1

School Information Package INTRODUCTION Capricorn Seakayaking has been operating eco adventure tours and programs across Western Australia since 1999. Our team are committed to providing enjoyable, challenging, and most importantly, safe outdoor experiences for a range of different groups and individuals. We offer a variety of different kayak-based expeditions, ranging from 3 – 8 days incorporating sea kayaking, camping, and/or snorkelling and bushwalking; 1 day adventures; to hire of kayaks, camping and cooking equipment. Capricorn Seakayaking is based in Safety Bay, adjacent to Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, only 45 minutes south of Perth. However, we have a range of locations to choose from, including the Swan River, Penguin and Seal Islands (Shoalwater Islands), Dunsborough/Meelup Beach, Walpole/Nornalup Inlet, Jurien Bay, Shark Bay, and Exmouth/Ningaloo Reef (with our sister company based in Exmouth, Exmouth Adventure Co.). In addition to kayak-based expeditions, Exmouth Adventure Co. offers Learn to Surf Programs (ranging from half day to multi-day lesson packages); and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) lessons and programs. Short or extended bushwalks in the gorges of Cape Range National Park can be incorporated into programs. We pride ourselves on safety, customer service, and sound environmental policies. Programs can be catered to suit the needs of different year levels and curriculums, and we’re more than happy to build a custom program with you to achieve the outcomes you desire.

2

School Information Package 1 INTRODUCTION 1 PROGRAM DESIGN 4 WILDLIFE INTERACTION 5 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SEASONS & DESTINATIONS CALENDAR 5 ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT OPTIONS 5 ENVIRONMENTAL, SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION & YOUTH LEADERSHIP 6 ABORIGINAL CULTURAL AWARENESS PROGRAMS 6 SAFETY & INSURANCES 6 HIRE 7 EXMOUTH -NINGALOO MARINE PARK 8 AND CAPE RANGE NATIONAL PARK 8 Location 8 Exmouth Town 8 Sea Kayaking and Snorkelling 9 Camping 9 Surfing 10 Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) 10 WALPOLE - NORNALUP NATIONAL PARK 11 Location 11 Walpole town 11 Walpole-Nornalup National Park 11 Climate and Seasons 11 Sea Kayaking and Bushwalking 12 Camping 12 Optional Extras 12 SHOALWATER ISLANDS MARINE PARK - ROCKINGHAM/PERTH 13 Location 13 Penguin Island and Seal Island 13 Shoalwater Islands 13 Sea Kayaking and Snorkelling 14

3

Camping 14 Climate and Seasons 14 DUNSBOROUGH - MEELUP BEACH AND GEOGRAPHE BAY 15 Location 15 Yallingup and Dunsborough Township 15 Cape Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park 15 Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) 15 Climate and Seasons 16 Optional Extras 16 SHARK BAY 17 Location 17 Denham Town 17 Seakayaking 17 Camping 17 Climate and Seasons 17 Optional Extras 17 JURIEN BAY 18 Location 18 Jurien Bay Town 18 Seakayaking and Snorkelling 18 Camping 18 Climate and Seasons 18 Optional Extras 18

4

PROGRAM DESIGN Program duration can last from 1 hour ‘tasters’ or training sessions, to day trips, to multi-day expeditions that vary in length and degree of technical difficulty to suit the client’s needs and desires. We are strong supporters of experiential education, and "challenge by choice" for individuals, this can include modification of programs onsite to ensure overall satisfaction with the experience. Capricorn Seakayaking will work with you to design a program that can encompass not only sea kayaking but many other adventure activities and Western Australian highlights. Currently existing programs incorporate guided bushwalking through the stunning Tingle forests of Walpole and gorges of Exmouth, snorkelling in the clear, wildlife rich waters of Ningaloo Marine Park, and Learn to Surf programs or Stand Up Paddleboarding. We start with your program objectives, dates, calendar/seasons and budget. Your program can be recreationally based, education focused, incorporate the philosophies of Kurt Hahn, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, and the IB TOK and/or CAS or simply be about rest and relaxation or fun end-of-year reward. We also offer the opportunity for clients to engage in community service and citizen science with activities ranging from tree planting to monitoring coral health. Once we understand your organisation’s objectives, we can design a program together. Use our experience and local knowledge to design a program to suit your student’s needs. All our instructors are skilled at teaching and facilitating basic kayak skills; camping and camp cooking; navigation; bushwalking; leadership; and environmental education, through to meeting Outdoor Education curriculum requirements. We can help with transport to and from programs, with National and Marine Park authorities and accommodation options.

