Fun nature-based activities for 2013

education.dec.wa.gov.au/n2n

WEST E R N A U S T R ALIA

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GO V E R N M ENT OF

WEST E R N A U S T R ALIA

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GO V E R N M ENT OF

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Welcome to the 2013 Nearer to Nature community annual brochure

This brochure outlines the wide range of exciting activities Nearer to Nature has on offer. Each season our activities will change to reflect the special time of the year it is. For each school holiday period we will publish a calendar of activities, which for Discovery Club members will be mailed out six weeks before the holidays begin. For all other participants, a copy can be obtained from www.dec.wa.gov.au/n2n, or by phoning the Perth Hills Discovery Centre on (08) 9295 2244.

2013 will see the Nearer to Nature team again bringing you a great variety of nature-based activities which support sustainable practices. In addition to the popular school holiday activities, Nearer to Nature can design a program to accommodate a corporate or community group of any size or age. Your group booking will have the added flexibility of having your experience last from one hour to a whole day, when you need it.

Bookings are needed for all activities, so please phone us on (08) 9295 2244. Payment can easily be made by credit card at the time of booking.

What is Nearer to Nature – Community?Nearer to Nature is an initiative of the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). The Nearer to Nature team provides the community with interactive, nature-based activities that are designed to enhance enjoyment, knowledge and interest in the natural environment.

Become a Discovery Club member for instant benefitsAs a member of Nearer to Nature’s Discovery club, our calendar of activities will be posted to you each season before it is more widely distributed, giving you the best chance of booking a place on even our most popular activities. You also receive a discount on activities, as well as our quarterly newsletter, which is packed with interesting stories, craft activities and information about flora and fauna. All this is only $15 per year for the whole family.

Call now and your membership discounts will apply to activities this season.

Calendar of activitiesFor activity dates, locations and prices visit www.dec.wa.gov.au/n2n, or phone the Perth Hills Discovery Centre on (08) 9295 2244. Please note each school holiday timetable will only be available six weeks before the school holiday period.

