School excursion

Crossing the Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains National Park

Overview

This Stage 2 (years 3-4) History excursion immerses students in the History of the Mount York area. We examine the remains of the early Cox’s Road, walk in the foot-steps of explorers and First Nations people and consider how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to changes over time.

Read more about Crossing the Blue Mountains

We describe and explain the effects of British colonisation in Australia and implications of Crossing the Mountains.

In this excursion students recall Australia’s colonial days of early European exploration and this momentous event which changed our history.

As well as exploring the physical sites, students will use their imaginations to consider the diverse experiences of explorers, convicts and Indigenous Australians. How did the mountain crossing impact these people and the broader development of Australia?

On a scenic walk through the pagodas of Mount York, we will see evidence of carriages and livestock passing over the mountain to establish farms in the west country below. Students will look at the lives of local Indigenous people both before, and after the mountain crossing, and consider the ethics of our country’s history.

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

Stage	Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Learning area	History
Student outcomes	HT2-2. Describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to changes in the local community over time HT2-4. Describes and explains effects of British colonisation in Australia HT2-5. Applies skills of historical inquiry and communication
Objectives	Students will: Learn about the early exploration of the Blue Mountains - the myths, the risks and those who dared to enter the wilderness Examine the culture and lifestyle of both Indigenous and colonial Australians prior to the crossing Hear the story of the successful crossing itself, and consider it from different perspectives Look at the impacts of the crossing on the colony, the development of Australia and the lives of local Indigenous people Explore the historical evidence of the site of the early Cox’s road and Mount York area Consider the role and experience of explorers in local and global history.

Excursion details

When: Monday to Friday during school term.
Where: Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Duration: 2-4 hr
Grading: Easy. Short 1km ranger-guided bush walk and activities, includes uneven surfaces in the bushland environment.
Price: Prices start from $395 incl GST per group (up to 20 students).
Accessibility: Medium
Meeting point: Mount York Lookout.
Equipment provided: No. We can provide teachers a selection of student worksheet questions prior to excursion.
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://uat.nswparks.cloud/education/stage-2-hsie-crossing-the-mountains-mt-york-blue-mountains-national-park/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Blue Mountains
02 4784 7301 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
BlueMtns.Education@environment.nsw.gov.au

Park info

in Blue Mountains National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and Country NSW regions
Blue Mountains National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger. Some parts of the park close overnight; details are provided for specific attractions.
Park entry fees:

$8 per vehicle per day applies only at attractions in the Glenbrook area.
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Crossing the Blue Mountains.

Maps and downloads

Crossing the Blue Mountains factsheet