Immerse yourself in an Eyre Peninsula Marine Park

Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula is welcoming in the New Year with the biggest ‘Immerse Yourself in a Marine Park’ summer holiday program to date. Locals and visitors alike are invited to four, family friendly events on Eyre Peninsula in January 2018, as part of the complete state-wide Immerse Yourself program.

Marine Parks Regional Coordinator Dr Shelley Paull said the aim is to get South Australians and visitors out learning and experiencing their amazing, local coastal and marine environments.

“Eyre Peninsula is lucky to be home to ten of the States 19 marine parks, with arguably some of the most spectacular coastline and unique marine environments and experiences in the state. We also have rich Aboriginal history with deep connections to Country, including Sea Country and I am really looking forward to showcasing this during January,” Shelley said.

Popular guided snorkels activities will return. Guided snorkels will be available at four different locations around the EP coast from Wednesday 17 until Sunday 21 January, taking in West Coast Bays, Thorny Passage and Sir Joseph Banks Group Marine Parks as well as Shelly Beach at Port Lincoln. Bookings are essential, loan equipment and wetsuit available and a small ticketing fee applies.

“For the first time we also have free, family friendly event in Whyalla call ‘Marine Discovery Day’ to celebrate the wildlife and habitats of the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park. Be sure to come along and see us on Whyalla Foreshore, Saturday 20 January, for a fun and educational family day at the beach.” Shelley said.

“I’m excited to help bring the Barngarla Aboriginal Sea Country workshop ‘Yamara Wardana (Embrace the Sea)’ to the Port Lincoln Library on Wednesday 24 January. I’m anticipating this will be very popular, it’s free and will include a brief insight into the extensive language, art and connection that Barngarla people have with their traditional lands and seas,” Shelley said.

The ‘Discover the Secrets of the Sea’ pop-up marine display at the Port Lincoln Library has received over 8,000 visitors since opening in September. Due to demand it will be extended until late January.

“If you can’t get enough recreation time on the water during the holidays then head to the recently upgraded Yangie Bay Campground in Coffin Bay National Park. This is one of my favourite spots to kayak through the sheltered bay and take in the tranquil beauty of Yangie Bay Sanctuary Zone, within the Thorny Passage Marine Park at any time. Kayakers are likely to encounter the local bottlenose dolphins, rays, fish and bird life all in a spectacular setting,” Shelley said.

For further information call us on (08) 8688 3111 or visit: www.environment.sa.gov.au/marineparks/enjoy/immerse-yourself