Celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Moreton Bay region at The University of Queensland’s Moreton Bay Research Station’s UQ BAYFEST 2007.
The event will provide an insight into the rich diversity of marine life that surrounds North Stradbroke Island.
It will be held on Saturday, November 24, from 10am-4pm, as part of the Dunwich wide “Celebration of the Sea”.
The celebration includes the famous Stradbroke Island Oyster Festival held at the Little Ships Club and open-air markets and children activities across the road from the station will add to the sense of fun.
All three activities are within short strolling distance from one another.
“The recent marine park zoning review has highlighted the passion people have about Moreton Bay,” said event coordinator and Station Manager of Research and Education, Dr Kathy Townsend.
“So this year the whole community is joining forces to celebrate the wonders of the region.”
UQ BAYFEST 2007 will be a very casual, family orientated affair, with a wide variety of marine-related activities for people of all ages, including a live reptile show by Cool Companions and exhibits of dolphin and whale specimens on loan from the Queensland Museum.
“UQ BAYFEST is a good opportunity for people to see what is located right on their front door step,” Dr Townsend said.
“Dolphins, sea turtles, dugong, corals, whales and over 740 species of fish are all found in Moreton Bay. The diversity is surprisingly high considering how close we are to one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.”
The day will also include a marine touch tank, aquarium displays and craft activities for the kids, while the ever popular “Marine Mystery Animal Quiz” will test people’s knowledge with prize packs available for the winners.
With talks being presented by recognised scientific experts, the event will give members of the community an opportunity to find out about the extensive research being carried out in the Moreton Bay area.
UQ BAYFEST 2007 will be held at Moreton Bay Research Station, located at the corner of Flinders Avenue and Fraser Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island. Entry is free and children must be accompanied by an adult.
How to get there? Having cared about the Moreton Bay Marine Park for 40 years, Stradbroke Ferries is delighted to offer a concessional rate for adults and children to walk onto the Vehicle Ferry with the added benefit of enjoying the Marine Park from the viewing decks and platforms. Adult Return: $5; Child Return: $2.50.
Catch the ferry from Toondah Harbour, Cleveland to Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island, followed by a 5 minute walk along the shore to MBRS.
For further information, contact Moreton Bay Research Station (telephone 07 3409 9058, email: mbrs@uq.edu.au or web site www.cms.uq.edu.au/mbrs).
