Summer by the Sea program returns

The annual celebration of all things coastal is back for 2019, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore and discover Bayside’s scenic 17km of beaches and foreshore.

The action-packed program from 2 – 26 January is full of local, free, family-friendly events delivered by volunteers of the Bayside Environmental Friends Network.

Events include:

Disabled snorkelling

10am –11am AND 12noon-1pm Saturday 12 January

Run in conjunction with the Disabled Divers Association, these sessions provide an opportunity for people of various abilities to experience a day at the beach in a new light. Gain confidence in accessing the water with the assistance of accessible beach equipment.

Coastal photography

1.45pm – 3:30 pm, Saturday 12 January

Join Marine Care Ricketts Point’s local photographer Robert Gardiner, on an introductory session to coastal photography.

Microbat talk and walk

7.15pm - 9.30pm Thursday 17 January

Enjoy a presentation from local native wildlife experts, uncovering the wonderful world of microbats. Then explore the foresehore bushland at dusk and discover the wildlife living here.

A foreshore and sea country walk

10am -11.30am, Friday 18 January

Enjoy a guided foreshore walk and talk around Ricketts Point to learn about our local marine life.  Discover too how the Boon Wurrung (local First People) lived in harmony with their Sea Country while exploring Port Phillip Bay’s (Nairm) colourful history.

Snorkelling experience or introductory lesson

8.45am -10am Saturday 19 January

Enjoy an introduction to delightful fish and marine life, reefs and seagrasses of Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary.  Experienced snorkellers will enjoy exploring Teahouse Reef and those new to snorkelling will enjoy a 45 minute snorkelling lesson in the shallow inner lagoon. Encounter colourful algae, local fish and perhaps even a basking Fiddler Ray.

Foreshore and rockpool ramble

5.15pm – 6.30pm, Saturday 19 January

With the help of our local guides, explore the treasures left on the sandy shore by the receding tide, followed by a rock pool ramble to search for the unique marine animals that call this rocky intertidal environment home. 

Our evolving coastline

9:30am -11am Sunday 14 January –note not in date order

Learn the history of local rock geology, coastal erosion, Bayside’s living museums of fossils and much more. Understand what the indigenous Boon Wurrung people would have seen in our area of the bay, compared to what we see today.

Dogs’ Breakfast

9am -12noon Saturday 19 January

Breakfast for both dogs and humans will be available. Information on the local environment and the importance of keeping your dog on a lead in sensitive vegetation/bird habitat. Dog paraphernalia and lots more!

Curious kids go coastal

9:30am – 11am, Wednesday 23 January

Suitable for 6 – 10 year olds, this new activity will entice curious kids to explore their coastal environment with fun nature games and activities. Fostering discovery, exploration and creativity with a little sand, sea and imagination.

Indigenous plants terrarium workshop

10am -11am, Friday 25 January

Bring along your own glass jar/vase/terrarium and learn how to create a miniature open living landscape using all Bayside indigenous plants.

Snorkelling experience

8.45am – 10am, Saturday 26 January

A one-hour introduction to the delightful underwater fish and other marine life, reefs and seagrasses of the Teahouse Reef in the sanctuary.

For more information on these activities, including booking details please visit:

http://summerbythesea.vic.gov.au/

https://www.facebook.com/summerbythesea

https://www.facebook.com/Bayside-Environmental-Friends-Network-178293368874446/?view_public_for=178293368874446