Barwon Bluff Nature Festival 2026
In 2026, Friends of the Bluff will again host the Barwon Heads Nature Festival in the first week of the September school holidays. The festival will include a range of activities for different interests and different age groups. The program is packed full of walks, talks and activities for children.
The 2026 festival will run from September 21 until September 25. The full program is available below. Most activities are free, however note that some require booking as they have limited places available.
Monday, 21st
10.00 am
Explore Barwon Bluff
A free guided walk exploring the geology, plants and shipwrecks of the Bluff.
Free, all ages. No need to book – meet at the Bluff top car park.
10.00 am to 12.00 pm
12.30 pm to 2.30 pm
Canoe the Mangroves
Free guided canoe tours of the Barwon estuary exploring the mangroves, salt marsh, mud, moonahs and moon snails.
Free, ages 15+ but limited places. Booking is essential.
Click here to book for the morning session.
Click here to book for the afternoon session.
Tuesday, 22nd
10.00 am
Walk on Country @ Barwon Bluff
Walk gently on Country with traditional custodians and connect with stories, language, plants and places.
Free, all ages, but limited places. Booking is essential. Click here
Wednesday, 23rd
10.00 am
Orchids in the Park
A free guided walk to discover the plants (and Orchids) of the amazing Moonah woodland in the village park.
Free, all ages. No need to book. Meet at the Bop Bop Karong Kindergarten carpark.
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Land, Sea, Sky
A free ‘slide’ night featuring three short presentations by passionate people on aspect of the land, the sea and the sky in the vicinity of Barwon Bluff.
- Small Plants with Beth Ross
- Amazing molluscs with Ben Travaglini
- Awe-inspiring birds with Martin Griffith
At Barwon Coast Discover Centre (the Lobster Pot), Jetty Road, Barwon Heads.
Free, all ages. No need to book.
Thursday, 24th
1.00 pm to 3.00 pm
Tide & Seek: a family ‘marine science’ day
Take deep dive @ the Lobster Pot into all things marine. Microscopes, puzzles, games and surprises.
At Barwon Coast Discover Centre (the Lobster Pot), Jetty Road, Barwon Heads.
Free, all ages. Drop in at any time during the session.
Friday, 25th
10.00 am to 12.00pm
Barwon Heads Great Spring Clean Up
Your chance to give back to our amazing coastal spaces by joining Friends of the Bluff in a Great Spring Clean Up of our beaches and parks. Just bring a sense of fun.
Free, all ages. Gloves, bags and litter provided.
Sign up at the rotunda in Lahey Square (opposite the Barwon Heads Hotel) on the morning.
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Turning the Tide short film festival
Turning the Tide is an inspiring program of local and international films celebrating our oceans and ocean communities while discussing the issues that threaten them.
Entry by $5.00 donation (cards accepted) which includes the 90 minute program and supper. All ages. At Barwon Heads Hall, 77 Hitchcock Dve, Barwon Heads.