ALL things nature in Port Stephens will be celebrated throughout June and into July when Naturefest returns for a second year.
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Following the success of last year’s festival, Destination Port Stephens has again worked with industry operators and Port Stephens Council to hold the event that is aimed at enticing residents and visitors to enjoy the area’s “natural assets”.
“Naturefest is is a celebration of all things nature in Port Stephens,” Janelle Gardner, Port Stephens Council’s tourism and events coordinator, said.
“We have three key natural assets in Port Stephens: Tomaree National Park, the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park and Worimi Conservation Lands.
“On top of that there’s the annual whale migration.
“The big thing Naturefest is trying to do is get our local residents and visitors appreciating those natural assets and engaging with the environment.”
The festival will run between June 1 and July 13.
Festival highlights will include the dolphin census (June 19), World Ocean Day (June 8) and a world record attempt – the creation of a human whale at Shoal Bay Beach (July 3).
A photography competition, Shutterfest, will run throughout the festival, closing on July 13.
Nature-lovers are being invited to take part in this year’s dolphin census.
The census was meant to be held on June 5. However, bad weather forced organisers to postpone it to June 19.
The volunteer-based census is believed to be the longest-running community dolphin count in Australia and supports dolphin conservation and research.
A total of 64 camera-toting volunteers manned 43 on-shore and on-water sites during last year’s count.
The results – 91 dolphins counted – confirmed a healthy population of dolphins are living within the Port’s waterways.
This year’s census will be conducted by the Marine Parks Association.
Census volunteers will be scattered around the Port Stephens estuary, on land and on water, about one to two kilometres apart. At each site, observers will take photographs and record information about the dolphins encountered from 11am to noon.
Naturefest schedule
Wednesday, June 1
Launch of the whale season at d’Alobra Marina, Nelson Bay from 9am. Half-price whale watching cruises will be available for the first tour of the day at 9.30am.
June 1 to July 13
The Shutterfest photography competition invites photographers to snap a shot that reflects the natural environment of Port Stephens. The competition is free to enter and has age divisions from eight to 13 and 14-18 as well as adults. Prizes include Camera House gift cards and Port Stephens adventure vouchers. A people’s choice prize will also be awarded.
June 1 to 13
Moonshadow Cruises-TQC and Imagine Cruises will run daily whale watching and dolphin watching cruises from d’Albora Marinas, Nelson Bay throughout Naturefest. Combo packages are available, including whale or dolphin cruises and sandboarding on Australia’s biggest sand dunes in Port Stephens.
June 6 to June 12
Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters will celebrate World Ocean Day throughout the week, with activities including an artistic ocean art display, free shark encounters for those who take on the better bag challenge, ocean games for children and giveaways.
Wednesday, June 8
World Ocean Day: A marine discovery evening will be held at Tomaree Library and Community Centre in Salamander Bay from 6.30pm. Head along and learn everything about the creatures that call the Port Stephens waters their home.
June 11 to June 13 (June long weekend)
The Blue Water Country and Blues Music Festival will provide a range of music performances, market stalls and displays throughout Port Stephens.
June 18 and 19
Historic Tomago House will host innovative floral displays created by local garden clubs, florists and nurseries. A wide range of garden-related presentations will be on offer, including one about local koalas. Devonshire teas will be served in the period dining room, and guests can stroll through the picturesque grounds. From 10am to 4pm. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 concession.
Sunday, June 19
Volunteers are invited to take part in the Port Stephens Dolphin Census, which provides an important insight into the health of the local dolphin population. Volunteers will be stationed around the Port Stephens estuary to take photographs and report on dolphins they encounter from 11am to noon.
Saturday, June 25
D’Albora Marina will host the official launch of a new Marine Rescue NSW vessel for Port Stephens, providing the community the opportunity to come along and inspect the vessel and say thank you to our local volunteers. Children will also be able to get up close and personal with local native reptiles.
Sunday, July 3
The humpback makes a comeback as hundreds come together to create the shape of a human humpback whale on the beach in an attempt to break the world record. A unique and fun experience for the family, held at Shoal Bay Beach (western end) from 10am.
