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Cost: $190 per group of 30 students + teacher (per Discovery Ranger).
Bookings: 2 weeks notice required
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Coffs Harbour, Phone: 02 6652 0900, or use online inquiry form
Tuckers Rocks Walk
An introduction to the ecology of coastal forest ecosystems and the threatened species living in them. This 2.5 hour loop walk traverses a diverse range of forest types including open forest, littoral rainforest and coastal dune/swale complex. The activity focuses on the inter-relationships between observed wildlife and their habitats, forest ecology, the impacts of feral animals and wildfire, as well as Aboriginal cultural history.
Download:
BBNP Tuckers Rocks activity outline PDF (184KB PDF)
Further resources: Show details
Park: Bongil Bongil National Park
When: by arrangement. Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $280 per group. Maximum 30 students + teacher and 1 other supervisor (maximum of 2 groups)
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Coffs Harbour, Phone: 02 6652 0900, or use online inquiry form
Under the canopy
An easy introduction to the ecology and
biodiversity of the littoral rainforest in Iluka Nature Reserve.
Students will discover the mysteries of the rainforest, examining
elements of rainforest biodiversity and animal-plant
relationships through facilitated observation of adaptations,
animal features, natural resources and hands on fun activities.
Some of the secrets of rainforest animal-plant interactions are
revealed. Suitable for Years K to 6.
Park: Iluka Nature Reserve
When: By arrangement. Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $200 for up to 30 students (one Discovery ranger)
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Northern Rivers, Phone: 02 6627 0204 (general inquiries); or use online inquiry form
Venture to the Falls
Starting at the spectacular Skywalk over the canopy, this activity explores subtropical rainforest on a graded downhill walk to the suspension bridge at Crystal Shower Falls.
There's plenty of time for observation and discussion of how plants and animals have evolved curious and wonderful strategies to maximise their survival. The activity also covers differing uses of the rainforest, reflecting people's attitudes and values past and present.
Download
Dorrigo National Park Venture activity outline (348KB PDF) - a detailed activity outline including safety information.
Further resources: Show details
More information:
Teachers Kit - NSW Rainforests
Park: Dorrigo National Park
When: by arrangement. Duration: 2.5 hours.
Difficulty: medium difficulty
Cost: $220 for up to 30 students (one Discovery ranger)
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Dorrigo, Phone: 02 6657 2309, or use online inquiry form
What is a national park?
This activity is in two parts. Part one is a one hour guided walk into the rainforest. Part two is a one hour hands-on activity where students find out about the maintenance and management of national parks by role-playing various jobs within the National Parks Wildlife Service such as Field Officers, Aboriginal Sites Officers, Rangers, Researchers and Information Officers. Each group of students are assigned a role and a real life scenario. Each group works in team to develop and present a short play.
Resources:
Teachers Kit - what is a National Park?
Teachers Kit - NSW Rainforests
Guide to NSW National Parks
Further resources:
Show detailsPark: Dorrigo National Park
When: By arrangement. Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Cost: $190 for group up to 30 students per Discovery Ranger
Bookings: two weeks notice required.
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Dorrigo, Phone: 02 6657 2309, or use online inquiry form
What is a national park?
Have a Discovery ranger come to your
school, or venture into a nearby park, or combine the two in an
engaging program. Students learn about national parks in their
area, why they are important, and how we can look after them.
They learn about the management of a national park, the role of a
ranger, key environmental issues, biodiversity, habitat and
species. Activities include 'role plays', 'treasure hunts',
'habitat game', 'school explorations' and 'trivia'. Suitable for
years 4-6.
Parks:
When: By arrangement. Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: easy
Cost: Price on application
Contact: School excursion inquiries - Grafton, Phone: 02 6641 1500, or use online inquiry form
