People Have Developed as a Nation
Stage 3
HSIE Excursion
Australia’s Nation-Building Adventure!
Right in the heart of Sydney, at The Rocks, students step back in time to uncover how Australia became a nation. As they wander through the area’s hidden streets and historic laneways, they investigate the key events and people who shaped Federation in 1901, using historical sources to understand how the colonies united.
Students even dress up as important historical figures, bringing the story of Federation to life. They also learn the purpose of Australia’s Constitution and explore how national symbols and emblems have changed over time.
10am- 2pm (4 hour)
10:00-10:25am: Arrival & Recess
Hop off the bus and meet our Rangers! We’ll wander down to Circular Quay for morning tea with spectacular harbour views.
10:25-10:45am: Nation-Builders Kick-Off Show
A lively introduction to the people who helped shape Australia as a nation. Students dress up as key historical figures, colonists, leaders, voters and more, to step straight into the past.
10:45-11:25am: Red Walk, Federation Foundations
Journey through The Rocks’ hidden streets as we explore early posignificant events, and the people who influenced Australia’s path to Federation.
11:25-12:05pm: Blue Walk, Symbols & Identity
Compare life in early Sydney, from wealthy elites to working-class families, and discover how our national symbols and identity have changed over time.
12:05-12:40pm: Lunch & Walk to Observatory Hill
12:40-1:15pm: Past & Present Sketching
Students sketch the modern harbour view, then reinterpret what the area may have looked like around Federation.
1:15-1:50pm: Federation Olympics
It’s game time! Fast-paced challenges reinforce key concepts, Constitution, symbols, historical figures, and Australian identity.
1:50-2:00pm: Wrap-Up & Departure
HS3-ACH-01 describes Aboriginal Knowledges and Practices that care for Country and the importance of Aboriginal Languages revival ;
HS3-GEO-01 examines global citizenship and how people organise, protect, and sustainably use the environment, using geographical information;
HS3-ACH-01 describes Aboriginal Knowledges and Practices that care for Country and the importance of Aboriginal Languages revival;
HS3-HIS-01 examines and describes the development of Australian colonies and Australia as a nation, using sources as evidence;
HS3-DEM-01 describes the origins and features of Australia’s democratic system of government and laws;
HS3-CWT-01 creates written texts to communicate ideas and understanding about people, places and events of the past and the present.
People have developed Australia as a nation
- Describe significant events and people that led to Australia becoming a federated nation on 1 January 1901, using sources as evidence;
- Identify the purpose of Australia’s Constitution;
- Describe how and why symbols and emblems connected to Australian identity have changed over time since Federation;
- Research and describe the work of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Commonwealth of Australia since Federation.
Sources show perspectives on how people established colonies in Australia
- Describe and represent the establishment of British colonies in Australia from 1825 to 1868 on a timeline
- Recount stories of migrants and free settlers in the colonies from 1825 to 1901 using sources as evidence
- Describe significant contributions made by women to the development of Australian colonies
- The Rocks, Sydney CBD
Pick-up and drop-off for this program will take place at Garrison Church. Our rangers will be there to welcome your group on arrival and will accompany you throughout the entire day.
The cost of this exciting adventure is $19.90+ GST per student.
(Minimum charge x35)
This price includes:
- A fully guided full day with our enthusiastic and knowledgeable Rangers
(Think Steve Irwin meets the RangerJamie crew!); - A pre-completed Risk Assessment, making your planning a whole lot easier;
- Assistance sourcing bus quotes, so you’re not chasing bus companies all afternoon;
- All equipment and materials provided;
- A syllabus-aligned program, thoughtfully designed to support real learning while keeping the day fun and engaging;
- Complimentary Coffee, Tea, and Tim Tams(Exclusive to the teachers!).
Choose Your Date
Step 1 of 3
Please note this is a tentative booking. After your booking request is submitted, we will be in touch via email to confirm the requested date and arrange the final details for the booking.
All prices are +GST. As this program is an educational service, all GST charged can be reimbursed in its entirety by the Government.
FAQS
How many teachers/helpers do I need on my excursion?
The more grown-up sidekicks, the better! We recommend at least one teacher/parent helper per class. No extra cost for teachers or parent helpers on this program.
What equipment/ materials do we need to bring?
Students should bring morning tea, lunch, water bottles, and any required medication. We suggest sports uniform and comfortable shoes. We supply all the materials and equipment needed for your day.
What is your weather policy?
You can view our full policy here
We’re flexible and happy to arrange an incursion alternative or, where needed, postpone your program.
How many groups will my students be in?
We usually plan for one Ranger per 35-40 students. On the day, your students will be split into groups of that size, with a Ranger assigned to each group to guide them as they rotate through the activities.