Blackbutt programs
Staff and volunteers at Blackbutt Reserve offer a range of educational experiences for young people on a variety of subjects to fit in with school curriculums.
Programs and activities vary according to needs. Costs of programs range from $2.00 per person through to $15.00 per person.
For further details or to discuss individual needs contact the Blackbutt Reserve Office on 02 4904 3344.
Education talks
Educational talks can be conducted on a variety of subjects. Previous talks have included discussions on shelters and habitats and general information on the Reserve and its wildlife.
Koala Encounters
The Koala Encounters program involves a talk on Australia’s most internationally recognised animal by trained Reserve staff. Children learn about the habitat of the koala, diet, breeding, status, conservation studies and general facts and information.
Public Koala Encounters are held at 2pm each day for a fee of $3 per person. If you would like a private encounter outside of this time please contact the Blackbutt Reserve Office (please note there is a minimum fee of $30 for private encounters).
Wombat Talks
Wombat Talks involves a talk on the Common Wombat by trained Reserve staff. Children and adults learn about the habitat of the Common Wombat, diet, breeding, status, conservation studies and general facts and information.
For private Wombat Encounters please contact the Blackbutt Reserve Office
Sensory Trail
The Sensory Trail experience aims to give young people a better understanding of the Australian Bush by exploring their senses… sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.
Children will also discover the smells and taste of the bush, including a lesson in how to make damper and then the enjoyment of eating it. They will be given mystery boxes for them to reach inside and try to guess what they feel.
The Sensory Trial is a popular and fascinating educational experience for children. The program runs for approximately 2 hours. For prices on this program please contact the Blackbutt Reserve office.
Education Programs on offer for school excursions
Blackbutt Reserve has developed a range of education programs for schools that link in with the School curriculum for Science and Human Society and It’s Environment.
Current programs on offer include:
Habitats and Shelter (HSIE – The Need for Shelter). This program involves a discussion on habitats and why animals need shelter. Children are also introduced to a range of animals and their specific types of shelters. A boardwalk tour is also included where children can explore the different habitats and shelters within the wildlife exhibit.
Park Maintenance and Preservation (HSIE - State and National Parks). This program involves a brainstorming and discussion on why people visit parks and reserves, why there are rules for parks and reserves and what sort of rules these may be, a PowerPoint presentation on park maintenance and preservation of Blackbutt Reserve and a guide tour of the Wildlife Exhibit.
History of Blackbutt Reserve. This program can be incorporated into other programs and details the development of Blackbutt Reserve from a coal mine to an award winning conservation, education and recreation facility.
Blackbutt Reserve’s Wildlife (SCIENCE – Living Things) This program involves a tour of the Wildlife Exhibit and discussion on the adaptations of the different animals to their environment and lifestyles. This program can either be completed on the range of animals found at Blackbutt Reserve or a single species eg Koala Wombat, Kangaroo etc.
Additional Activities
Animal Encounters - Koalas, Wombats, Blue Tongue Lizards and Diamond Pythons
PowerPoint Presentations - Frogs...Can we live without them?, Caring for Koalas, Park Maintenance and Preservation, Hop In...Have Fun...and Learn About: Kangaroos and Wallabies, Dig Up the Dirt on Wombats
Creek Watch - Dip Netting and Bug Identification
Guided Boardwalk Tours
Programs and prices
Programs can run for 1 or 2 hours with accompanying activity sheets available on request. Below is a list of the current prices for school excursions:
- 1 hour activity: 1-20 people (minimum) = $60 and $3 per person thereafter
- 2 hour activity: 1-15 people (minimum) = $90
- 16-50 people = $6 per person
- 50 and above = $4 per person
Please note: teachers are free of charge
How to make your booking
To book your excursion to Blackbutt Reserve please call Michelle Tonkins at the Blackbutt Office on 49043344. A confirmation form will be sent to your school and will need to be returned prior to your excursion.
Payment can be made by cash or cheque (made payable to Newcastle City Council) or your school can be invoiced.
If your school requires a tailored education program we are more than happy to try and meet your needs.
School holiday programs - Newcastle Permanent Blackbutt Reserve Junior and Cadet Ranger Program
Blackbutt Reserve’s Junior and Cadet Ranger Program is an environmental education program which focuses on children aged 6-9 years (Junior Rangers) and 10-13 years (Cadet Rangers). Sessions are conducted each weekday of school holidays for a 2 hour period. This program is proudly supported by The Newcastle Permanent Building Society.
Details of the programs can be found in Council's events calendar.