5

WILDLIFE INTERACTION Western Australia has some of the most unique wildlife in the world, and Capricorn Seakayaking is proud to show clients this in a safe and respectful manner. Depending on location we regularly see dolphins, sea lions, sea eagles, hawks, osprey, sea turtles and numerous different coral reef species and an impressive array of fish species. Sea kayaking presents a unique opportunity to interact with a number of different species on their level and often in the water with them. Without the noise of boat engines and limitations of deep hulls, sea kayaks can enter most marine sanctuaries with relative ease and often see sights that most people would miss. For example, in recent years the Department of Parks and Wildlife have developed a number of offshore ‘Kayak Only’ snorkel moorings in Ningaloo Marine Park. WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SEASONS & DESTINATIONS CALENDAR September to May - we offer programs ‘down south’ in Perth on the Swan River, Penguin and Seal Islands (Shoalwater), Jurien Bay, Geographe Bay/Meelup Beach, and Walpole. April to January - we offer programs ‘up north’, based out of Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef/Cape Range National Park. May to September - Shark Bay Note: This seasonal change of operation is primarily due to weather conditions. We also reserve the right to alter program locations or activities due to unfavourable weather, options can be discussed. Group safety is always our primary concern. ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT OPTIONS Remote bush camping, campground, expedition camping (mobile), base camping, hostel/bunkhouse accommodation are all some of the options you may choose during your experience. Our remote area campgrounds are typically placed in the surrounding bushland with little interaction with other people. Many of these areas do not have power or even phone reception. These sites provide students with an opportunity to escape the distractions of modern technology and reconnect with nature and each other. It also allows peace of mind for teachers as no other distractions are nearby. For those that require, we can provide sites with power, basic amenities and on occasion phone reception or rooms for presentations etc. We can assist with all aspects of travel within Western Australia be it van, coach or plane.

6

ENVIRONMENTAL, SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION & YOUTH LEADERSHIP In all our programs participants are encouraged to respect the environment that they are travelling through and will be shown proper etiquette whilst on program. This is done to preserve the land we journey through for future generations. Participants are strongly discouraged from engaging in any practices that will have negative impacts on the land. Our school programs have an environmentally sustainable focus embracing minimal impact guidelines and leave no trace principles. Capricorn Seakayaking has co-developed an Environmental Leadership and Citizenship program with Millennium Kids, a Perth based NGO. It is designed for students aged 15-25 and offers them the opportunity to learn and grow from leadership legs with the ultimate aim to allow participants to lead the day’s trips. This can be focused around navigation, group management, leadership styles and environmental practices and those that achieve this can be awarded a Certificate 2 in leadership. ABORIGINAL CULTURAL AWARENESS PROGRAMS Capricorn Seakayaking has made good connections within the local Aboriginal communities and is happy to invite cultural awareness educators to programs. These educators provide a good insight into the life of the traditional owners of the land with stories, traditions, edible plants/animals and customs being brought to life.

SAFETY & INSURANCES We take the safety of all our customers seriously. Our instructors are trained to Australian Canoeing Sea Kayak Instructor award level, have First Aid, Water Rescue qualifications and Working with Children Clearances. We carry satellite phones (where necessary) and wilderness first aid kits on all of our programs. Some of our Instructors are qualified teachers, including Hal Paine, owner/manager of Capricorn Seakayaking. Instructors also hold Surf Coach and Stand Up Paddle Instructor qualifications.

7

We have Risk Management and Emergency evacuation/communications plans for all our activity destinations, and $10 million Public Liability Insurance. We hold DBCA licenses to operate in most Marine and National Parks in WA. HIRE We have fleets of sit-on-top kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUPs), soft surfboards, trailers and associated equipment available for hire. Please note that we do not hire out our sit-inside sea kayaks without our guides. Please contact us for more details.

8

DESTINATION GUIDE

EXMOUTH -NINGALOO MARINE PARK AND CAPE RANGE NATIONAL PARK

Ningaloo Marine Park contains the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fringing coral reef. Ningaloo Reef runs for over 300 kilometres, from Quobba Station in the south, to North West Cape, near the town site of Exmouth in the north. Within the Ningaloo Marine Park, 36% of the total area is designated sanctuary zone, each with outstanding natural features and attractions. On past trips we have been amazed at the aquatic and bird life, including turtles, occasional dugong, dolphins, humpback whales breaching outside the reef (July to October), rays, fish galore, pelicans and birds of prey including osprey, huge white bellied sea eagles and wedge tail eagles.

