Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Experience Engage Enable

Telephone02 9816 1298

Emailfieldofmar-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Landforms and landscapes excursion program

Teacher checklist

Location 1

Southern walk

2 Classes (dependant on bus max. capacity and size)

Start - Boronia Park, Park Rd, Hunters Hill  

Finish - Buffalo Creek Reserve, Pittwater Rd, Hunters Hill 

2 Classes (dependant on bus max. capacity and size)

Start - Buffalo Creek Reserve, Pittwater Rd, Hunters Hill 

Finish - Boronia Park, Park Rd, Hunters Hill

Wallumedegal Country

Supply driver with

Boronia Park bus information

Buffalo Creek Reserve bus information 

Southern walk risk management plan

Watch the YouTube track overview video.

Boronia Park to Buffalo Creek Reserve

Location 2

Central walk

2 classes (dependant on bus max. capacity and size)

Start - Magdala Park, Magdala Rd, East Ryde

Finish - Buffalo Creek Reserve, Pittwater Rd, Hunters Hill

2 classes (dependant on bus max. capacity and size)

Start - Buffalo Creek Reserve, Pittwater Rd, Hunters Hill

Finish - Magdala Park, Magdala Rd, East Ryde

Wallumedegal Country

Supply driver with

Buffalo Creek Reserve bus information

Magdala Park bus information

No bus entry into Buffalo Creek Reserve carpark.

Central walk risk management plan

Watch the YouTube track overview video.

Buffalo Creek Reserve to Magdala Park

Location 3

Northern walk

2 classes (dependant on bus max. capacity and size)

Start - Chatswood Rotary Athletics Field, Mowbray Rd West, Lane Cove North

Finish - Magdala Park, Magdala Rd, East Ryde

Gamaraygal Country and Wallumedegal Country

Supply driver with 

Chatswood Rotary Athletics Field (details coming soon)

Northern walk risk management plan

Watch the YouTube track overview video.

Chatswood Rotary Athletics Field (coming soon)

Please contact the centre for detailed information on locations, bus access and public transport options
Cost

2025 DoE $26 per student - GST free

2025 Non-gov school cost $36 per student - GST free, minimum charge $750

Schools are to confirm the number of students and classes at least 7 days prior to attending. Schools will be charged based on the number of students confirmed or number of students who attend on the day (whichever is greater). 

Welfare

Participants will be bushwalking all day in rugged terrain.

Limited wheelchair accessibility. Email to confirm with location.

This excursion may not be suitable for people who have been recently unwell.

Toilets are only available at the beginning and end of the day.

Bring Writing materials, mobile device for audiovisual recording, medications, low-waste food, two water bottles, sunblock, hat and raincoat in a backpack. Sports uniform recommended. There are no shops.
Watch Preparing for an excursion
Bin access All student waste to be taken home by students.
Medical or special needs

Notify Field of Mars staff prior to excursion. 

Students, staff and visitors must not attend if unwell, even with mild symptoms. 

Extreme or wet weather Days predicted to be above 35ºC, high winds, extreme bush fire danger and dust storms may result in the excursion being modified, postponed or cancelled. 
Cancellations

Cancellations with less than 30 working school days notice will incur a $600 administration fee. 

Cancellations with less than 7 working school days notice will incur the full cost for the program based on the original booking. 

Cancellations due to weather or fire danger are exempt from fees. 


Suggested timetable

 
This timetable supports up to four classes. Exact times may vary.

Time

Activites

9.45 - 10.15

Introduction at selected location

Recess, toilets and equipment distributed

10.15 - 12:00 Bushwalk and activities
12.00 - 12.30

Lunch at a scenic spot on the Lane Cove River

12.30 - 2.00

Bushwalk and activities

2.00 - 2.15

Toilets and depart at final destination


Learning activities 

Students follow the meanders of the lower Lane Cove River investigating the multiple layers of place. Commencing with acclimatisation activities students engage in place based inquiry investigating the processes and influences that form and transform landscapes and landforms in the riverine landscape. The study site will stimulate student thinking on the aesthetic, cultural and economic values of the Lane Cove River with particular reference to local Aboriginal Peoples.

Inquiry questions

  • What are the features and characteristics of a riverine environment?
  • What processes form and transform landscapes and landforms within the riverine environment?
  • How do people value riverine environments?
  • What is the cultural and spiritual value of riverine environments to Sydney-based Aboriginal peoples?

Fieldwork

Students will engage in multiple fieldwork activities using digital and non-digital geographic tools to encourage deep thinking about the characteristics of riverine landscapes and the management strategies employed to protect them. 

The journey will commence with activities to tune in and connect with their surroundings to develop a sense of place. Discovery cards and open recording options will provide stimulus for multi-sensory experiences to encourage student-centered investigations and inquiry. 

Students will use scientific equipment to collect quantitative data on the biophysical features of the riverine landscape. Aspects of fluvial geomorphology will be explained and students will make observations on how riverine landscapes and landforms have formed and been transformed over time. 

Students will investigate the aesthetic, cultural, spiritual and economic values of landscapes and landforms held by different people including Aboriginal Peoples. Teacher-led and student-directed activities will promote understanding of Aborignal connections to Country and place, how it was cared for and how it was utilised by Aboriginal Peoples. 

To conclude, students will assess appropriate management strategies for the Lane Cove River and its environments.



Syllabus outcomes and content

NSW Geography K-10 Syllabus (2015) 

Outcomes 

  • locates and describes the diverse features and characteristics of a range of places and environments GE4-1 
  • describes processes and influences that form and transform places and environments GE4-2 
  • examines perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues GE4-4 
  • discusses management of places and environments for their sustainability GE4-5 
  • acquires and processes geographical information by selecting and using geographical tools for inquiry GE4-7 
  • communicates geographical information using a variety of strategies GE4-8 

Content 

Landscapes and landforms

Students:

  • investigate different landscapes and the geomorphic processes that create distinctive landformds

Value of landscapes and landforms

Students:

  • investigate the aesthetic, cultural, spiritual and economic value of landscapes and landforms for people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Landscape management and protection

Students:

  • investigate ways people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, manage and protect landscapes

Geography K-10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2015