School excursion

A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale

Royal National Park 2

Eastern waterdragon (Intellagama lesueurii), Royal National Park. Photo: Gary Dunnett/OEH

Overview

Senior science students will hone their fieldwork skills in this Stage 6 (Years 11-12) Biology excursion in Royal National Park. Located on the Hacking River estuary, Bonnie Vale is an ideal site for studying wetlands as ‘A Local Ecosystem’.

Read more about A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale

Bonnie Vale is a popular riverside picnic area. It's well known for its diverse vegetation, clear water and abundant wildlife.

Here, senior science students will investigate the mangroves of Cabbage Tree Basin to measure environmental conditions. They'll observe specialised adaptation features of plants and animals and examine co-dependencies that enhance their chance for survival.

This excursion provides a unique opportunity for students to use a variety of fieldwork sampling techniques. Students will gather diverse data and obtain a solid understanding of this fragile and important ecosystem.

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

Stage	Stage 6 (Years 11-12)
Learning area	Biology
Student outcomes	BIO11/12-2. Designs and evaluates investigations in order to obtain primary and secondary data and information BIO11-10. Describes biological diversity by explaining the relationship between a range of organisms in terms of specialisation for selected habitats and evolution of species
Objectives	Students will: Measure and compare abiotic factors in the wetlands Dip-net to identify animals found in the ecosystem Examine and identify adaptations of plants and animals Use a transect to determine distribution and abundance of species Identify examples of relationships in the Bonnie Vale ecosystem.

Excursion details

When: Weekdays during school term
Where: Bonnie Vale picnic area, Royal National Park 2
Duration: 4hrs
Grading: Easy. Guided activities along a bush track, next to a fresh water pond, in the mangroves and at the edge of the water.
Price: $20 per student for groups of 25 or more. GST included. For smaller groups conditions apply.
Accessibility: No wheelchair access
Meeting point: Bonnie Vale picnic area approximately 100m along Sea Breeze Lane.
Equipment provided: No. All equipment is 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-senior-science-local-ecosystem-bonnie-vale/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 A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale.

Maps and downloads

A local ecosystem at Bonnie Vale factsheet