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Contents

Captivate the kids

1 Adventure caving 5

2 Aliens in the bush 5

3 All washed up – wonders or waste? 5

4 Baby bush birds 5

5 Beetles, bugs ‘n’ bush 6

6 Big kids camp out 6

7 BrilliANTS 6

8 Bush cooking for kids 6

9 Bush survival 7

10 Buzzy, buzzy Aussie Bee 7

11 Camouflage capers 7

12 Canning canoeing quest 7

13 Coolangar Dreaming 8

14 Creature feature 8

15 Cocky Capers 8

16 Damsels and dragons 9

17 Deadly and dangerous 9

18 Dewy Droplet’s incredible journey 9

19 Discovering the six seasons 9

20 Downy ducklings 9

21 Easter Bilby Fun Day 10

Eco Challenges 10

24 Eco treasure hunt 10

24 Enchanted environment 11

25 Fight or flight 11

26 Flutter-by butterfly 11

27 Frog forage 11

28 Fungi – fun, facts and fiction 11

29 Funky fossils 12

30 Hazard heroes 12

31 Incy wincy spider 12

32 Intertidal investigators 13

33 It’s a shell life 13

34 Life through a lens 13

35 Lovely Ladybeetles 13

36 Nature’s kaleidoscope 13

37 Natures kitchen on the Canning 14

38 N2N spy kids 14

39 Pollywog to frog 14

40 Powerful Pip 14

41 Possums’ tails tale 14

42 Ramble with a ranger 15

43 Sense-ational scavenger hunt 15

44 Sticky fingers and friends 15

45 Snugglegum and Cuddlenut 16

46 Swamp dweller’s discovery 16

47 Where’s wallaby? 16

48 Whoo’s who? 17

49 Wild about whales 17

50 Workers of the underworld 17

Activity page

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Contents

Share the experience Adults only

51 Around the campfire 18

52 Babies, bikes and brunch 18

53 Behind the scenes 18 (at Chidlow Marsupial Hospital)

54 Goin’ batty in the bush 18

55 Home among the gum trees 19

56 Karakamia nights 19

57 Lord of the sky 19

58 Meet the marsupials 20

59 Mornin’ song 20

60 Nocturnal delights 20

61 Rapt in raptors 20

62 Stars and stories 21

63 Night stalk 21

64 Wonders of the wildlife ark 21

65 Wriggly reptiles 21

66 Colonial Canning chronicles 22

67 Darlings of the range 22

68 Sunset paddle on the Canning 22

69 Water water every weir 22

70 Wonder at wildflowers 22

Activity page

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Keeping the children entertained during the holidays has never been so easy. Let the Nearer to Nature team ‘captivate the kids’ with fun-filled activities designed especially to capture the imaginations of children. Adults please note that for all ‘Captivate the kids’ activities, an adult must remain on site with your child throughout the activity (unless otherwise stated next to the activity description). There is no charge for accompanying adults.

1 Adventure caving (Ages 8 to 10 and 10 to 14)

Plunge into a world of darkness for an underground experience you’ll never forget. Join our expert guides as you crawl, climb and slide your way through a wild cave environment where your only light source is a torch! Be amazed at the fascinating formations and take the challenge to make your way through the cracks and fissures that make our limestone caves an exciting place to explore.

Note: Parents drop children off for this activity. Helmets and torches are provided.

2 Aliens in the bush (Ages 7 to 12)

What happens when you get an ‘intruder’ in your bushland? How do you recognise something that is not native to an area? The Australian bushland is under threat from introduced species from all around the world! How did they get there and what are the consequences of them being there? Join a Nearer to Nature guide on the feral trail and learn more about the threats to our bushland as you delve further into the competitive world of native versus non-native species.

3 All washed up – wonders or waste? (Ages 6 to 10)

Our beaches contain a myriad of washed-up items. Are they wonders from the marine world or just plain waste? Join our guide for a water’s edge walk where you will learn all about these fascinating bits and pieces, where they came from and how they may affect our wonderful water world.

4 Baby bush birds (Ages 4 to 7)

Spring is here and our bush is bountiful with beautiful baby birds. Discover amazing facts about how a mummy bird builds a warm, safe haven for her babies. Flap your wings and come exploring through the bush. Then get creative as you weave your own nest and make bird eggs to take home.

Captivate the kids

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5 Beetles, bugs ‘n’ bush(Ages 4 to 7)

Bring the littlies and discover the little critters that live in our bushland. With magnifiers and collection jars, roam the bush and see what you can find. Play the bugs game, make your own bug craft and discover exactly why some of our smallest creatures are so important to the health of our bushland.

6 Big kids camp out(Ages 8 to 12)

Join us for a cool camp out and an evening of fun-filled forest activities. Take part in bush cooking and make then eat your own damper. Join a national park ranger for a wildlife trapping and release session—an experience exclusive to this camp. Then grab your torches and experience the forest after dark during a nocturnal night walk! Finish the evening with more fun games around the camp fire. In the morning enjoy breakfast and more crazy camp-out capers.

Note: Parents drop children off for this activity and collect them the next morning. All camping equipment and food must be provided—full details upon booking.

7 BrilliANTS(Ages 4 to 7)

The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah! Ants have been walking the Earth for more than 100 million years and we think it is time to celebrate, so join us as we tANTalise you with lots of fun and ANTics. Join a Nearer to Nature guide on a journey into the wonderful world of ants where you will discover how amazing these tiny little creatures really are.

8 Bush cooking for kids(Ages 7 to 12)

Gather around the campfire and cook just like the early settlers did. Make your own damper and then head into the forest to forage for bush tucker. You will discover Aboriginal and colonial uses of our wonderful plants. Back at camp, feast on your damper and watch as our guide ‘swings the billy’ to make you a steaming hot cup of billy tea.

