Students are introduced to Marine Studies through a guided snorkeling adventure in the pristine waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Led by local marine scientists, students will:

• Explore the bay’s diverse marine habitats, including rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and kelp forests.

• Participate in hands-on fieldwork, such as coral health surveys to monitor reef condition and wildlife identification surveys to record the variety of fish and invertebrates.

• Learn to classify marine organisms, investigate their unique adaptations, and understand the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in marine food webs.

• Connect classroom theory to real-world scientific practice by engaging in citizen science projects and authentic data collection.

Key syllabus links:

• Diversity and classification of marine life

• Adaptations of organisms to their environment

• Roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers

• Marine food chains, webs, and pyramids

• Relationships between species, their adaptations, and the physical environment

This excursion offers a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in a real marine ecosystem, making syllabus field studies both engaging and impactful.

Stage 6 Geography – Coastal Connections: Exploring Nature’s Cycles at Cabbage Tree Bay

During this outdoor school field trip, students will investigate the unique features of coastal environments and the interconnected cycles that sustain them. Activities include:

• Exploring a range of coastal habitats to observe how factors like water temperature, ocean currents, and sunlight influence ecosystem functioning.

• Conducting hands-on data collection and analysis to understand the flow of energy and nutrients through local food webs.

• Evaluating human impacts on the coastal ecosystem—both positive (conservation efforts) and negative (pollution, habitat disturbance).

• Learning about hydrological cycles, including rainfall, runoff, and their effects on coastal processes.

Key syllabus links:

• Characteristics and functioning of Earth’s natural systems

• Processes, cycles, and circulations connecting natural systems, including hydrology

• Human impacts on coastal environments

• Sustainable management and conservation strategies

This field study directly addresses Stage 6 Geography outcomes by fostering a deep understanding of biophysical interactions and the importance of sustainable coastal management.

Stage 5 (Elective) Geography – Underwater Explorers: Snorkel, Survey & Solve at Cabbage Tree Bay

This hands-on field study immerses Year 9 students in the ecological richness and management challenges of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Throughout their school excursion, students will:

• Snorkel through a variety of habitats, from rocky reefs to seagrass beds and coral communities.

• Identify and document iconic marine species, such as the Blue Groper and Giant Cuttlefish.

• Collect and analyze ecological data to assess the importance of marine protected areas.

• Investigate the impacts of human activity and evaluate the effectiveness of current management strategies.

Key syllabus links:

• Ecological significance of marine protected areas

• Identification and description of marine habitats and species

• Analysis of human impacts and management strategies

• Application of geographical skills in fieldwork and data collection

By connecting classroom concepts to real-world marine environments, this field study helps students develop essential geographical skills while fostering environmental stewardship and a passion for conservation.

These engaging, curriculum-aligned field studies and school excursions at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve offer students a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of Sydney’s coastal ecosystems, deepen their understanding of syllabus content, and become active participants in marine conservation.

Wildlife Disclaimer & Marine Life You May Encounter

Please note that wildlife is wild and unpredictable. Therefore, we cannot guarantee sightings of any particular species. However, the magic of nature lies in its surprises—you never know what fascinating creatures you might encounter during your adventure!

Common Marine Species in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve

• Blue Groper (Near-threatened species)

• Grey Nurse Shark (Threatened species)

• Port Jackson Shark (June – November)

• Spotted Wobbegong

• Eagle Ray

• Green Moray

• Weedy Sea Dragons (Near-threatened species)

• Maori Wrasse

• Crimson-banded Wrasse

• Giant Cuttlefish (February – August)

• Dusky Whaler Shark (February – June)

• Green Turtle

• …and many more!

For detailed information, visit our Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve Marine Identification page.

Participate in Citizen Science Projects

Enhance your learning experience by contributing to real-world scientific research through these citizen science initiatives:

• iNaturalist Manly: Record and observe local wildlife to help build a community database.

• Coastsnap: Join a global project capturing changes in coastlines through photographic monitoring.

Educational Guided Walks: Land-Based Field Studies

Embark on a journey of discovery with Ecotreasures’ guided field study walks. Our immersive land-based programs take students through Australia’s diverse ecosystems along scenic coastal trails. Guided by expert naturalists, students will:

• Explore native flora and fauna

• Understand coastal processes and ecological sustainability

• Learn about conservation and the delicate balance of natural environments

These walks are tailored to meet specific learning outcomes and foster a deep appreciation for protecting our natural heritage.

Field Study Locations Include:

• Manly

• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

• Sydney Harbour National Park

• Northern Beaches Coastal Trail (Manly to Palm Beach)

Pre-Field Study Trip Information for Teachers

To ensure a smooth and effective experience, teachers will receive comprehensive pre-trip materials, including:

• Risk assessments and public liability insurance certificates

• Syllabus-aligned student worksheets, customizable to suit your specific assessment tasks

• Pre-trip lesson materials to prepare students and provide detailed background on the study locations

We work closely with educators to align our programs with classroom learning and syllabus outcomes.

Educational Field Studies: Suggested Curriculum Units

Our field studies support a wide range of curriculum units, including:

• Geography: Stage 4, 5, and 6

• Science: Stage 4, 5, and 6

• Primary Education: Stage 1, 2, and 3

• PDHPE, PASS, Outdoor Education, and Marine Studies

• Duke of Edinburgh Award programs

Each program is designed to seamlessly integrate with educational frameworks, enriching student learning through hands-on experiences.

How to Book Your School Field Trip or Excursion

To organise your next school field trip or syllabus field study, please contact us at info@ecotreasures.com.au. We will discuss your group size, learning objectives, and preferred dates to provide a tailored quote.

Let’s work together to create enriching and unforgettable educational experiences for your students. Dive into discovery and explore with ECO TREASURES today!