School excursion

Mountain landscapes: Blue Mountains

Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park

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Overview

This adventurous Stage 4 (Years 7-8) Geography excursion explores diverse landscapes and landforms of the Blue Mountains. On a bushwalk, students will gather data using geographical equipment, and complete a field sketch of an iconic Blue Mountains landscape.

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On a ranger-led walk, students will examine different landscape features such as aspect and landform, and investigate how these features create different conditions.

We discuss the phenomenon of fire and how awareness of fire risk impacts the operation of the park.

Finally, students will gain a greater understanding of the interplay between human and the land, the value of landscape to different groups, and the levels of management in operation to protect this special place.

An optional session on Indigenous perspectives on land management, and the cultural value of landscapes is available.

This excursion is also available at Katoomba, Wentworth Falls or Blackheath.

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

Stage Stage 4 (Years 7-8)
Learning area Geography
Student outcomes

GE4-1. Locates and describes the diverse features and characteristics of a range of places and environments

GE4-2. Describes processes and influences that form and transform places and environments

GE4-5. Discusses management of places and environments for their sustainability

GE4-7. Acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry

Objectives

Students will:

  • Explore the diverse features and characteristics of the Blue Mountains
  • Learn about and discuss the geomorphic processes that created this impressive landscape 
  • Use geographical tools to observe and identify features of the natural environment
  • Examine the ways NPWS sustainably manages and protects the landscape, and learn the layers of legal protections
  • Discuss the extreme risk of bushfire throughout this region. Examine the suite of strategies in place to prevent and respond to bushfire events. 

Excursion details

When

Monday to Friday during school term.

Where
Katoomba area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW
Duration
2-2.5 hr
Grading
Medium. Guided bushwalk and activities on an uneven surface, including steep stairs and a boardwalk.
Price

Prices start from $395 incl GST per group (up to 20 students). 

Accessibility
Hard
Meeting point
  • Wentworth Falls: Wentworth Falls picnic area at the end of Falls Road, Wentworth Falls
  • Three Sisters: Lilianfels Park, outside the coach drop-off zone, Echo Point Road, Katoomba
  • Blackheath: Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath
  • Other locations by request
Equipment
provided
Yes. Pre and post learning resources are also available.
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.
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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-4-geography-mountain-landscapes-blue-mountains/local-alerts

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Park info

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Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Mountain landscapes: Blue Mountains.

Maps and downloads

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Operated by

Park info

See more info for teachers