6 November 2017

Get up close and learn about underwater creatures at The University of Queensland’s Moreton Bay Research Station’s annual Open Day on Saturday 25 November.  

Based on North Stradbroke Island, the Moreton Bay Research Station is one of Australia’s largest marine research centres.

Station Manager Kevin Townsend said he wanted to invite the community to come and see the work that goes on at the station and take part in a range of free activities on the day.

“Visitors will enjoy a cruise through Moreton Bay with qualified teachers and a scientific expert, see a live animal show presented by Geckoes Wildlife, and participate in art workshops with Reverse Garbage,” he said.

“We’ll also have our popular marine touch tanks so guests can get up close and personal with the creatures of Moreton Bay.

“A local Aboriginal guide will take people along the Goompie Trail which is a one-hour cultural walk along the Dunwich foreshore.

“Participants will learn about Aboriginal artefacts, traditional hunting methods, bush tucker, medicines, traditional ochres, and see the remnants of an old rock fish trap.”

There will be talks given by scientific experts on a range of topics from humpback whales, sharks and rays, to North Stradbroke Island’s lakes and wetlands, seagrass and the impact of urbanisation.

“These up-and-coming early career scientists are making a change to how we understand Moreton Bay or Quandamooka,” Mr Townsend said.

The publication Coral Sea Dreaming will be officially launched at the Open Day and visitors will have the opportunity to meet the author and artist Kim Michelle Toft.

The Moreton Bay Research Station’s Open Day is free, however children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit the Moreton Bay Research Station’s Open Day website or Facebook page.

For travel information, click here.

Media: Dr Kathy Townsend, kathy.townsend@uq.edu.au, 07 3409 9058.