Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

Experience Engage Enable

Telephone02 9816 1298

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

Landscapes and landforms excursion program

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student writing Aboriginal symbols into notebook
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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

 
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

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Landscapes and landforms

Geography

Program

Students journey along the Lane Cove River investigating and observing the features and characteristics of a riverine landscape. The study site will stimulate student thinking on the environmental, economic, recreational and cultural value of the Lane Cove River with particular reference to local Aboriginal Peoples. 

Inquiry questions

  • What are the features and characteristics of a riverine landscape?
  • What geomorphic processes of tectonic activity, weathering, erosion and deposition create and shape the riverine landscape?
  • How do people value and protect riverine landscapes?
  • What Knowledges and Practices are used by Aboriginal Peoples to manage and care for Country?

Fieldwork

Students will engage in a variety of fieldwork activities using digital and non-digital tools. Fieldwork activities are supported by a student booklet which encourages students to record geographical information in a variety of ways. 

Using maps, field sketching and observation, students investigate the features and characteristics of the riverine landscape and its landforms.

This is supported with the use of scientific equipment to collect quantitative data on the biophysical and human features of the riverine landscape. 

Students examine how geomorphic processes have shaped the landscape by locating examples of weathering, erosion and deposition in-situ.

Through hands-on activities, students gain an experiential understanding of sustainable Aboriginal management practices.

To conclude, students will observe management strategies that protect the Lane Cove River and its environments.

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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

Syllabus outcomes and content

NSW Geography 7–10 Syllabus (2024) 

Outcomes 

  • locates the diverse features and describes the characteristics of a range of places and environments GE4-DFC-01
  • explains the processes and interactions that change people, places and environments GE4-PRI-01
  • explains the management and protection of places and environments GE4-MAN-01
  • explains Aboriginal Peoples’ Custodianship, care and management of Country GE4-APC-01
  • selects and uses geographical tools to acquire and process geographical information GE4-TAP-01

Content 

Dynamic landscapes and landforms

  • Location and features of a variety of landscapes and landforms
  • Geomorphic processes of tectonic activity, weathering, erosion and deposition that create and shape landscapes and landforms
  • Human impacts that modify landscapes and landforms

The value and protection of landscapes and landforms

  • Environmental, economic, recreational and cultural value of landscapes and landforms
  • Protection of landscapes and landforms on various scales
  • Knowledges and Practices used by Aboriginal Peoples to manage and care for Country
Geography 7–10 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024

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Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre

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We’d like to acknowledge the Wallumedegal Peoples of the Darug Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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