Sydney’s scenic coastal suburbs, and their associated challenges for seaside development, are the focus of this geographical investigation. We’ll observe first-hand some of the processes that form and alter natural sand dunes, by constructing dune profiles, vegetation profiles, and wind speed tables, and we’ll study the changes in the coastline over time using historical data. A tour of the coastline takes in a number of management strategies used by landholders – some quite controversial – to protect seaside developments against coastal erosion.

Locations

• Long Reef and Collaroy coast
• Cronulla

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, map work, dune profile, vegetation profile, wind speed tests
• Midday session: Historical photos, coastal traverse
• Afternoon session: Transect of coastal erosion management strategies in action

Activities are performed in a rotation to accommodate multiple classes. The timing and location of activities will vary according to factors such as the school’s schedule, number of classes, and the environmental conditions on the day.

Sample worksheets are available which also contain details of geographical skills, equipment and secondary data provided by this program. Contact us to request.

Sydney’s National Parks and natural areas are under pressure from all sides, with competing priorities for management to address issues such as access, habitat destruction, pollution and land degradation. At the same time, research and progressive strategies are enabling advances in management using contemporary and traditional approaches. This field trip examines the geographical processes essential for the natural functioning of bushland ecosystems, showcases some of the human-induced issues impacting this area, and evaluates successes and failures of management strategies to address these issues.

Locations

• Bantry Bay (Frenchs Forest)
• Camp Coutts (Waterfall)

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, map work, water pollution and urban runoff study
• Midday session: Land development study
• Afternoon session: Bushland management strategy study

Activities are performed in a rotation to accommodate multiple classes. The timing and location of activities will vary according to factors such as the school’s schedule, number of classes, and the environmental conditions on the day.

Sample worksheets are available which also contain details of geographical skills, equipment and secondary data provided by this program. Contact us to request.

Small pockets are all that remain of the lush subtropical rainforest that once covered the slopes beneath the Illawarra Escarpment. Valuable hardwood trees, growing in the rich basalt soils, were felled for timber and the forest cleared to make way for productive farmland. Students will study first-hand the complex connections between humans (indigenous and newer Australians) and this place and its environment. They’ll discover the unique microclimate that formed the rainforest, the human-induced pressures threatening its survival, and a variety of strategies and viewpoints from competing issues that may, or may not, protect it into the future.

Locations

• Mt Keira (Wollongong)

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, map work, land clearing study
• Midday session: Biophysical testing in two local ecosystem niches
• Afternoon session: Rainforest conservation observations and evaluation

Activities are performed in a rotation to accommodate multiple classes. The timing and location of activities will vary according to factors such as the school’s schedule, number of classes, and the environmental conditions on the day.

Sample worksheets are available which also contain details of geographical skills, equipment and secondary data provided by this program. Contact us to request.

The estuary of Botany Bay is a rich and productive wetland biome with critical roles in local food chains supporting the seafood harvest. We’ll undertake physical testing to determine the physical characteristics of the estuary, and identify surrounding sources of clean water and pollution. Students also use quadrat surveys to calculate the natural capacity of mangroves to support oyster populations, so they can consider the productivity of the wetland biome and investigate the decline of Sydney Rock Oyster production in the area.

Location

• Botany Bay (Kurnell)

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, background, map work, field sketch
• Midday session: Physical testing (mangroves and seagrass), oyster quadrat survey
• Afternoon session: Animal catch (mangroves and/or seagrass)

Activities are performed in a rotation to accommodate multiple classes. The timing and location of activities will vary according to factors such as the school’s schedule, number of classes, and the environmental conditions on the day.

Sample worksheets are available which also contain details of geographical skills, equipment and secondary data provided by this program. Contact us to request.

Pivotal in Sydney’s maritime trade history, the bustling wharves and warehouses of Pyrmont and what is now Barangaroo have both experienced their own paths of urban change and renewal. Pyrmont has become one of the city’s highest-density residential areas, and Barangaroo is growing to exemplify a modern and sustainable business district. Students will use field equipment to collect data about physical parameters relating to environmental conditions. They will also observe evidence of urban decay, investigate solutions to the challenge of Sydney’s urban sprawl, and identify strategies to ensure economic, social and environmental sustainability in both suburbs. A ferry ride between the two provides a spectacular (but optional) viewpoint from the water.

Location

• Pyrmont and Barangaroo

Program outline

• Morning session: Site briefing, background, physical testing in Pyrmont
• Midday session: Tour of case study buildings and sustainable features in Pyrmont, ferry ride
• Afternoon session: Sustainability tour and physical testing in Barangaroo

Activities are performed in a rotation to accommodate multiple classes. The timing and location of activities will vary according to factors such as the school’s schedule, number of classes, and the environmental conditions on the day.

Sample worksheets are available which also contain details of geographical skills, equipment and secondary data provided by this program. Contact us to request.