Note: All ingredients provided.

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9 Bush survival (Ages 8 to 12)

Join our experienced ‘bushy’ for a fun-filled day of adventure Trek through the bush. and learn some awesome survival tips including traditional and modern navigation techniques, methods to collect water, fire-making skills and how to signal for help in an emergency. Then complete this exciting bush survival experience with some traditional string making.

Note: Parents drop children off for this activity.

10 Buzzy, buzzy Aussie Bee(Ages 4 to 7)

Did you know there are more than 1,500 species of Australian native bees that are mostly solitary and stingless? Join a Nearer to Nature guide and discover more about our own special Aussie Bee. Listen to Aussie Bee’s story and do the Aussie Bee boogie. Then buzz around and collect pollen to take back to your nest. Finally, get creative with some special Aussie Bee craft activities.

11 Camouflage capers(Ages 4 to 7)

Have you ever wondered about some of the strange colours and designs of our native wildlife? Why does that bird look like a speckled leaf and that bug look like a tree branch? Discover some fascinating facts about camouflage in this interactive activity. Follow the camouflage trail, learn how animals use camouflage as a survival technique, play the ‘camouflage hide and seek’ game and make your own camouflage cape to take home.

12 Canning canoeing quest(Ages 11 to 14)

Gear up for an afternoon challenge on the Canning River. In two-seater Canadian canoes and with cryptic clues, head upstream and discover the importance of this unique riverine environment. Take part in team challenges and uncover stories about the river and people who relied on it—past and present.

Note: Parents drop children off for this activity. Canoe configuration is two children per two-seater Canadian canoe.

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13 Coolangar Dreaming(Ages 4 to 7)

Gather up the coolangars (children) and take a journey into the Dreamtime. Discover the rich culture of our Nyoongar people when you experience some real Indigenous activities. Make your own bush jewellery, decorate a boomerang, become a hunter and gatherer, and finish with some Dreamtime stories around the mia mia.

14 Creature feature(Ages 4 to 7)

During this delightfully interactive marsupial encounter you will meet some of Western Australia’s most adorable creatures. Cuddle a joey and get up close to many other cute and cuddly animals as you listen to stories about your favourite marsupials. Then, create your own animal art to take home.

Note: Due to animal handling constraints only paying children will be allowed into this animal encounter.

15 Cocky Capers(Ages 4-7)

Meet Chasey, the Carnabys cockatoo in this hands-on activity. Help feed Chasey and learn about his unique features. Then dress up as a cockatoo and hunt for food in the forest. Finish the activity by making your own feathered friend to take home.

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16 Damsels and dragons(Ages 5 to 8)

They are the hovering helicopters of the insect world. Put on your silky wings and mimic some of the amazing aerial acrobatics of our damsel and dragonflies. Take a fascinating look beyond the flashes of colour and dazzling dances to find out more about their lives. Why are they such masters in aerial hunting? How can they fly such long distances? Let us take you on a journey into the delightful world of ‘damsels and dragons’.

17 Deadly and dangerous(Ages 7 to 12)

They bite, they sting, they spit and they spring. In the vast state of WA, deadly and dangerous creatures come in all shapes and sizes—on land and in the sea. Discover why some of the world’s most dangerous creatures call Australia home. Then get up close and personal to some real life scary species … if you dare!

18 Dewy Droplet’s incredible journey(Ages 4 to 7)

Immerse yourself in the fascinating story of Dewy Droplet and his journey around the water cycle. Dress up as one of Dewy’s friends and make your way through the water obstacle course. You will be amazed at the struggles a single drop of water faces and realise just how precious our drinking water is.

19 Discovering the six seasons(Ages 7 to 12)

Did you know Aboriginal people traditionally had six distinct seasons instead of four? They used the changing of these seasons to herald their move to new hunting grounds. Take a journey through the six seasons with a Nyoongar guide in this interactive activity held in the traditional hunting grounds of our National Parks.

