Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Education Network
Network Members Information Sheets
Blue Mountains National Parks Discovery
Delta Energy Expo
Edge Giant Screen Cinema
Eskbank House
Hartley Historic Site
Jenolan Caves
Megalong Australian Heritage Centre
Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens
River Deep Mountain High
Scenicworld
Small Arms Factory Museum
State Mine Heritage Park & Railway
Valley Heights Heritage Museum
Zig Zag Railway
Blue Mountains YHA, Katoomba
Fantastic Aussie Tours
Blue Mountains Bus Company
Jemby Rinjah Eco Lodge
Jenolan Caves Student Accommodation
Megalong Australian Heritage Centre
TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute (Blue Mountains College)
Blue Mountains Hotel School
The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area provides a living class room where students of all ages and interests can engage in learning experiences directly relating to living and working in a World Heritage area.
The natural beauty of the area makes this an inspiring destination with a range of education based attractions providing hands-on learning opportunities that complement classroom learning on such things as the environment, geography, geology, history and heritage, visual and creative arts, science and technology, heritage farming, indigenous heritage, impacts of tourism and small business studies …. all with some fun added in to make the learning experience memorable.
The challenge of learning new skills, building confidence, team work, and leadership skills equipping students for the future are also covered in the various activities on offer in the Region.
Special interest groups will not be disappointed either and here is why…….
World Heritage: The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is one of the world’s natural wonders. The Area has been described as a living laboratory of evolutionary processes. It is home to 400 animal species, including more than one third of Australia’s bird species, 1,300 plant species, 4,000 moths and butterflies, and the greatest concentration of eucalypt diversity in Australia.
History & Heritage: Europeans spent 25 years attempting to cross the Blue Mountains. Once a route was found in 1813, the rich agricultural and mining lands to the west of the “Great Divide” were opened up saving the new colony from ruin. The Region is rich in early European architecture, mining ghost towns and engineering wonders including the oldest bridge on the Australian mainland and a railway that is internationally acclaimed as an engineering masterpiece of the19th century.
W.H.E.N. you are planning your next school excursion, study tour or even thinking about undertaking an English language course in New South Wales we invite you to consider -
BLUE MOUNTAINS W.H.E.N …
World Heritage Education Network.
Education Network Information Sheet
Attractions and Activities Page 2
Blue Mountains National Parks Discovery walks, talks and tours are generally conducted on National Park reserve and led by trained and experienced Discovery Rangers.
The Discovery Program for Schools offers quality, low-cost educational walks and activities which are designed to address learning outcomes from the Board of Studies NSW curriculum. Walks can also be designed to meet international student needs. Locations for school excursion activities include Glenbrook, Wentworth Falls, Katoomba and Blackheath.
Key Learning Areas: Human society and its environment, aboriginal studies, geography, science.
Contact: Naomi Goosen
Location: Cnr Whitton & Camp Streets, Katoomba 2780
Tel: +61 2 4784 7300
Email: BlueMtns.Discovery@environment.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Delta Energy Expo at Mt Piper 20kms north west of Lithgow has a comprehensive schools program on how electricity is made, not just in thermal power plants, but all other sources for electrical energy and related environmental factors. Coal – its history, production, availability, delivery, quality, impact on society and interaction with the community are covered in the program. The interactive expo displays and models combined with tours of the power station itself provide a hands on learning experience from Years 4 – 6 to University. Excellent picnic facilities are available in the grounds.
Key Learning Areas: Science and technology, geology, geography, history, engineering physics, environment.
Contact: Wolf Kempa
Location: 350 Boulder Road, Portland 2847 (via Lithgow)
Tel: +61 2 6354 8155
Email: wolfgang.kempa@de.com.au
Web: www.de.com.au
Edge Giant Screen Cinema documentary film explores raging waters, early colonial settlement, underground caves, Aboriginal history and the world’s oldest living tree species, the Wollemi Pine. Students will gain an insight into the geographical evolution of this World Heritage area and the management practices that have been put in place to protect the flora and fauna of the Blue Mountains for future generations.
The Edge and Scenic World offer an exciting new educational program designed specifically for international school students. The program includes lessons on the environmental importance of the surrounding World Heritage wilderness
Key Learning Areas: Human impact on the Blue Mountains, environmental management, interactions of people with environments including local, regional and national, conservation, ecological sustainability, tourism and its impacts, physical processes, European impact, geographical diversity.
