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Barwon Coast Discovery Centre

Program Snapshot

AGE

Early Years, Secondary, Tertiary

AVAILABLE TO

Schools extending to Armstrong Creek and Geelong, and those staying in Barwon Coast’s caravan parks

GROUP SIZE

Up to 25

DURATION

30-45min

LOCATION

Located in Barwon Heads, the Barwon Coast Discovery Centre showcases the area’s fascinating marine life, plants, animals, history, geology and shipwrecks.

WHEN

Mon-Thus 9am-4pm (Barwon Coast Education Officer) or Mon-Fri with Friends of the Lobster Pot volunteers (when available).

CURRICULUM LINKS

7-10 Geography, 7-10 Sustainability, F-10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, VCE Geography, VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies

Suggested Resources

Bukareeyoo – YouTube video
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation – browse the Resources tab
Friends of the Bluff – browse the Learn + Explore tab
 Volunteer page
 www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/marine-and-coastal-knowledge

Step inside and discover displays and specimens that reveal some wonders of our local coastline and communities. From shark eggs to shipwreck relics, to local birds and wildlife, there’s something for everyone in the Barwon Coast Discovery Centre! The Centre is open for groups by booking only. Visits can be focused on particular areas of interest related to the following topics.

Displays cover topics including:

  • Acknowledgement of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners
  •  Local marine life
  • Native and introduced animals
  • Local bird life
  • Geology of the Barwon Coast
  • Local shipwreck history and relics
  • Social history of Barwon Heads

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Things to know before your activity

About our team

Activities are typically delivered by Barwon Coast’s Education and Volunteer Coordinator.

Who we run activities for

Why we run them - care for the coast right here, building knowledge and stewardship
Kindergartens, primary and secondary school groups, TAFE and university groups…
With just one educator at Barwon Coast.. focus our time working with groups in our local communities of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Breamlea, and secondary schools in Armstrong Creek and Geelong.

We also offer activities to groups staying in the caravan parks we manage - Riverview Family Caravan Park, Barwon Heads Caravan Park and Breamlea Caravan Park (add links). Visit…to find out more about booking a stay for your group.

Why our activities are free of charge

Our job is to care for the coast, and this includes what we do to encourage locals and visitors to connect with and care for Country too. Providing free education activities within our local communities, and for people staying in the caravan parks we manage, means more people are equipped with the knowledge to treat our special places with care and respect.

In return, we hope you will enjoy being in nature and look after it, for example picking up litter, staying off the fragile sand dunes, not feeding the wildlife, and sharing these messages with friends and family.

Other local environmental activity providers/places to visit

Tap into these other people and places on the Bellarine Peninsula:

In return, we hope you will enjoy being in nature and look after it, for example picking up litter, staying off the fragile sand dunes, not feeding the wildlife, and sharing these messages with friends and family.

Other local environmental activity providers/places to visit

Tap into these other people and places on the Bellarine Peninsula:

In return, we hope you will enjoy being in nature and look after it, for example picking up litter, staying off the fragile sand dunes, not feeding the wildlife, and sharing these messages with friends and family.

What will happen in the lead up to my booking?
  • When your booking is finalised we’ll email a booking confirmation letter.
  • Please get in touch a week before your activity to confirm all details.
  • We may email you a media consent form seeking permission to take photographs of participants during the activity.
What are my responsibilities during the activity?

Your teachers/leaders are responsible for:

  • Supervising participants in compliance with Victorian Department of Education (or other) requirements, including student/teacher ratios.
  • Managing participants’ safety, welfare, medical conditions and needs. At least one of your leaders must be qualified in First Aid.
  • Ensuring participants are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions and have access to drinking water, sun protection and warm clothing. Sturdy, enclosed shoes are required for outdoor activities including beach and rockpool activities.
Can I make changes to the booked activity?

Coastal and marine environments are sensitive to weather and change, which can have some risks associated. If your activity is taking place outdoors, please be aware we may alter or cancel it at short notice if safety is compromised.

On the day of your activity, if you have any issues or are running late, please contact the Barwon Coast office on 5254 1118. Note we may not have availability to change or reschedule your activity.

Is there access to toilet facilities?

Activities held at Ocean Grove Main Beach and Barwon Heads have public toilets nearby. Both provide accessible toilets, and a Changing Places toilet will open at Ocean Grove Main Beach in XXX.

Activities around the Barwon Bluff do not have access to toilets nearby, so we suggest a visit before your activity!

Activities near water

Barwon Coast does not provide activities where participants will enter water, e.g. the ocean or river. Please note that teachers/group leaders are responsible for ensuring participants follow the safety instructions we provide, particularly along riverbanks, on bridges and on rocky ledges.

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