Cape Range National Park borders the northern section of Ningaloo Reef and is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). It was also inscribed on the World Heritage List, along with Ningaloo Marine Park in 2011. This is due to it’s highly significant terrestrial and subterranean ecosystems, unique flora and fauna, and geological history amongst other things. Wildlife abounds throughout the Park and Cape Range provides bushwalking, mountain biking, abseiling, climbing and caving opportunities as well as great views.

Location Situated on the Tropic of Capricorn, 26 degrees south of the equator in Western Australia, the sheltered, beautiful turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef that border Cape Range National Park are excellent for sea kayaking. Our programs depart from the town of Exmouth, 1260 kilometres north of Perth.

Exmouth Town Capricorn Seakayaking’s sister company, Exmouth Adventure Co, is based in Exmouth town. The majority of our programs operate within Cape Range National Park, about 50kms drive from town. Exmouth has a population of approximately 2,200 residents, this number more than quadruples in the peak season – April and July School Holidays. Learmonth (Exmouth) airport is 37 kms from Exmouth town.

9

Seakayaking and Snorkelling We can design programs that include a focus on sea kayaking skills training and assessment, snorkel coaching, leadership, navigation, minimal impact camping and environmental stewardship, or a combination of the above.

The sheltered lagoons of Ningaloo provide the perfect environment to build students’ skills and confidence in a fun and safe way. Sea kayaking expedition trips may travel anywhere between 7 and 14kms per day, depending on the group, conditions, and other planned activities.

The snorkelling is world-class. Depending on conditions and group experience, we may choose from a number of snorkel options: ‘shore-based’, where we land the kayaks on the beach and swim from shore; or ‘offshore’ snorkelling, where we anchor or moor the kayaks and slip over the side to discover the underwater world below. We have discovered some excellent ‘un-named’ offshore snorkel spots only accessible by kayak.

Camping For our school programs we recommend ‘expedition-style’ camping, where we carry all that we need in the kayaks, and camp in a different location each day. This not only fosters a sense of journey in the students, but also challenges their organisational skills! Capricorn Seakayaking are able to provide some camping and cooking equipment for the program. There is also the option for us to provide menus and food for the students to cook, or they can design their own menu and order from the local supermarket. School Programs we have run in the past range from 3 to 8 days. The largest school group we have had on a sea kayaking expedition at Ningaloo was 45 people (travelling and camping in 3 separate ‘pods’). Bushwalking We have numerous hiking options available to build into a program at Ningaloo. There are several easily accessible, relatively short (under 3km) gorge walks that make a great interlude in a sea kayaking expedition. There is also the option for longer, more challenging bushwalks requiring planning and navigation skills, such as walking across the range.

10

Surfing Learn to Surf programs range from 2-hr single lessons to multi-day courses. Surf safety, beach awareness and surf etiquette are a focus. Surfing programs are offered between June and October. Wobiri Beach, approximately 20 minutes from Exmouth town, is the perfect location for our beginner Learn to Surf Lessons, with a stable sand bottom, gentle rolling waves, and easy access. Other activities that can be built into a Learn to Surf Program to provide variety include: stand up paddleboarding (SUP), snorkelling, bushwalking, or sea kayaking. Our coaches are experienced and qualified with Surfing Australia, with first aid and surf rescue training. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is the fastest growing water sport in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fun, at times challenging, accessible to a broad range of fitness levels, and provides an entirely new perspective on the water. Bundegi Beach, near the tip of North-West Cape, is close to Exmouth town and provides the perfect flat-water environment to introduce students to the sport of SUP. There’s also numerous sheltered, flat water spots in Cape Range National Park, such as Sandy Bay. Other activities that can be incorporated into a SUP program to provide variety include surfing, snorkelling, bushwalking and sea kayaking. SUP Programs are available between April and January. Our SUP Instructors are ASI qualified and experienced, with first aid and surf rescue training.

Optional Extras

The Exmouth-Ningaloo Reef area is truly an adventure paradise. Other activities that we can help build into a program include: Whale shark swim (Mid-March to July), Humpback Whale swim (August to October), responsible fishing, and Scuba Diving. We can help build a custom program to suit your needs, whether it be a single activity focus, or a multi-activity adventure.