20 Downy ducklings(Ages 4 to 7)

Spring is here and the cute sight of downy ducklings and their feathered friends wandering around water holes is a delight to behold. Listen to Downy ducklings’ stories, take a water’s edge walk to view our precious waterbird babies and make your own Downy duckling-designed craft.

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21 Easter Bilby Fun Day(all ages)

Enjoy an all-Aussie Easter this year with a fun – filled day for the whole family. Listen to the enchanting Easter bilby story, take part in some special Easter craft as you make your own bilby mask, puppet and basket, ready to hold all the eggs from the hunt. Finish the day with an up-close encounter with one of our most endangered and endearing native animals, the bilby.

Eco Challenges(Ages 7-12)

It can be tricky to survive in the diverse, unique and challenging marine environment! Join us on the beach as we reveal how our amazing coastal and marine life overcome these challenges. Test your new knowledge and brave some specially designed challenges yourself to see if you could survive in the marine world!

23 Eco treasure hunt(Ages 7 to 12)

Using cutting-edge technology, explore the Perth hills. Become an eco-detective during this interactive, hi-tech, satellite navigation treasure hunt. Follow your GPS trail to uncover fascinating features unique to this special area. Who will succeed in completing the trail, uncovering the facts and be the first one home?

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24 Enchanted environment(Ages 4 to 7)

If you have ever taken a walk in the bush and had the feeling you were not alone, you may have been right! If you look closely, deep into the forest, you might find something magical. Join Faerie Cara on a journey of discovery through our enchanted environment and discover how looking after nature is good for everyone.

25 Fight or flight(Ages 7 to 12)

To flee from fear, fight to the end, or simply freeze and hope that the hunter doesn’t see you, are all tactics used by our native animals when under threat. Discover how all animals have biological defence mechanisms to help them avoid being captured and meet some of our top aerial predators in a close-up encounter.

26 Flutter-by butterfly(Ages 3 to 6)

Black and orange, brown or blue, these are some of the colours that may flutter-by you. What was that creature that just flew on by? I believe it was a butterfly!

But was that beautiful butterfly once a caterpillar? Come along and experience the mystery of metamorphosis as you enter your cocoon and emerge as a beautiful butterfly. Hunt for local butterflies and make your very own special butterfly and flower to take home.

27 Frog forage(Ages 7 to 14)

The search is on, so hop along to join this fun adventure! Pop on your gum boots and forage for frogs with our experienced ‘froggie’ guide, who will teach you some of the most common frog calls and help you find and identify some of these amazing creatures.

28 Fungi – fun, facts and fiction (Ages 7 to 12)

Long before geese started flying in chevron formation, fungi discovered an aerodynamic way to reduce drag on their spores so as to spread them as high and as far as possible! Why does bread develop mould? Or yeast make bread expand? Discover a myriad of fascinating facts about fabulous fungi in this interactive, fun activity. Check out microscopic features, make bread grow, go on a fungi hunt and finish the day by creating your own funky, fungi-coloured bandana to take home.

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29 Funky fossils(Ages 7 to 12)

Take a journey back in time to the days of our earliest marine life and discover how tiny animals became trapped forever in limestone ‘museums’. Through a series of experiments you will see how the weather affects these fantastic limestone formations. Then create your very own replica fossil to take home.

30 Hazard heroes(Ages 8 to 13)

Natural disasters threaten our way of life each year. They are part of nature’s cycle, but to triumph over adversity requires special skills. What does it take to confront some of the biggest trials of our time? Take a behind-the-scenes team challenge and see if you can make the grade.

Note: Parents drop children off for this activity.

31 Incy wincy spider(Ages 4 to 7)

Join our guide to forage into the forest and discover Incy’s interesting world. Safely hunt for some of his friends, find out where they live and how cleverly they catch their prey. Discover the intricacies of web weaving as you spin your own special spider web to take home.