Contact: Anthony Tilt
Location: 225 Great Western Highway, Katoomba 2780
Tel: +61 2 4782 8900
Email: anthony@edgecinema.com.au
Education Network Information Sheet
Attractions and Activities Page 3
Eskbank House located in the Lithgow Valley this historic home built in 1842 now operates as a museum featuring a collection that provides an insight into the people and industries that have presided in the Lithgow Region. Eskbank House & Museum can cater to the needs of school and education groups through the delivery of guided tours and educational material as guided by the NSW Department of Education & Training K-12 school curriculum. Tours can also be developed to suit group or teacher requirements.
Key Learning Areas: early Australian history, industrialisation in Australia, living in a small rural community.
Contact: Kristie Cooke
Location: Bennett Street, Lithgow 2790
Tel: +61 2 6351 3557
Email: eskbank@lithgow.com
Web: www.lithgow.com/eskbank/
Hartley Historic Site is a well preserved 19th century village on the western edge of the Blue Mountains. Consisting of 17 buildings of historic significance, the village dates from 1837 when the Greek revival courthouse was constructed to deal with the large numbers of convicts in the area. The village grew around the courthouse and houses, inns Churches, a post office and garages were also built. The village is set amongst pastures, orchards, native vegetation, and is surrounded by the escarpment of the Blue Mountains. Hartley was reserved as a historic site for the protection of a substantial and well-preserved remnant of one of the first rural settlements west of the Blue Mountains, one which played an essential role in the development of inland Australia.
Guided educational tours of Hartley Historic Site focus on the Colonial history of the region. Students are immersed in 18th Century Australia, an era of convicts and lashes for petty crimes. The Courthouse features both a male and female cell, where the incarcerated inscribed graffiti on the walls of the wood lined cell. The Courthouse tour allows students to dress up in period style and dramatise a case from the original Court records.
Key Learning Areas: Human Society and its Environment,
Early Australian
history, aboriginal heritage, Visual and creative arts, drama
Contact: Steve Ring
Location: Great Western Highway, Hartley
Tel: +61 2 6355 2117
Email: steve.ring@environment.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Education Network Information Sheet
Attractions and Activities Page 4
Jenolan Caves declared by scientists as the oldest ‘living’ caves system in the world students can enjoy a unique experience within a world heritage area. All guides have a commitment to conservation and protection of the environment and programs are focused on an understanding of the environment through adventure, challenge, teamwork and fun! The limestone karst area provides an understanding of local geomorphology and landscapes, the importance of tourism conservation and an understanding of cultural development. For visiting students the reserve is best described as ‘Nature’s Classroom”. The truly unique surrounds offer students the opportunity to experience rare wildlife, unchanged and contrasting ecosystems, and geological formations wilder than the imagination.
Key Learning Areas: History, geology, English, biology, chemistry, tourism, human society and its environment, personal development.
Contact: Senior Guide
Location: Jenolan Caves 2790
Tel: +61 2 6359 3911
Email: senguides@jenolancaves.org.au
Web: http://www.jenolancaves.org.au
Megalong Australian Heritage Centre provides students with the opportunity to experience real outback life right in the heart of the Blue Mountains. Students gain a hands-on experience that provides an insight into early Australia heritage from our Man, Land & the Environment program. Students are offered a wide variety of experiences that meet their needs for curriculum subjects or an entertaining and educational learning experience. Megalong Valley Farm is committed to presenting old world traditions which form part of our Australian character and personality.
Key Learning Areas: Australian History, Environmental studies, Aboriginal heritage, Discovery and explorers, Heritage farming
Contact: Glenda Lane
Location: Megalong Road, Megalong Valley. 2785
Tel: +61 2 4787 8188
Email: admin@megalong.cc
Web: ww.megalong.cc
Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens is the cool-climate garden of the Botanic Gardens Trust Sydney. It covers 28 hectares on the summit of a basalt-capped peak, 1000 metres above sea level, in the World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains. The Mount Tomah Conservation area has 186 ha of pristine rainforest, heath lands, hanging swamps and sandstone formations. Wilderness tours into the area provide an opportunity for visitors to experience and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the Blue Mountains.