11

WALPOLE - NORNALUP NATIONAL PARK

Just 355km south of Perth lies the Walpole-Nornalup National Park, embracing tree-lined waterways, majestic forest and wild coastlines. It is home to Tingle forest that occurs no where else in the world, and a network of heathlands and wetlands closer to the coast, a stunning ecosystem that has remained relatively unchanged. On past trips we have enjoyed kayaking through the winding rivers and inlets, exploring deep into tingle forests, before leaving our kayaks to walk further up into the forests for short day trips. Walpole is the only place in the world you can see the unique Red Tingle trees, and its waterways light up at night with magical bioluminescence.

Location Situated near the southern-most tip of Western Australia, just 355km south of Perth, Walpole offers relatively cool weather all year round. The coastal inlets and winding inland rivers are excellent for sea kayaking. We are happy to help with transport arrangements.

Walpole town We utilise the Walpole township for supplies and fuel whilst on these expeditions. The Walpole Program we offer operates within the Walpole-National Park that surrounds the township. Walpole has a population of approximately 450 people which increases significantly during the summer tourist season.

Walpole-Nornalup National Park Walpole-Nornalup National Park is one of the oldest National Parks in Western Australia, and is managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). The park covers over 5000 hectares of near pristine bushland and waterways ideal for kayaking and bushwalking.

Climate and Seasons We offer programs from October to May, when conditions are warmer and generally more conducive to sea kayaking. Walpole has warm summer days with temperatures peaking around the mid to high 20’s. The winters tend to be a lot cooler with regular rain and temperatures dropping to as low as 5 degrees during the nights.

12

Sea Kayaking and Bushwalking Our Walpole program offers a great variety of kayaking and bushwalking. Nornalup inlet leads into beautiful winding rivers that cut through the near pristine forest, allowing for a protected and unique paddling experience. We can also walk the world-recognised Bibbulmun Track and numerous other day walks. These programs are ideally a minimum of 3 days.

Camping We encourage camping out expedition-style, and carrying everything in the kayaks or backpacks along the walking trail. All campsites offer a unique and peaceful experience, backing onto the rich Nornalup Inlet or tranquil Tingle forests. We often use Rest Point Holiday Village as an expedition base camp, with access to facilities such as ablution blocks and camp kitchen.

Optional Extras We can build a custom program in the Walpole area to suit your needs. For example, we currently run a 5-day sea kayaking and bushwalking school program in Walpole that has a strong Deep Ecology focus.

Walpole’s award-winning tour guide, Gary Muir, offers an excellent boat cruise, telling many local stories whilst cruising the various waterways.

Capricorn Seakayaking is happy to provide a range of activities whilst on expedition and to take advantage of the many different activity options in Walpole. This can include visiting the spectacular Circular Pool area, or journey west a short distance to the famous Tree Top Walk. Conspicuous Cliffs are also close by, offering the chance to appreciate the beauty of the southern coastline with unspoiled beaches, granite headlands and limestone cliffs.

13

SHOALWATER ISLANDS MARINE PARK – PERTH/SAFETY BAY Located 45 minutes south of Perth in the City of Rockingham, Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is a relatively small area of limestone islands, reefs and protected seagrass beds that offer a remarkable niche ecosystem which is teaming with life. This Marine Park is one of Perth’s most under-rated aquatic playgrounds, and presents a unique opportunity for people visiting to view and interact with Australian sea lions, bottlenose dolphins and Little penguins, often up close and personal. On top of this, dozens of bird species use this area to breed and raise their young, including the magnificent Australian pelican, numerous tern species, and osprey - be prepared to see many local and migratory species of birds on the surrounding islands. Location Situated 45 minutes south of Perth, Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is adjacent to the township of Safety Bay, directly next to the City of Rockingham.

Penguin Island and Seal Island The Bay itself is ringed by three main islands: Penguin Island, Seal Island and Shag Rock. Penguin Island was gazetted as a reserve in the mid 1900’s to protect the inherently fragile ecosystem. Prior to this it was used by fishermen and as a holiday destination for the general public. It is still open to the general public, and is accessed by most from a regular ferry service. The island itself has fresh water and toilets but there are no shops or vehicles.

Seal Island is named after the Australia sea lions that rest there seasonally. As an A-Class Reserve, visitors are not allowed on the island, but the sea lions are readily visible from the water. Their antics are highly entertaining, and often curiosity get the better of them and they come into the water for a closer look at our kayaks.