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32 Intertidal investigators (Ages 7 to 12)

The intertidal rocky shore zone of our beaches can be a risky place to live, yet many creatures call this place home! Join our expert guide for a ramble among the rock pools and learn more about the creatures and the amazing characteristics that enable them to live in this hazardous place.

33 It’s a shell life (Ages 4 to 7)

Every time you walk along the beach you may see thousands of shells. But did you know that each shell has its own incredible story to tell? Join our guide and learn about the life cycle of shells; who made them, who lives in them and the very important part they play in the formation of our beaches. Disguise yourself as a shell and play the ‘shell survival’ game.

34 Life through a lens(Ages 8 to 14)

Capture some of Mother Nature’s charm in digital form in this delightful photography session. Join our expert guide and discover how to zoom, focus and take that never-to-be-forgotten photo.

35 Lovely Ladybeetles(Ages 4-7)

Ladybirds, Ladybugs or Ladybeetles? They are obviously not birds, but are they bugs or beetles? Join us to discover which they are, and why! Learn just how these colourful insects survive in our bush. Create your own beautiful bright ladybeetle to take home.

36 Nature’s kaleidoscope(Ages 7 to 12)

The beauty of nature shows itself in many forms—a variety of colours, shapes, textures and patterns. Join our guide for a kaleidoscopic nature walk through the bush or along the beach, and open your eyes to the diversity of nature. Then decorate and stencil a handy bag and tie-dye your very own bandana or head scarf to take home.

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37 Natures kitchen on the Canning(Ages 7-12)

Visit nature’s bountiful kitchen on the traditional hunting grounds along the banks of the Canning River. Join our Nyoongar guide and learn about basic bush tucker, try your hand at traditional hunting and gathering techniques, and discover how the Nyoongar people relied on the important resources of our river systems.

38 N2N spy kids(Ages 7 to 12)

Join our top secret agents James Pond and Possum Galore as they embark on a mysterious mission through the bush. Dress in disguise and uncover the answers to some of nature’s more curious questions. Follow the bush spy trail, complete secret tasks and find clues to help you break the spy kids’ code. Solve the riddle to enjoy a secret surprise and complete the spy mission.

39 Pollywog to frog(Ages 4 to 7)

Calling all junior frog lovers! This fun-tastic, froggy session promises to delight the kids and help them discover the journey from pollywog to frog. Hear the story about Polly Pollywog, take part in the pollywog hop and go on a pollywog hunt. Finish the day by making your own sand art frog to take home.

40 Powerful Pip(Ages 4-7)

They are eaten, burnt, frozen, windblown and lie on the ground for years apparently dead, and still they can grow! Join us to find out the incredible power held by just one pip, and how our Australian seeds survive to germinate into the next generation of plants. Make your own honky-nut man to take home and watch the wonder of germination for yourself!

41 Possums’ tails tale(Ages 4 to 7)

They are small, furry and nocturnal. They may live in the bush, or they may even live in your backyard. Join our guide to hear a delightful tale, all about tails! You will be enchanted as you join Buddy Brushtail and Risa Ringtail on an amazing adventure. Discover what it is about them that makes them the same, but also quite different. Play the ‘pin the tail on the possum’ game and make your very own possum puppet to take home.

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42 Ramble with a ranger(Ages 7 to 12)

Do you have what it takes to manage a national park? Learn the tricks of the trade as you join a real DEC ranger to get an insight into the range of tasks that are required daily! Learn how to use a two-way radio, read a map and navigate using a compass, as well as how fire works. Then finish the day off with an animal encounter. It’s all in a days work for a ranger!

Note: Parents drop children off for this activity.

43 Sense-ational scavenger hunt(Ages 7 to 11)

Engage the senses in this interactive forest activity. Use GPS navigation to touch, feel and smell the environment, then take a blindfold walk along the rope trail to get a sense-ational insight into the forest.

