Head to the beautiful Sapphire Coast for action these school holidays

For people who like to go in search of where the wild things are, the Marine Discovery Centre at Eden offers a feast of information all year around but during the school holidays there is a bespoke program of workshops aimed at demystifying some of our common underwater creatures.

If you have a family or group of four or more, the Discovery Centre team will fit in with your holiday timetable and schedule a discovery program to suit you. There are sessions geared to children and families as well as some advanced activities for adults who would like to know more. Rocky Shore Rambles and Snorkelling Tours are on offer – as well as the chance to explore all the Centre has to offer. Contact the Centre 02 6496 1699 to book a tour.

Visit the website, www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au for information or phone 02 6496 1699.
 

It’s action a-plenty with the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Discovery walks, talks and tours holiday program, which is being run at different park areas along the coast, as well as some inland sites.

Snakes and snorkels, planets, koalas and canoes are all part of a varied timetable designed to highlight some of the stunning beaches, camping areas and lagoons that stud the area. You can find the timetable at www.sapphirecoast.com.au or for bookings and more information call 1300 361 606.

Bermagui

Montreal Goldfields
Situated about 7km north of Bermagui on the Wallaga Lake Road, the Montreal Goldfield is the only goldfield in Australia that extends into the sea. Gold was discovered on the beach in September 1880 and sparked a major gold rush – and a real-life murder mystery!

A portion of the goldfield has been preserved and trained volunteer guides tell visitors all about the history of the area, including details of the unsolved mystery. History comes alive as you wander through the beautiful tree ferns and bloodwood forest that covers the site today.

Admission is by guided tour only for safety reasons. Available on site from 2pm every day, the tour takes about 75 minutes. For information and group bookings contact the Bermagui Visitor Information Centre on 1800 645 808 visit the website.

Merimbula

Magic Mountain
A great place to spend a day as a family. Magic Mountains offers the rollercoaster, mini grand prix cars, waterslides, mini golf, toddler town cars and much more. Bring a picnic, use the barbecues or purchase meals on site.

Magic Mountain offers great birthday party packages, pre-paid group discounts and top-value annual passes. There are many special events through the year – including the Easter Sunday Family Fair during these school holidays.

You can contact Magic Mountain on or 02 6495 2299 directly.

Eden

Killer Whale Museum
In days gone by, the blue waters of Twofold Bay and beyond were home to shore-based whaling operations, and visited regularly by Old Tom and his pack of killer whales, who helped the human hunters catch other species of whales.

It was the death of Old Tom 80 years ago that sparked the residents to build the museum to tell the story. Pride of place inside is the skeleton of the old whale and around him is a wonderful display of artefacts and information that tell the fascinating history of how whales and people worked together for mutual benefit.

Whales still come to this coastline in great numbers, mostly during spring and early summer. They even come close to shore, and the Museum will sound a special whale alarm if there is a visitor in the bay.

Regular guided tours are available; large groups can book their own tour with museum management.

The museum is open seven days, from 9.15-3.45, Monday to Saturday, and 11.15-3.45 on Sunday. More information is available phone them on 02 6496 2094.

Booking your holiday

For more information or to book your holiday or school excursion contact Amee Burnicle, Travel Managers, she will find the best deals for you, phone 1300 136 430.

For other inspiring travel and school excursion ideas go the next page (coming soon)