Victoria’s coastline is the classroom this month as the popular Summer by the Sea program returns for its milestone 30th year.
Operating under the 2026 theme ‘The Coast, the Sea, and our Community’, the initiative invites locals and visitors to explore marine environments and learn how to protect them for future generations.
Funded by Coastcare Victoria and the Victorian Government, the program spans 2500km of coastline with more than 100 free activities hosted by environmental agencies, land managers and volunteer groups.
The local program officially launched on Saturday, January 3, with a vibrant display at the Slipway Precinct in Lakes Entrance.
Families and curious passers-by watched a large-scale chalk pavement drawing come to life, designed and drawn by local artists Sean Lockhart and Amy Allender.
The artwork was facilitated by Catherine Van Wilgenburg in collaboration with FLOAT.
With the program now underway, several hands-on events are scheduled for the coming weeks in East Gippsland.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Saturday, January 10: Activities at Slipway Shed 2 from 11am – 1pm.
Saturday, January 17: An Australian Marine Debris Initiative Litter Pick-Up and Art Making session. Participants will meet at the Lakes Entrance Footbridge at 11am.
Debris collected will be turned into art and exhibited in Slipway Shed 2.
Sunday, January 18: The program concludes with an iNaturalist App Immersion session led by Jess Bury from Nungurner Landcare. Running from 11am to 1pm, participants will meet at Merringbaur Street (off Eastern Beach Road) to learn how to identify local plant species in the remnant Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland.
Families looking for something different to do over the remainder of the summer holidays are encouraged to attend.
Bookings are now open for all activities.