44 Sticky fingers and friends(Ages 5 to 8)

Geckos are extraordinary creatures, but why have they got sticky fingers? There are many reptiles living in our bushland and they manage to survive the very harsh conditions that the Australian bush is known for. Do you know what very special characteristics help them survive? Play the ‘sticky fingers’ game and get into some sticky fingers craft as we explore the reptile world.

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45 Snugglegum and Cuddlenut(Ages 4 to 7)

An activity designed especially for the little ones! Join us for a journey of discovery into the world of Snugglegum and Cuddlenut. Listen to stories about early Australian bush craft, take a bush walk, then get crafty and make your own gumnut baby and seed bag to take home.

46 Swamp dweller’s discovery (Ages 7 to12)

Join us as we search for some fascinating swamp dwellers. Using a scoop net and inspection trays, you will discover wetland invertebrates and learn all about their incredible features before returning them safely to their watery homes.

47 Where’s wallaby?(Ages 4 to 7)

Wallaby has gone missing! Where can he be? Join us on the search to find him. Make your own wallaby ears, dress as a little black-gloved wallaby and follow the tracks through the forest to see if you can find our missing friend. Then join us to meet some of wallaby’s forest friends.

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What to bringFor all activities please ensure you have water, weather-appropriate clothing, including protective elements such as sunscreen and a hat, and a camera. Any other activity-specific items will be detailed on your confirmation letter.

48 Whoo’s who?(Ages 4 to 7)

Whoooo whoooo! Owls are incredible creatures but just who is who? Join our guide for an interactive craft and story session where you will learn more about our fascinating feathered friends. Get up close and personal with some owl friends during an interactive birds of prey encounter.

49 Wild about whales(Ages 4 to 7)

Are you wild about whales and dolphins? If you want to discover more about some of their bizarre behaviours, join us for a whale of a time with games, bones and tales that will immerse you into the cold, wet world of these marvellous marine mammals.

50 Workers of the underworld(Ages 7 to 12)

Beneath our feet is an amazing world of mini forest workers busily recycling and keeping the forest alive and healthy. Peer down into their world and become a mini world scientist as you investigate some interesting facts through a loup. Then make your own recycling worm farm to take home.

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Share the experience

51 Around the campfire(All ages)

Grab your place ‘around the campfire’ for a cool evening of colonial fun. Bring your family and friends to meet the centre’s resident roo family as they descend on the centre at dusk. Then learn some handy camping hints and try your hand at traditional damper making. Bring your own supper to throw on the ‘barbie’, then sit back and relax as you finish the evening with an ol’ fashioned sing-a-long.

Note: Discounted camping is available to participants of this session (limited sites available, so be quick!).

52 Babies, bikes and brunch(Ages 6+)

Get on your bike and join us for a relaxing family cycle along part of the Munda Biddi Trail. Ride through the beautiful Perth hills forest, feast on a healthy picnic lunch and meet some of our cute and cuddly bush babies, or just relax and enjoy the environment.

Note: Participants to provide own bikes and helmets.

53 Behind the scenes (at Chidlow Marsupial Hospital)(Ages 6+)

Ever wanted to see what goes on in a ‘real’ animal hospital? Well, here is your chance. Join us ‘behind the scenes’ at Chidlow Marsupial Hospital. Meet the animals and their carers and learn all about the cuddly joeys and the heartache and joy that go hand-in-hand with rehabilitating our native wildlife.

54 Goin’ batty in the bush(Ages 8+)

Enjoy an evening with ‘Batman’ (sorry no Robin) for a look into the amazing world of bats. Join us at John Forrest National Park just on dusk, when our resident bats commence their evening hunt. Learn about their amazing characteristics and how they use echolocation to pinpoint their prey.

Activities for everyone!

Enjoy amazing Nearer to Nature experiences with your family or group. These activities are designed to be enjoyed by most ages, so if you are looking to spend some quality time together, join our ‘Share the experience’ activities.

Note: ‘Share the experience’ activities are designed to suit most ages but some activities are age-specific. This will be advised within the individual activity content in this brochure. A paying adult must accompany all children under 16.