The diversity of the themed displays at Mount Tomah Botanic Garden enables the creation of a safe yet exhilarating education experience. Take a behind-the-scenes look at a grove of rare Wollemi Pines, this is the first place these ‘dinosaur’ trees have been planted in their natural habitat.
Key Learning Areas: Geology, Human society and its environment, Science and technology, Aboriginal Studies, Links to all subjects
Contact: Community Education Officer
Location: Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah 2758
Tel: +61 2 4567 3015
Email: tomah@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
Web: http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/mount_tomah_botanic_garden
Education Network Information Sheet
Attractions and Activities Page 5
River Deep Mountain High offers tailored programs ranging from one to five days covering a comprehensive schools program including overnight camping, experiential learning, curriculum-based and leadership programmes. A two day programme for example can include: abseiling, rock climbing, bushwalking, Scenic Railway, Three Sisters and Echo Point, Edge Movie and Jenolan Caves.
The Company can cater for groups of over 200 at any one time and can organise local accommodation with or without catering. Coach transport can also be arranged.
Key Learning Areas: Human society and its environment, geology, leadership, teamwork
Contact: Craig Albery
Location: 2/187 Katoomba St, Katoomba 2780
Tel: +61 2 4782 6109
Email: fun@rdmh.com.au
Web: www.rdmh.com.au
Scenicworld offers students the thrill of a ride on the steepest incline railway in the world before joining a guide who will escort your group along the elevated Walkway, past the coal mines, through the temperate rainforest (with its interpretive signs) and deep into the Jamison Valley. The students can see conservation efforts first-hand as well as the impact from coal mining and the immediate effects of human occupation and modern day tourism. Teachers can make use of the Rainforest Classroom for review before returning along the Walkway to the Cableway which will take you 500 metres back to the cliff top. Students then enter the lecture and cinema theatre for a 3D photographic programme.
Scenic World and The Edge Cinema offer an exciting new educational program designed specifically for international school students. The program includes lessons on the environmental importance of the surrounding World Heritage wilderness, tickets to the Edge movie and rides at Scenic World.
Key Learning Areas: Human impact on the Blue Mountains, environmental management, interactions of people with environments including local, regional and national, conservation, ecological sustainability, tourism and its impacts, physical processes, European impact, geographical diversity.
Contact: Education Officer
Location: Cnr Violet Street & Cliff Drive, Katoomba 2780
Tel: +61 2 4782 2699
Email: info@scenicworld.com.au
Education Network Information Sheet
Attractions and Activities Page 6
Small Arms Factory Museum In 1912, the Government built the Small Arms Factory in Lithgow to manufacture weapons and small arms. The factory was the first modern manufacturing plant in Australia, demonstrating precision engineering techniques. On display in the museum is a collection of military weapons and small arms and other items produced onsite at the factory including sewing machines, golf irons and hand cuffs. Tours of the Small Arms Factory Museum focus on the social history of the factory, through its employment of a local work force, the role that war has played on Australian society, especially through the employment of females into traditional men’s jobs and the role that guns and weapons have had in Australia’s history. The tour also focuses on the adaptability of a major factory to produce other precision equipment to ensure the ongoing operation of the site. The tours provoke students to consider what influence guns play in society, traditional working roles of Australians, particularly during times of war and how precise the engineering of small components is required to ensure the operation of equipment.
Key Learning Areas: Human Society & its environment, Science &
Technology, Mathematics, Visual & Creative Arts, Basic metallurgical principles
Contact: Small Arms Factory Museum
Location: Methven Street, Lithgow 2790
Tel: +61 2 6351 4452
Email: tourism@litghow.com
Web: www.tourism.lithgow.com
State Mine Heritage Park & Railway is an industrial park steeped in history and provides students with an appreciation of the role of coal and steelmaking in the development of the Australian nation and the lives of coal miners in the 20th century. Officially opened in September 1916, it wasn’t until after the first production in 1921 the mine became the biggest employer in the western coalfields and one of the largest in the State. The Mine closed dramatically in June 1964 after heavy rain when millions of gallons of floodwater cascaded into two of the collieries. Suited to Year 5, 8 & 10 HSIE, all stages of Visual & Creative Arts.
