Family friendly marine discoveries

News article | 04 January 2019

Get your snorkels on and hit the water these summer holidays to take part in the Eyre Peninsula’s biggest ‘Immerse Yourself in a Marine Park’ program to date. Locals and visitors are invited to four family friendly events and marine discovery displays, hosted by Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula, as part of the Department for Environment and Water’s state-wide Immerse Yourself program in January.

Get your snorkels on and hit the water these summer holidays to take part in the Eyre Peninsula’s biggest ‘Immerse Yourself in a Marine Park’ program to date.

Locals and visitors are invited to four family friendly events and marine discovery displays, hosted by Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula, as part of the Department for Environment and Water’s state-wide Immerse Yourself program in January.

The popular guided snorkel activities will return at four locations around the coast from Monday 14 until Sunday 20 January, taking in West Coast Bays, Thorny Passage and Sir Joseph Banks Group marine parks as well as Shelly Beach at Port Lincoln.

Natural Resources EP will also be hosting three special marine themed events at Whyalla, Streaky Bay and Port Lincoln in January. Marine Parks Regional Coordinator Dr Shelley Paull said the aim of the Immerse Yourself program is to get people to experience and learn more about South Australia’s unique coastal and marine environments.

“Eyre Peninsula is home to ten of the state’s 19 marine parks, with arguably some of the most spectacular coastline and unique marine environments in Australia,” said Dr Paull.

“We also have a rich Aboriginal history with deep connections to Country, including Sea Country, and I am really looking forward to showcasing this in January.

“There will also be a free, family-friendly event at the Whyalla City Councils Australia Day celebrations on 26 January called Beach Detectives to celebrate the wildlife and habitats of the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park.”

The Immerse Yourself program also includes the Barngarla Aboriginal Sea Country workshop Yamara Wardana (Embrace the Sea) at the Port Lincoln Library on Friday 25 January.

“This event will include a brief insight into the extensive language, art and connection that Barngarla People have with their traditional lands and seas, and I’m anticipating this free event will be very popular,” Dr Paull said.

The Immerse Yourself program will concludes with the ‘Secrets of the sea’ display, accessible weekdays throughout January at the Streaky Bay Visitor Information Centre.

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

Bookings for snorkel activities are essential and a small ticketing fee applies. Loan equipment is available.

Eyre Peninsula ‘Immerse Yourself in a Marine Park’ school holidays program 2019

Guided snorkels, with event partner Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries.

14 Jan - Tumby Bay Jetty, book here.
15 Jan – Tumby Bay Jetty, book here.
16 Jan - Shelly Beach, Port Lincoln, Power Terrace, book here.
19 Jan - Dutton Bay Jetty, Woolshed Drive, Mount Dutton Bay, book here.
20 Jan - Smooth Pools, near Streaky Bay, Westall Way Loop, book here.

All guided snorkels activities are funded by Inspiring SA.

Special marine themed events, in collaboration with local councils.

25 Jan – ‘Yamara Wardana(Embrace the Sea)’, Port Lincoln Library.
26 Jan – ‘Beach detectives’, as part of Whyalla City Council Australian Day celebrations.
Week days throughout January – ‘Secrets of the Sea’, Streaky Bay Visitor Information Centre.

For more information on marine themed events visit: www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ep/get-involved/events