Shoalwater Islands The attractions of Shoalwater are many, ranging from sea kayaking in the sheltered waters, snorkelling (summer months only), wildlife viewing, or walking around Penguin Island to appreciate the natural beauty on offer. The main attraction of this area however is the wildlife. The stars of the show are slightly smaller than most expect, and are of course the Little Penguins that inhabit Penguin Island. These small animals move back and forth from their island base but visitors are guaranteed to see them at the Penguin Discovery Centre, which offers an educational feeding show 3 times daily. Sea lions are visible on Seal Island most of the year. Other possible wildlife encounters include bottlenose dolphins, an array of bird life, and if one ventures into the water, a range of different marine animals such as stingrays, cuttlefish, mullet, crayfish and more.

14

Sea Kayaking and Snorkelling The Shoalwater Islands provide a great kayaking destination. The bigger islands shelter the inside of the bay from prevailing winds and swell. Numerous limestone islands in the area mean we can island-hop and weave through tiny channels and shallow waters that are only accessible by kayak. The water here is often crystal clear. On days with little in the way of wind and swell, we can venture to the outside of the islands for a different point of view. There’s usually plenty of wildlife interaction, we regularly see sea lions and dolphins. Snorkelling amongst the sea grass beds and limestone reefs can be very rewarding as well. Depending on the wind and swell, we have a range of sheltered snorkelling options, many sites are close to shore, great for beginners. Programs offered in this area range from short 1-2 hour skill-building and training sessions; to full day programs; to overnight expeditions. This is a great area for skill-building and training, and is often used as a stepping-stone to undertaking an expedition in a more remote area, such as Ningaloo, Walpole or Shark Bay. Camping We have previously used Point Peron Camp School for our overnight school expeditions. With the uncertain future of this facility, we are exploring other options for camping at Point Peron. We do encourage a self-sufficient approach in students, with most groups opting to carry their gear in the kayaks to get the feeling of a self-supported expedition. Climate and Seasons We offer programs at Shoalwater from October to May. Summer days can be hot, with cooler winds coming from the south-west in the afternoon. During Spring (October and November), water can be cooler, the islands can be less crowded, and migratory birds are arriving en masse. Autumn (March and April) is generally beautiful, with still days and we are starting to lose the summer heat. The winters tend to be cooler with wind and swell making paddling less than ideal. Penguin Island closes for a few months during this time.

15

DUNSBOROUGH - MEELUP BEACH AND GEOGRAPHE BAY Located 205 km south of Perth, Dunsborough is in the northern area of the world-famous Margaret River Region. The relaxed community of Dunsborough is a small township, adjacent to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and Meelup Regional Park. Coastal reserves and spectacular coastline are features of this area. In Geographe Bay you’ll find beautiful sheltered waters, such as those of Meelup Beach, that are ideal for activities such as sea kayaking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and snorkelling. The region also boasts some incredible caves and beautiful forest/coastal heath trails for bushwalking, as well as a rich indigenous history. Location Situated approximately 2.5hrs south of Perth, the Dunsborough area provides central access to most activity locations whilst maintaining a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Distance from Busselton is 30km, Margaret River is 42km to the south.

Dunsborough Township Dunsborough is a vibrant town of 4000 people on the shores of Geographe Bay. It is a popular tourist destination in the summer and school holidays, with numerous events and festivals in the area year round.. Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park This rugged national park stretches along 120km of coastline, between the lighthouses it was named after, Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. The park offers some stunning karri and jarrah forests, covering approximately 190 square kilometres. Granite and limestone rock outcrops define this coastline, and underneath the forest and coastal heath lies a maze of caves and underground ancient waterways thousands of years old. Some of these caves are open to the public with both guided and self guided tours available. The area is a haven for bushwalkers and surfers.

Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) The sea kayaking and SUP programs we offer are on the sheltered waters of Geographe Bay. Meelup Beach, located in Meelup Regional Park, is one of our favourite locations. Comprising a beautiful, north-facing, sheltered cove, with trees coming down almost to the waterline and crystal-clear turquoise water, Meelup is an excellent place for SUP and kayak training or launching/landing. Meelup Beach is also patrolled by professional lifeguards and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter over the main summer months. There are fresh water, BBQs, toilets and basic shower facilities here. Programs can range from 1-2 hour ‘tasters’ or training sessions; to day paddles along the coast of Geographe Bay, anywhere from Busselton to Bunker Bay. The option also exists to do 2-day trips, using the facilities of the ‘Holy Mile’ beachfront camps between Busselton and Dunsborough. Our sit-on-top kayaks and SUPs are also available for hire.