Key Learning Areas: Human Society & its environment, Science & Technology, Mathematics, Visual & Creative Arts, Basic metallurgical principles
Contact: State Mine Heritage Park & Railway
Location: State Mine Gully Road, Lithgow 2790
Tel: +61 2 6353 1513
Email: tourism @litghow.com
Web: www.statemine.org.au
Education Network Information Sheet
Attractions and Activities Page 7
Valley Heights Heritage Museum houses a collection of historic railway and tramway locomotives and rolling stock depicting the development of rail transportation in NSW from the 1880’s to the 1980’s. The majority of the collection is displayed in the oldest remaining steam locomotive Roundhouse in Australia. The Museum is also the home of the Valley Heights Steam Tramway, operators of the only operating example of the Sydney Steam Tram from the 1880’s.
School groups have the opportunity to study the history and development of rail transport in NSW from the 1880’s to the modern day. Activities include a thorough history of the Locomotive Depot and the development of the Blue Mountains Railway line, a ride on the Sydney Steam Tram or a locomotive cab ride (depends on weather). Activity sheets for student use on Rail Transport history and local history if required. Facilities include picnic ground and disabled toilet.
Key Learning Areas: Australian History, History of rail transport in NSW
Contact: Andrew Tester
Location: Tusculum Road, Valley Heights 2777
Tel: +61 2 4751 4638
Email: atmuseum@optusnet.com.au
Web: www.infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot
Zig Zag Railway is internationally acclaimed as one of the great railway engineering wonders of the 19th century. Designed by John Whitton, Engineer in Chief of the NSW Government Railways 1857 -1890, its purpose was to bring the Great Western Railway Line from the top of the Blue Mountains, down a sheer precipice into the Lithgow Valley. The single track line passes through two tunnels and over three magnificent sandstone viaducts built of locally quarried sandstone.
With the opening of the new double track line in 1910 the old track fell into disrepair until 1968 when a group of enthusiasts commenced negotiations to establish a steam tourist railway in NSW. Steam and or diesel trains now depart every day except Christmas day from Clarence Station at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Key Learning Areas: Australian History, Transport, Science and Technology.
Contact: Margaret Fuller
Location: Clarence Railway Station, Clarence (via Lithgow)
Tel: +61 2 6355 2955
Email: zzroffic@bigpond.net.au
Education Network Information Sheet
Blue Mountains YHA, Katoomba winner of both a State and National Tourism Award for Backpacker accommodation the YHA can accommodate groups of up to 75 people (Sunday to Friday, Saturday night limit of 40) and for groups of 50 offer exclusive use of the group wing for $1200.
Conveniently located in the heart of Katoomba the YHA offers groups affordable accommodation with modern facilities in one of the largest YHAs in Australia. Opening in May 2001 the Blue Mountains YHA brings the glory days of 1920’s Katoomba back to life. The fully renovated art deco guesthouse retains its original charm.
Groups can self cater for all meals in either the group kitchen, or the main guest kitchen. Catering is also available upon request.
Key Learning Areas: Blue Mountains YHA works closely with all operators in supporting learning outcomes from the various syllabus programs.
Contact: Ross Lardner
Location: 207 Katoomba Street, Katoomba 2780
Tel: +61 2 4782 1416
Email: bluemountains@yhansw.org.au
Web: www.yha.com.au
Jemby Rinjah Eco Lodge holds Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation under the National Ecotourism Accreditation Program and was one of the first working examples of large scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia. The Lodge was designed to coexist with and take advantage of the natural environment and has won several major awards both for innovative design and its successful operation as a tourism business.
Jemby Rinjah has a field studies program for senior geography students written specifically for the Lodge and its’ surrounding environment. All programs are based on syllabus outcomes and contribute towards the fieldwork requirements of the subject. Jemby Ringah is located within minutes of some of the best walking trails in the Blue Mountains and off site activities and visits can also be organised.
Every morning many parrots come to feed and lizards, possums, owls and nocturnal animals can be seen on the property. Accommodation is in three eco-friendly timber lodges, with bunk beds and capacity for up to 16 per lodge.
Key Learning Areas: Environmental management, conservation, ecological sustainability, tourism and its impacts, physical processes, geographical diversity
Contact: Bill Urquhart
Location: 336 Evans Lookout Road, Blackheath 2785
Tel: +61 2 4787 7622
Email: info@jembyrinjahlodge.com.au
Web: www.jembyrinjahlodge.com.au
Education Network Information Sheet
Jenolan Caves Student Accommodation: A choice of two styles of accommodation for students/groups is available.
