Join Bellarine Catchment Network at the 2026 Portarlington Mussel Festival for a fun and educational day by the coast!
Visit our Coastal Discovery Stall to explore the incredible biodiversity of the Bellarine Peninsula. Enjoy hands-on activities for all ages, including our Table-Top Beachcombing Station, interactive displays, and colour-ins for the kids.
Chat with local experts and learn about the region’s unique Indigenous flora and fauna, why they matter, and how you can help protect our coastal environments.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a curious kid, or just passing through between mussel tastings, there's something for everyone!
To learn more about the festival please head to www.portmusselfestival.com
Note: Please do not attend if you are unwell. This event is also subject to weather conditions and will be postponed if weather is not safe or unfavourable. All participants will be notified 24 hours before.
This event is supported by Bellarine Bayside. Bellarine Catchment Network acknowledges Wadawurrung, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their ability, cultural background, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, intersex status or sexual orientation.
We apologise but this fully booked event has been cancelled due to high winds predicted for Saturday evening. This event will be postponed.
Come with us and explore the Pt Richards Flora and Fauna reserve at dusk! This is a walk and seek activity where people will be able to participate in a tour of the reserve, listening to frog calls and other animals.
This is family friendly event and would suit children aged six and above. All children must be supervised at all times by a parent and/or guardian.
Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and warm clothes. Torches and binoculars are also recommended but we will have a small supply for people to borrow.
Access: Meet at Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve, opposite 165 Point Richards Road. Park on the grassy area and walk into the reserve via the clear track. You should see an open grassy area and a pergola. You will be required to sign in. Please reference the map below to minimise confusion. Please note the red line on the map indicates road side parking available.
Note: Please do not attend if you are unwell. This event is also subject to weather conditions and will be postponed if weather is not safe or unfavourable. All participants will be notified 24 hours before. Any cancellations must go to info@bcn.org.au ASAP as limited spaces are available.
This event is proudly supported by Coastcare Victoria and the Victorian Government.
This event is supported by the Bellarine Bayside who manage and care for the coastline of Portarlington. For more information, please email us atinfo@bcn.org.au or visit www.environmentbellarine.org.au
Bellarine Catchment Network acknowledges the Wadawurrung; Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their ability, cultural background, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, intersex status or sexual orientation.
Have you ever wondered what those horse-shoe shaped jelly things are? If sharks lay eggs? What local plant species you can find in Portarlington? Which plants are weeds? These questions and more will be answered by Bellarine Catchment Network at this free, family-friendly beach and bush walk activity.
This activity is aimed at both children and adults so all are welcome. Adults need to accompany children under 12. There are limited spots available so please register.
What's involved: Participants will go on a beachcomb lead by experienced staff, looking for creatures and artefacts along the shoreline. Participants can enter the water up to their knees if wearing booties (either BYO or provided) and if conditions are appropriate, participants can also use provided aquascopes (e.g., plastic underwater viewing device - see image below). Participants will then explore the bush of Ramblers Road and will look at indigenous plants, weeds and how we can preserve our vital habitats. Participants will receive educational resources such as posters, brochures and more at the end of the session.
Please BYO: hat, sunscreen, water and booties or enclosed shoes like sneakers (no flip flops or sandals). It is suggested to wear bathers or shorts if intending to enter the water.
Access: Please meet the Bellarine Catchment Network Educator at 38 Ramblers Road, Portarlington. Please look at the map below and look out for signs on the day. This activity will be run along the shoreline, so may not be wheelchair friendly. The event will be run in English but please contact us if you require support as we work to accommodate everyone.
Note: Please do not attend if you are unwell. This event is also subject to weather conditions and will be postponed if weather is not safe or unfavourable. All participants will be notified 24 hours before.
This event is supported by the Victorian State Government 'Tiny Towns Fund' in support of Bellarine Catchment Networks 'Pride in Place' project.
Pride in Place is an opportunity to educate, foster pride in place, encourage volunteering, upskill individuals and build connections for under-represented communities.
This event is supported by the City of Greater Geelong. For more information, please email us at info@bcn.org.au or visit www.environmentbellarine.org.au
For more information, please email us at info@bcn.org.au or visit www.environmentbellarine.org.au
Bellarine Catchment Network acknowledges the Wadawurrung; Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their ability, cultural background, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, intersex status or sexual orientation.
Have you ever wondered what those horse-shoe shaped jelly things are? If sharks lay eggs? What local plant species you can find in Portarlington? Which plants are weeds? These questions and more will be answered by Bellarine Catchment Network at this free, family-friendly beach and bush walk activity.
This activity is aimed at both children and adults so all are welcome. Adults need to accompany children under 12. There are limited spots available so please register.
What's involved: Participants will go on a beachcomb lead by experienced staff, looking for creatures and artefacts along the shoreline. Participants can enter the water up to their knees if wearing booties (either BYO or provided) and if conditions are appropriate, participants can also use provided aquascopes (e.g., plastic underwater viewing device - see image below). Participants will then explore the bush of Ramblers Road and will look at indigenous plants, weeds and how we can preserve our vital habitats. Participants will receive educational resources such as posters, brochures and more at the end of the session.
Please BYO: hat, sunscreen, water and booties or enclosed shoes like sneakers (no flip flops or sandals). It is suggested to wear bathers or shorts if intending to enter the water.
