Last weekend National Parks Association of NSW members enjoyed a somewhat different excursion to what they are used to with a visit to the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre, followed by exploration of nearby rock pools.

In the Marine Centre the group viewed informative displays about the marine environment with a particular focus on our region.  They were also treated to displays of frenzied fish feeding & watched the antics of “Missy”, the Gloomy octopus, who is learning how to undo the lid of a jar to access her food. She’s pretty clever, but not yet forecasting the soccer results!

After the visit to the centre we ventured out into the wild to explore the local marine life in their natural habitat. We wandered the rock platform and discovered many amazing creatures including brittle stars, feather stars, chitons, sea stars, shrimp, crabs, nudibranchs, elephant snails and much more. Everyone was discovering new things about the animals that live on the shoreline and having fun while doing it.

A great day out ?