ADVERTORIAL: Wild Adventures Await These Holidays

FAMILIES looking for a meaningful school holiday adventure can combine a fun day out with wildlife education at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

Throughout the holidays, visitors can meet dolphins, Australian sea lions, little blue penguins, turtles and other marine animals while discovering the conservation, rescue and rehabilitation work taking place across the region.

Daily presentations and animal encounters offer children and adults the chance to learn how marine animals communicate, what they eat, how they are cared for and the challenges they face in the wild.

Young wildlife enthusiasts can take their experience further with the Sanctuary Squad, a full-day school holiday program for children aged five to 10.

Running from 9am to 3pm, the supervised program includes up-close animal experiences, hands-on animal care and wildlife activities, behind-the-scenes adventures, games and challenges, and an introduction to marine wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are included, with the program priced at $150 per child, per day. Children can attend for one day or book multiple days, with different activities offered throughout the holidays.

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Managing Director Tiga Cross said the school holidays provided the perfect opportunity to combine family fun with conservation education.

“Children are naturally curious, and when they meet the animals in our care or hear the story of a rescued turtle, those lessons really stay with them,” Ms Cross said.

“Our goal is for families to enjoy a memorable day out, but also leave with a deeper understanding of the wildlife we share this region with, and the role we all play in protecting it.”

Families can also book wildlife encounters, providing opportunities to get closer to dolphins, seals, penguins and other animals while learning from the Sanctuary team.

Sanctuary Squad places are limited each day and bookings are essential, with wildlife encounters and other experiences also available throughout the school holidays.