The Mountain Lodge is a modern motel style accommodation. All rooms have a queen size bed, ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, television, telephone, iron etc and the Mountain Lodge has a 4 star motel rating.
The Gatehouse is a comfortable 3-storey bush-walkers lodge containing 14 rooms. Six have double beds and one set of bunks, 7 with three sets of bunks and one flat with 1 Queen, 1 double sofa bed and 2 single beds. There are unisex bathroom facilities and common rooms with televisions, fridges and cooking facilities. Linen can be provided for a one off cost of $4 per student.
Special school menus are available in Chisolm’s Restaurant.
Contact: Group Co-Ordinator
Location: Jenolan Caves 2790
Tel: +61 2 6359 3322
Email: bookings@jenolancaveshouse.com
Web: www.jenolancaveshouse.com
Megalong Australian Heritage Centre offers accommodation for up to 20 people in a rustic Stockman’s Lodge that let’s students experience outback life as it used to be. There are 7 bunks in the main room and the wool sorting compartments now double up as separate facilities each holding bunk beds that can sleep two. There are two showers with two toilets, kitchenette, inside fire and outside BBQ and open fire.
Key Learning Areas: Australian History, Environmental studies, Aboriginal heritage, Discovery and explorers, Heritage farming
Contact: Glenda Lane
Location: Megalong Valley Road, Megalong Valley
Tel: +61 2 4787 8188
Email: admin@megalong.cc
Web: ww.megalong.cc
Education Network Information Sheet
Transport Page 10
Blue Mountains Bus Company has been successfully catering for educational, environmental and stimulating school excursions throughout New South Wales and the ACT. Operating in the Mountains for over 50 years their dedicated and experienced staff are able to organise your entire itinerary to fulfil your curriculum criteria at Primary and Secondary school levels.
A modern and reliable fleet of coaches offer panoramic windows, air conditioning and luxury seating and pick ups can be arranged in Sydney or at any Blue Mountains rail station.
Contact: John Bauerhuit
Location: 25 Great Western Highway, Valley Heights 2777 (also Katoomba)
Tel: +61 2 4751 1077
Email: info@bmbc.com.au
Web: www.bmbc.com.au
Fantastic Aussie Tours: 32 years ago the company was formed by operating the very first overnight school excursions for public schools in NSW. The company has developed over the years and still offers a wide range of educational products and services including the following:
· Coach Charter for educational school excursions – options of luxury seat belted coaches to high seating capacity bendy and double deck buses.
· Experienced drivers trained in providing commentary to meet clients focus for the tour.
· One stop itinerary planning via our fully licenced travel agency for excursion groups of all ages using our local knowledge to ensure all your needs are met.
· Daily seat in coach day tours to Jenolan Caves – ideal for smaller groups.
· Self drive vans, mini and midi coaches –ideal for teacher driven transfers or tours.
· CityRail train connections – meet and greet at Blue Mountains railway stations – purchase a combined Blue Mountains Link ticket and save.
Contact: Robyn Vidler
Location: 283 Main Street, Katoomba 2780
Tel: +61 2 4782 1866
Email: robyn@fantastic-aussie-tours.com.au
Web: www.fantastic-aussie-tours.com.au
Education Network Information Sheet
Educational Institutions Page 11
TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute (Blue Mountains College) offers educational nature programs in the Blue Mountains, from one day to a full semester. Programs can be combined with English language courses, adventure activities or conservation works. Tourism and Hospitality Programs can also be organised. TAFE work closely with all members of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Education Network in particular The Edge Cinema and Jenolan Caves.
Blue Mountains Hotel School: In 2006 the Blue Mountains Hotel School (BMHS), Australia’s first fully residential private hotel management college, celebrates 15 years of successful operation, providing international qualifications in hospitality and tourism management to over 3,000 graduates.
Contact: Julian Leatherdale
Location: Gladstone Road, Leura
Tel: 4780 1631
Email: jleatherdale@bmihms.nsw.edu.au
Web: www.hotelschool.com.au
Blue Mountains also has a number of public and private schools accommodating students from kindergarten to Year 12 and many are involved in environmental education programs such as stream watch, earth journeys. Visits to local schools can be organised.