Friday 8th - Sunday 10th October 2021

The Wetlands Weekender is on again and we have a program packed full of fun activities for the whole family. There will be exciting wetlands tours, a foreshore festival featuring kids activities, markets and entertainment, a special dinner that will give you a taste of the epic journey made by our migratory shorebirds, an opportunity to meet scientists from the comfort of a cafe and a citizen science foreshore clean-up. 

FRIDAY

5.30pm to 9pm

Journey Through Our Flyway Dinner

The Sebel Hotel, Mandurah

Ticket sales have now closed for this event. 

Each year tens of thousands of migratory birds make an epic journey from the Arctic tundra to the wetlands of Western Australia. To launch the 2021 Wetlands Weekender Festival, join PHCC for a special three course dinner inspired by their journey.

The evening will feature cuisine inspired by the stops that the birds make on their travels and inspiring discussion with international guests sharing their stories of wetlands conservation and international collaboration. 

SATURDAY

 10am to 12pm 

Wetlands Cultural Tour

Osprey Waters

Tickets $15 each, book now: https://www.trybooking.com/BUQER 

Join a cultural excursion on Country with Noongar community leaders to learn about the cultural significance and stories of our wetlands, and how Noongar knowledge can be integrated with science and land management practices. 

 

2pm to 5pm

Estuary Cruise & Wetlands Wander

Departing from the jetty outside Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah

Tickets $40 each: https://www.trybooking.com/BTSPL 

What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than out exploring nature! Enjoy a boat tour along the Peel-Harvey Estuary with expert tour guides who will share with you stories about the abundant wildlife and wetland environment. Attendees will experience this internationally significant wetland area from the water before docking at Mariners Cove to explore the Creery Wetlands on foot led by local Zoologist Sarah Way from Ways to Nature. 

5.30pm to 7.30pm 

Science Cafe with Peel Bright Minds: Creatures of the Deep

Tod’s Cafe, Mandurah

FREE, currently at capacity but visit the link to join the waitlist: https://events.humanitix.com/peel-bright-minds-science-cafe-creatures-of-the-deep 

Discover some of the weird, wonderful, and lesser-known critters of the estuary and wetlands. Hear from scientists from Murdoch University about the tiny critters that are worth flying all the way from the North Pole for (according to migratory shorebirds, that is) and about a migratory fish species that is rarely seen but impossible to forget (clue – they have lots of teeth, but they’re not sharks). This free festival event is suitable for ages 5+, children are very welcome. 

 

SUNDAY

8am – 12pm

Wonders of our Wetlands

Coodanup Foreshore, Peel Parade, Coodanup (nearest cross street Beacham St)

Coodanup Foreshore comes alive with FREE, family friendly events! 

8am – 12pm – Markets and Entertainment

Enjoy activities to engage curious minds of all ages, browse a selection of vibrant market stalls with quality local arts and produce. Enjoy live music throughout the morning and grab a coffee or a tasty lunch from a selection of food vans. 

_______________

8am – 10am – Dogs Breakfast

Come down to Peel Parade in Coodanup for a FREE, fur filled morning and learn how you and your dog can enjoy local walks around the wetlands whilst protecting local wildlife. City of Mandurah Rangers and special guests from BirdLife WA will discuss how dog owners can help protect our local shorebirds. Enjoy a free breakfast for you and your pooch, as well as a doggy bag of treats to take home! Breakfast supplied for attendees bacon and egg or egg roll, how Pawsome is that?!

_______________

8.30am or 10.30am – Nature Photography Adventure

Venture into the great outdoors to discover the photography basics along with tips and tricks for snapping wetland landscapes, with Sharon Meredith Photography and Mandurah Environment and Heritage Group.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nature-photography-adventure-tickets-170844680037 

9am – 11pm – Pave the Way

Join us to clean up the Coodanup Foreshore and conduct a citizen science litter audit! This annual event is all about welcoming migratory birds back to the Peel-Yalgorup System, where they will stay for the summer before returning to the northern hemisphere to breed. The event has been running since 2014 and was inspired by David Rennie, an award-winning local photographer, aiming to raise awareness about migratory shorebirds and the importance of looking after our environment for them.

Gloves and bags will be provided. Please ensure you bring along your reusable water bottle, hat, sunscreen and sturdy walking shoes

A lunch token will be provided to all participants, for the food van of their choice.

We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present