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55 Home among the gum trees(Ages 7 to 12)

Sadly, some of our favourite native animals are finding themselves without a place to call home. Find out why and what you can do to help. Take a walk into our bush areas and discover what it takes to make a suitable wildlife hollow. Join our habitat-building workshop and make your own nest box to take home.

56 Karakamia nights(Ages 6+)

Enjoy a twilight walk through the beautiful bushland of Karakamia Sanctuary. Bring a torch and encounter the many animals that live in this special place. Gain an interesting insight into the workings of this protected area from an Australian Wildlife Conservancy guide.

57 Lord of the sky(Ages 8+)

He is a skilled hunter, silent, sleek and strong. In this special double presentation, come and find out why the wedge-tailed eagle is called the lord of the sky. Hear stories from expert biologist Simon Cherriman and raptor rehabilitator David Pettet. The highlight of the day features an amazing up-close encounter with the star of the show—Chips the wedge-tailed eagle, and some of his birds of prey friends. Finish the afternoon with a tasty all-Aussie afternoon tea.

58 Meet the marsupials(Ages 4+)

Meet some of our best-loved native animals and their carers in this interactive family encounter. Cuddle a joey and get up close to many other cute and cuddly animals as you listen to stories about your favourite marsupials.

59 Mornin’ song(Ages 10+)

For the early risers: grab your binoculars and join us for an early morning bird walk in the Perth hills forest. Our local bird expert will take you through several habitats, show you some different bird nests, and help you tune in to and recognise various bird calls. Chat about the stunning scenery of Mundaring Weir and the Helena Valley over a refreshing morning tea back at the Perth Hills Centre.

60 Nocturnal delights(Ages 6+)

Uncover nature’s nocturnal secrets and gain a new sensory perception as you discover the sounds and sights of the bush at night. Enjoy a spotlighting session and meet some of Australia’s nocturnal inhabitants during an interactive marsupial encounter.

61 Rapt in raptors(Ages 7+)

They’re sleek, strong and silent in flight. Come and meet our majestic birds of prey. Discover how these fascinating feathered flyers hunt, shape their wings to dive, attack or simply soar through the skies. Then get up close with some real live birds of prey.

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62 Stars and stories(Ages 8+)

Join us at the Perth Observatory for a journey back in time through our solar system and beyond. Along with our expert astronomer you will take part in a viewing session where you will learn fascinating facts, as well as many mysteries about our universe.

63 Night stalk: sponsored by Tronox(Ages 6+)

This year’s Tronox night stalk is calling the community to action to explore their ‘neck of the remnant forest/patch’. In conjunction with Tronox and Perth Zoo, Nearer to Nature is offering the community a chance to take part in this initiative from several locations. So grab your torch and get ready to be amazed by how the forest comes alive at night.

64 Wonders of the wildlife ark(Ages 3+)

Here is a chance for everyone to get nearer to nature as you touch and hold some extra special creatures. Meet Monty the python, Adelaide the bluetongue skink, Phoebe the frog and Carla the creepy crawly during this hands-on animal encounter. David Manning from Animal Ark will be on hand to answer all your questions about these, and other, native animals.

65 Wriggly reptiles(Ages 6+)

Have you ever looked a snake in the eye or felt the skin of a lizard? Come face-to-face in this close-up encounter with some of our most deadly reptiles. Learn fascinating facts about these most interesting creatures and why they are not as dangerous as myths might suggest.

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Adults only(Ages 18+)

This section of our program is for those aged 18 years and over. To enjoy that special adult time away from the kids, join us for one of our special adults-only activities.

66 Colonial Canning chroniclesJoin us at Woodloes Homestead for an insight into the life of pioneers misters Bird and Mason, as well as the men and women that worked for them. As you are guided through the homestead take a journey back in time to the days when the Canning River was an important part of the timber transport route between the hills and the wharf. Finish the afternoon with a traditional afternoon tea on the heritage verandah.