16

Climate and Seasons We offer programs between September and May, these being the warmest months with weather more comfortable for water-based activities. April and May/Sept and Oct can be cooler and wet, however it is possible to run programs with appropriate clothing. Optional Extras The Blackwood River is another fantastic resource in the area where we can run multi-day kayaking programs. Capricorn Seakayaking is happy to work with you to build programs in the Dunsborough/Geographe Bay region. This can include bushwalking on the Cape to Cape Track, abseiling and climbing at Wilyabrup sea cliffs, guided cave tours, mountain biking and learn to surf programs. Please note that we use approved sub-contractors for some of these activities.

17

SHARK BAY Located on the westernmost point of the Australian continent, the Shark Bay World Heritage area covers an area of more than 2.2 million hectares. Known as Gutharraguda (‘two bays’) by the Malgana Aboriginal people, Shark Bay is just that, two bays formed by peninsulas lying side by side. It is a place of contrasting colours and textures, plants and animals, land and sea, with unique wildlife, rich flora and stunning scenery. Location Shark Bay is located approximately 800km north of Perth. The town of Denham is the service centre for the area, and is 128km from the Northwest Coastal Highway via sealed road. It is approximately 330km from Carnarvon and 420km from Geraldton. Monkey Mia and it’s famous dolphins are 24km from Denham via sealed road. Denham Town Denham has a population of approximately 600 people and has a full range of accommodation options. Sea Kayaking We offer multi-day Sea Kayaking expeditions in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The area offers unique experiences amongst a number of exceptional natural features, including one of the largest and most diverse seagrass beds in the world, which supports a population of over 10, 000 dugong. The area is rich in marine life and provides a refuge for a number of globally threatened species. Camping For our school programs we offer ‘expedition-style’ camping, where we carry all we need in the kayaks, and camp in a different location each day. This not only fosters a sense of journey in the students, but also challenges their organisational skills! Capricorn Seakayaking are able to provide some camping and cooking equipment for the program. There is also the option for us to provide menus and food for the students to cook, or they can design their own menu and order from the local supermarket. School programs we have run in the past range from 3 to 8 days. The largest school group we have had on a 6-day sea kayaking expedition is 45 people, travelling in 3 separate pods. Climate and Seasons Shark Bay has warm summers and mild winters. In summer regular sea breezes moderate an otherwise hot climate. It is in this area that species of cooler southern regions meet and mingle with those from the desert and the tropical north. We offer programs in the Shark Bay region from May to September. Optional Extras Visits to the stromatolites of Hamelin Pool, the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery and Visitor Centre and feeding Monkey Mia’s dolphins are just some of the other activities available in the area.

18

JURIEN BAY Location Jurien Bay is located 220 kms north of Perth, and 195km south of Geraldton. It is adjacent to Jurien Bay Marine Park, and to the east is the biodiversity hotspot that is Leseur National Park. Jurien Bay Town Jurien Bay has a population of approximately 1500 people that more than doubles during the holiday season. It has a range of accommodation options and facilities, including a small marina and boat harbour. Sea Kayaking and Snorkelling We offer multi-day sea kayaking programs in the area, experiencing the beauty and wildlife of Jurien Bay Marine Park. The park encompasses major sea lion and seabird breeding colonies, and the opportunity exists to interact with the endangered Australian sea lions and dolphins. The option also exists to include snorkelling amongst the sheltered temperate reefs of the islands in the program. The boat harbour contains a long stretch of sandy beach and sheltered waters that provide a great location for all weather kayak training and skill building. Camping There are numerous camping options in the area. In the past we have used: the Apex Camp as a base camp for our school programs; and a local caravan park for our training programs. They have a range of facilities including grassy camping sites and dormitories, and have school packages and presentation rooms. We can also offer expedition-style camping on the beaches, as we journey along the coast. Climate and Seasons Jurien Bay has a warm Mediterranean climate. Summers are generally warm with a cooling afternoon sea breeze and small swell. Winters are cooler with increased rain and swell. We offer programs in the area from October to April. Optional Extras The area is known for it’s wildflowers, and has numerous bushwalking opportunities. Nearby Leseur National Park contains over 900 species of flora. The Pinnacles Desert, contained within Nambung National Park to the south is a popular spot to visit. You can take the 1.2km walk around Lake Thetis to view the stromatolites, or journey north to Stockyard Gully National Park’s fascinating group of limestone caves, that lead to an underground river system.