Wetlands Wild Explorers
Friday 16 January | 10:30am
Wetlands Wild Explorers is a relaxed and engaging outdoor outing for families and nature enthusiasts, set within the beautiful Tahbilk Wetlands and Ecological Reserve. This mid-morning experience is designed to be fun, informative and easy-going — perfect for children, parents and anyone who enjoys birdwatching and being out on the water.
The experience begins with a 45-minute guided wetlands eco cruise, gently winding through the reserve while a knowledgeable guide shares stories about the wetlands, their restoration, and the wildlife that now calls them home. It’s a calm, scenic way to explore an important natural habitat without needing hiking boots or prior knowledge.
Children take part as Junior Explorers, receiving their own Explorer Passport and crayons to use throughout the cruise. The passport includes simple activities such as wildlife spotting, drawing and mini ranger challenges that keep young explorers curious and engaged while learning about the natural environment around them.
Birdwatching is a highlight of the cruise, with Wetlands Explorer binoculars provided for the duration of the journey. Families may spot spoonbills, herons, egrets, swans and ducks among the reeds, along with cormorants and birds of prey overhead. Turtles basking on logs and frogs calling from the rushes are also common sights, depending on the day.
At the end of the cruise, Junior Explorers are rewarded for their efforts with a Junior Wetlands Ranger certificate, a ranger badge sticker, and a Polaroid keepsake photo to take home — a simple but memorable way to mark the experience.
Mid-morning snacks are included to keep everyone happy. Children receive juice and biscuits, while parents and carers can enjoy a hot drink with biscuits as they relax and take in the surroundings.
This experience includes:
- A family-friendly guided wetlands cruise,
- Junior Explorer Passport and crayons,
- Binoculars on loan, a Polaroid photo,
- Snack packs for children and adults,
- A Junior Ranger certificate and badge sticker.
Tickets are $20 per person for both adults and children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wetlands Wild Explorers is a gentle adventure that brings families together, encourages curiosity about nature and offers a peaceful way to enjoy the Tahbilk Wetlands — a morning of fresh air, birdlife and shared discovery.