67 Darlings of the rangeUnwind during a serene evening in the heart of the Darling Range. Enjoy a leisurely guided walk and take in the incredible views, then sit back and enjoy a gourmet supper and animal encounter that is sure to delight. Finish the evening with a romantic movie at the outdoor Kookaburra Outdoor Cinema.

68 Sunset paddle on the CanningJoin us at Canning River for a romantic twilight paddle. Travelling upstream, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Canning River at dusk. Enjoy a light supper while our guide introduces you to some of the many wonders of the riverine environment.

69 Water water every weirIn the 1890s CY O’Connor engineered a pipeline to carry freshwater to the arid goldfields—a feat of engineering that surpassed its day. Join our guide and uncover more about this heritage icon. Visit the 100-year-old steam-pumping station, talk a walk across the weir wall and learn more about the lives of the people who brought this amazing scheme to fruition.

70 Wonder at wildflowersMeander along flower-clad paths and enjoy amazing colours and scents as WA’s wildflowers put on their finest show. For only a brief time in the year do our wildflowers come out in all their resplendent glory. So join our expert wildflower guide and put a name to some of those illusive species

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Camping at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre• For small or large groups (up to 35 people)• Toilets and hot showers• Undercover kitchen with fridge, kettle/toaster and electric barbecues• Outdoor picnic tables and chairs• All facilities have universal access

VolunteeringBecoming a part of the Nearer to Nature team is easy and fun! If you have a little spare time and enjoy the outdoors, there is a wide range of opportunities in assisting Nearer to Nature to run programs at venues all around the Perth metropolitan area. Interested? Phone our programs officer for more information on (08) 9295 2244.

TestimonialsWhat people are saying about their Nearer to Nature experience …“information very well presented”“my favorite part of the activity was feeding the Joey, patting the snake and watching the echidna walk around the room”“Friendly and informative staff related well to the kids”“very well organized, friendly and knowledgeable facilitator”“great activity for children and good length”“Great activities, great way to teach kids about conservation”“the children loved all of it!”“Just keep doing what you are doing”“great fun!”“Staff and volunteers friendly and supportive and made us feel relaxed”“fantastic activities and beautiful crafts and we are keen to come again to this beautiful spot in the perth hills”

Tips to maximise your Nearer to Nature fun! 1. Don’t forget to bring:

• a bag for your litter• drinking water and lunch or snacks if required• a great sense of fun and adventure!

2. Wear clothing appropriate for your activity:

• weather protection gear—plan to protect yourself from the sun or rain

• comfortable and durable clothes

• sturdy, enclosed footwear in the bush (sandals are best for water-related activities).

3. Activities will begin on time—please arrive 10 minutes early for registration.

4. Please leave all pets at home.

5. Safety is our concern, but your responsibility.

Have fun and stay safe.

Bookings and paymentBookings are essentialPhone Nearer to Nature on (08) 9295 2244 (9am to 4pm Monday to Friday).

Payment optionsPayment by phone: Visa and MasterCard

Payment by mail: Cheques or money orders can be made out to Nearer to Nature. Please ensure your payment arrives within five working days of making your booking as we cannot hold places for longer than this due to popularity.

CancellationsIf you cancel your booking more than two working days before the activity, we will gladly refund your payment or offer a credit voucher (valid for one year). Refunds cannot be made after this time. Once confirmed, your booking is transferable—so if you can’t make it, send your friends and family. Please notify us of any changes in attendance.

If we must cancel an activity, we may reschedule or offer a payment refund.

Contact us:Nearer to NatureThe Perth Hills Centre380 Allen Road Mundaring (near Mundaring Weir)MUNDARING WA 6073

Phone: (08) 9295 2244 Fax: (08) 9295 3247Email: n2n@dec.wa.gov.au

Web: education.dec.wa.gov.au/n2nFind us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/decn2n

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Fun nature-based activities for everyone!