Council regularly holds activities and events throughout the year that help us all become more aware of our unique coastal environment. The summer activities program in the January school holidays includes a range of free and affordable activities aimed at helping families and children of all ages discover for themselves our unique marine and coastal environment. The summer activities program 2012 called 'Randwick's Coastal and Marine Adventure Program', includes:
- walks and talks
- water activities - sea kayaking, snorkelling, surfing
- fishing
- rockpool ramble
-
adventure boat tours
Walks and Talks
Catchment to Coast, Fred Hollow's Reserve 'Walk & Talk'
Venture through one of the last remaining open creek lines in the eastern suburbs and hear from the experts about the history, the hidden plant life and bird species. Expect to see the prolific Five-leaved Water Vine and hear about the seeds collected from the last remaining Sydney Peppermint Eucalyptus piperita in the Randwick City area. The Fred Hollows Reserve was named in 1993 in memory of Dr Fred Hollows, who was a local resident of Randwick and was an active member of the local community group who helped to preserve the gully.
'How our Coast was formed' Discovery 'Walk & Talk'
Enjoy a short guided walk along the coastal walkway from South Coogee to Trenerry Reserve. Coastal geomorphologist, Dr Robert Brander from the University of NSW (UNSW) will point out key features of our coastline, discussing the powers and processes of the natural elements that have shaped our coast into what we see today.
Dr Rip's Science of the Surf - everything you need to know about sand, surf and rips
Dr Rip's Science of the Surf is a fascinating, entertaining and multiple award winning visual presentation about how our beaches work and behave; from the journey of tiny little sand grains onto our beaches, to the massive swell that rolls in during big storms, to how to spot a dangerous rip current - this talk is for anyone who loves and is interested in the beach. It also has a beach safety theme throughout.
Little Bay Coastal Discovery 'Walk & Talk'
Enjoy a short guided walk along the coastal corridors of Little Bay discovering endangered ecological communities including the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub and diverse plant species including the Spiny-headed Mat Rush which was used by local Indigenous groups to make flour. Starting at Jennifer Street, your expert bush guide, Danny Hirschfield will interplay the importance of conserving our natural bushland with a sense of fun as you make your way to your Prince Henry Centre destination.
Bare Island 'Walk the Fort' guided tour
Venture across the footbridge from the mainland and meet your National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Discovery Rangers who will share stories of the local history at La Perouse and Bare Island. Look for long lost cannons and discover some of the wonderful plants that line the shores around the island. Bare Island was part of the traditional land of the Gweagal and Kameygal Aboriginal peoples.
Whales, Dolphins and Cetapods - Little Bay
Whales and dolphins are warm blooded, air breathing marine mammals that give birth to live young, but what are cetapods? Find out by joining Alexandra Campbell, Research Associate at the University of NSW (UNSW) for this fascinating talk about these unique and magnificent marine mammals.
Australian waters are home to around 45 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Some of these species are permanent residents in Australian waters, while others are occasional visitors, migrating from their summer feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warmer waters of the Australian coast during the winter.
Water activities
Sea Kayaking
Enjoy an adventure on the water and in the fresh air. For beginners, learn paddling techniques from the experts while enjoying the unique coastline in the quieter waters off Malabar Beach and for the more adventurous, gain a different perspective of the coastline from La Perouse, Bare Island and around to Botany Bay National Park. Even with two people per kayak the Bare Island activity is a bit of a work out so come prepared - there'll be a chance to stop off at beaches along the way.
Snorkelling Clovelly, Gordons Bay and Frenchmans Bay
Experience Snorkelling with experts - learn how to use the equipment properly and Snorkelling techniques while discovering and identifying the local marine life. Maybe you'll discover a new species, like the Sydney Pygmy Pipehorse which was first discovered in Randwick in 1997. Around Bare Island at Botany Bay look out for the highly colourful weedy sea dragon, and 'Bluey' the Groper in the protected waters of Clovelly Beach and Gordons Bay. For a preview of Randwick's marine creatures visit Underwater Sydney " Randwick
Learn to Surf, adults and children
Ever wanted to experience the waves from a surfboard? Then have fun during these holidays learning how to surf the right way in a safe and supportive environment at Maroubra Beach. The local surf instructors will teach beach awareness while you learn to surf the waves. Surfboards and wetsuits are provided for this activity.
Fishing
'Catch N Cook' Sustainable Fishing Clinic
Learn sustainable fishing practices through a combination of instruction and practical experience. Enjoy learning how to select your bait, general rigging, good casting techniques and recognition of fish species. Have fun casting your line using lures and baits and learn the correct way to handle fish for successful catch and release. Fishing equipment provided.
For information about sustainable seafood choices, visit Australia's first online Sustainable Seafood Guide.
Rockpool ramble
Rockpool Ramble
Discover the marine creatures of the South Maroubra and Little Bay rock platforms and inter-tidal zone. Marine biologists from the Marine Discovery Centre will guide participants during low tide. As the ocean retreats it leaves an abundant array of sea creatures on display which the educators will identify and discuss, explaining how each of us can minimise our impacts on these fragile beings.
Adventure boat tours
Cooks Landing Guided Tour by Adventure boat
Expect to get your feet wet when boarding this adventure boat to Kamay National Park. Experienced boat tour operators will transport you across the waters to Cook's Landing. You'll explore the Banks-Solander track, with its fascinating insights into the once-widespread vegetation communities that Cook's botanists explored, and learn from your guide about the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the area. The boat will return you to La Perouse where you can continue your adventure at the La Perouse Museum with FREE entry for participants throughout January 2012.
Botany Bay Adventure Boat Trips
Expect to get your feet wet when boarding this adventure boat tour around Botany Bay. Experienced boat tour operators will transport you across Botany Bay helping you discover the rich marine environments of Towra Point Nature Reserve, Kamay National Park and the diverse bird and marine life. See Cook's landing site and Bare Island as you venture and explore the many facets of this busy port.