Access: Please meet the Bellarine Catchment Network Educator at the beach entrance adjacent to 38 Ramblers Road. Please note the map below and look out for signs on the day. This activity will be run along the shoreline, so may not be wheelchair friendly. The event will be run in English but please contact us if you require support as we work to accommodate everyone.
Note: Please do not attend if you are unwell. This event is also subject to weather conditions and will be postponed if weather is not safe or unfavourable. All participants will be notified 24 hours before.
This event is supported by the City of Greater Geelong. For more information, please email us at info@bcn.org.au or visit www.environmentbellarine.org.au
Bellarine Catchment Network acknowledges the Wadawurrung; Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their ability, cultural background, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, intersex status or sexual orientation.
Join us for a special community event celebrating the incredible environmental volunteers who care for the Bellarine Peninsula — and discover how you can get involved this summer!
This free event is both a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated local volunteers and an open invitation for anyone who wants to connect, learn, and take part in protecting our beautiful coastal environments.
Event Highlights:
Date: Saturday 6th December
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Lahey Square, Barwon Heads
Whether you’re already part of the movement or just curious about how you can help care for our coast, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded locals and celebrate our shared love for the environment.
This event is supported by Coastcare Victoria Community Grants.
We acknowledge Wadawurrung; Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their ability, cultural background, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, intersex status or sexual orientation.
Ecologist Jeff Yugovic will lead us on a walk along the edge of Swan Bay, sharing his knowledge of the unique plants and animals which live in these precious saltmarshes and the roles they play in protecting Swan Bay and all of it’s life, we will also spot weeds which threaten saltmarsh.
We will finish by sharing a hearty supper at Swan Bay Holiday Park.
Swan Bay Holiday Park and City of Greater Geelong are partners in this project.
Thanks to Corangamite Catchment Management Authority for supporting the evening through their Port Phillip Bay Grant.
Do you need help with your feral rabbits?
Join us for practical tips on rabbit exclusion fencing and gates, how to reduce the impact of rabbits on your property, and what are the strategies which make the most effective use of your time and resources.
10am Arrival, morning tea & chat to experts
10:30am Guided walk - how to rabbit proof your property.
11:30am Demonstration - warren fumigation
12 noon Guided nature walk - Basin Reserve impact of rabbits on plants
1pm BBQ lunch provided & chat to experts
Organised by Bellarine Landcare’s Rabbit Action Group in partnership with
City of Greater Geelong & funded through a Victorian Landcare Grant
Join Bellarine Bayside and the Bellarine Catchment Network to explore our wildlife through their poo!
Bellarine Nature Cadets deliver fun, place-based and hands-on activities on the coast, allowing kids to explore and connect with the coastal environment of the northern Bellarine Peninsula.
This event is targeted for a Primary School aged audience. Parents and Guardians must still accompany children under the age of 12.
Event Details:
Meeting place: Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve, Portarlington
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JnoCDH4MUpvoAqoH9
Date: Thursday 23rd of October
Time: 4PM - 6PM
Weather: We will be going on a walk and it may be a little wet and cold, so please dress appropriately including a rain jacket.
Safety: Please note that this walk may include walking on uneven/sandy ground so will not be suitable for all.
Red line highlights Parking. Yellow star highlights meeting place.
Come with us and explore the Pt Richards Flora and Fauna reserve at dusk! This is a walk and seek activity where people will be able to participate in a tour of the reserve, listening to frog calls and other animals.
This is family friendly event and would suit children aged six and above. All children must be supervised at all times by a parent and/or guardian.
Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes and warm clothes. Torches and binoculars are also recommended but we will have a small supply for people to borrow.
Access: Meet at Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve, opposite 167 Point Richards Road. Park on the grassy area and walk into the reserve via the clear track. You should see an open grassy area and a pergola. You will be required to sign in.
Note: Please do not attend if you are unwell. This event is also subject to weather conditions and will be postponed if weather is not safe or unfavourable. All participants will be notified 24 hours before. Any cancellations must go to info@bcn.org.au ASAP as limited spaces are available.
Accessibility: Flat terrain, wide paths, sandy in places.
This event is proudly supported by Coastcare Victoria and the Victorian Government.
We acknowledge Wadawurrung; Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their ability, cultural background, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, intersex status or sexual orientation.
This activity is aimed at both children and adults so all are welcome. Adults need to accompany children under 12. There are limited spots available so please register.
What's involved: Participants will go on a Wildlife Walk lead by experienced staff, looking for creatures using Binoculars as well as learning about the wonders of indigenous plants, weeds and how we can preserve our vital habitats. Participants will receive educational resources such as posters, brochures and more at the end of the session.
Please BYO: hat, sunscreen, water and enclosed shoes.
Access: Please meet the Bellarine Catchment Network Educator at the Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve entrance. Please look out for the signs. The pathway around the reserve is sand, so may not be wheelchair friendly. The event will be run in English but please contact us if you require support as we work to accommodate everyone.
Note: Please do not attend if you are unwell. This event is also subject to weather conditions and will be postponed if weather is not safe or unfavourable. All participants will be notified 24 hours before.
This event would not be possible without funding from the Victorian Government Tiny Towns scheme, which supports BCN's project Portarlington Coastcarers: Pride in Place.
This event is supported by Bellarine Bayside Coastal Management Authority. For more information, please email us at info@bcn.org.au or visit www.environmentbellarine.org.au
Bellarine Catchment Network acknowledges the Wadawurrung; Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their ability, cultural background, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, intersex status or sexual orientation.
