Yr 8 Geography Excursion
Unit of Study: Water in the World
Authors: Evie Cairns, William Short, Francis Neild and Henry Shannon
On Monday, March 11 2024, classes 8 O and 8T ventured to Karloo Pools at the Royal National Park in Heathcote NSW. The purpose of this excursion was to assess the suitability of this location for platypus inhabitance in order to form a judgement for our assessment.
The journey commenced with a short trek down the mountain as we made our way towards the pools. Upon arrival, the cohort had a short recess break to recharge after their treacherous voyage down the slope and admire the picturesque water surrounded by nature and wildlife. We then began to conduct field work on the water, testing the water temperature, pH and turbidity with Ms Nolan. From information given to us in prior in-class lessons, we used these readings to see if platypuses could thrive in this environment. Ten platypuses had already been introduced at a very close location and we were tasked to assess the water and the surrounding riparian environment quality to see if the Karloo Pools area was suitable for platypus reintroduction.
Following this, the group collected macroinvertebrates upstream using nets. These macroinvertebrates are not only a credible indication of water quality but also the primary food source for platypuses. Various species were found, including the water strider, whirligig beetle, water boatman, freshwater shrimp, yabbies and caddis fly larva. Other species were observed, including small fish and tadpoles, both of which are generally sensitive to human impacts on the water. This was a highly enjoyable section of the excursion, those who went in to collect macroinvertebrates receiving a pleasant break from the stark heat beating down on the cohort throughout the day.
We briefly discussed the effect of the present and past weather on the landscape and water quality, relating this to our observations on the features of the pools.
This excursion improved our knowledge of this environment and provided us with valuable skills on evaluating water quality and identifying macroinvertebrates.
Personal experiences
Evie Cairns: The excursion to Karloo Pools in the Royal National Park was absolutely amazing. Not only was it an enjoyable social experience relaxing and observing nature, the day provided me with essential knowledge relevant to our assessment. My observations built on previous information in class, developing my geographical understanding of river catchment areas and landscapes. It was lovely watching the interactions between the wildlife and the surrounding landforms, some notable mentions including the lace monitor creeping across the rough sandstone and miniature birds swooping above the flowing water. The topography of the landscape made the bush walk a thrilling ordeal as I struggled to stay upright on the slippery sandstone slope. It was an incredibly beneficial excursion that bestowed helpful hands-on experience in capturing macroinvertebrates and conducting tests on the environment around me.
Francis Neild: The excursion to Karloo Pools was great. Not only did we learn valuable information about macroinvertebrates and water quality, we also had a really great time chilling out, bushwalking and admiring the pristine natural environment. The area was almost untouched and was beautiful to admire. There was various wildlife including an incredible Lace Monitor. My favourite part of the excursion was when we went macroinvertebrate collecting. It felt great to get wet and it was a real laugh. A lot of people fell in, some accidentally, some not so much! I would definitely recommend this excursion to later groups, it was a blast!
William Short: “I LOVED it. It was an absolutely great excursion to an almost untouched natural environment in the Royal National Park that could soon be home to platypuses. We observed some cool wildlife, such as a Lace Monitor, a Grey Fantail and BULL ANTS AGH. It was great to be able to do some scientific research and testing on a natural environment and a great day out for some challenging bushwalking and observing the natural world and all its charming beauty. We also learnt valuable information that would be key to our upcoming assessment about macroinvertebrates and water quality as well as the unique type of topography and catchment area Karloo Pools was in and how human impacts can reach and affect the area. Some of us had a most wonderfully refreshing time in the water as we caught macroinvertebrates. I CHIPPED A TOENAIL . All in all it was a great 10/10 excursion that would be fantastic for future students.
Henry Shannon: The excursion to Karloo Pools was great. We learned lots of information about water quality, platypus habitats and macroinvertebrates. We caught the train to Heathcote station and walked the 2.5 km to the pools. The walk was challenging on the uneven terrain but was fun and had great views of the surrounding valleys. When we got to the pools, we stopped and had some time to hang out and admire the picturesque pools, before starting our work. We tested the water temperature, turbidity levels and pH, and described the characteristics of the pools that would have an effect on water quality. Finally, we waded in the nearby creek to search for macroinvertebrates. We learned that they are a very good indicator of how polluted the water was. It was great to cool off and get wet. It was a fantastic experience and one I will not forget!
