School excursion

Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla

Royal National Park 2

Wattamolla Beach and picnic area, Royal National Park. Photo: Kevin McGrath/OEH

Overview

Senior students will hone their fieldwork skills in this Stage 6 (Years 11-12) Geography excursion at Wattamolla. Located in Royal National Park, Wattamolla offers students a complex site to study biophysical interactions.

Students will observe first-hand the biophysical processes that influence this coastal environment of beach, rocky platforms and freshwater creek. We'll discuss the 4 spheres that shape and impact this landscape.

Students will undertake a scientific investigation to determine biotic and abiotic factors here. They'll use their surveying and mapping skills to form a comprehensive audit of the site and the factors impacting it.

As mock land managers they'll determine the best approach for sustainable management of visitation. Their prescribed role will be to reduce the negative impact on this sensitive coastal ecosystem.

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

Stage	Stage 6 (Years 11-12)
Learning area	Geography
Student outcomes	GE-11-02. Explains geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments GE-11-04. Assesses responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability GE-11-07. Applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments GE-12-02. Analyses geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments GE-12-04. Evaluates responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability GE-12-07. Selects and applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments
Objectives	Students will: Explore and sketch the headland and rock platform to see first-hand the interactions between the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere Collect and use digital image Practise field sketch techniques using maps and a Google Earth image Measure the abiotic factors of the fore dune and hind dune Identify plants along the revegetated sand dune Observe and analyse changes made to the carpark and vegetated gardens Dip-net for freshwater animals to determine the health of the creek Consider the impact of climate change on the environment Consider the issues and impacts at Wattamolla posed by humans and the management responses of NPWS and other agencies.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school term.
Availability: Guided. Available on request.
Where: Wattamolla picnic area, Royal National Park 2
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Medium. Guided activities along a beach, across sand dunes and along a creek.
Price: $20 per student for groups of 25 or more. GST included. For smaller groups conditions apply.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Equipment provided: Yes. All field equipment provided.
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-6-geography-biophysical-interactions-wattamolla/local-alerts

Operated by

School excursion inquiries - Sydney South
02 9542 0615
npws.royalguidedtours@environment.nsw.gov.au
PO Box 144, Audley NSW 2232

Park info

in Royal National Park 2 in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:

$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.

Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

See more info for teachers

Info for teachers

All the practical information you need to know about Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla.

Maps and downloads

Biophysical interactions at Wattamolla factsheet