Program & Field Trips

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

The conference program is available for download via the button below.

A snapshot is also contained below.

Please Note: Timing and details are subject to change

FIELD TRIPS

We are pleased to offer a range of options to explore Port Macquarie and the surrounding region.  Choose your preference during the registration process.  Please note: numbers for some options are limited.

Field Trip One | Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard and Sea Acres Rainforest Centre

Experience guided tours of the unique Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard, and Sea Acres Rainforest Centre by qualified and experienced staff. Built in 1862, Douglas Vale is the oldest timber homestead in the Hastings. On this tour you’ll explore the restored homestead, boutique vineyard and cellar door of the National Trust classified site. Learn about our unique history and feel at home with a delicious Devonshire tea. Discover the limited release wines that are still made in the style of their award winning wines from the 1880’s.  Head to Sea Acres Rainforest Centre where you will be immersed in the natural beauty of one of the largest intact coastal rainforest remnants in NSW. While here, experience Birpai heritage on a cultural tour with National Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers, and hear about weed management within the rainforest.

Field Trip Two | River Cruise and Kooloonbung Walk

Jet off on the beautiful Hastings River with Port Jet Cruise Adventures. While taking in the sights of the surrounding landscape by water, hear from Council’s Coast and Estuary Team about weed management practices vs natural erosion.  You will also participate in a guided tour of Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park. Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park volunteer Rex Moir will discuss weed management undertaken weekly at the park, afterwards the Council ecologist will present a talk on role the flying fox colony play in weed distribution.

Field Trip Three | Historical Museum

Located in the heart of Port Macquarie’s CBD, our award-winning Museum and historic Store building tell the stories of those who have come before us and what makes our town special.  There are over 2,000 objects on display at any time.  Enjoy time to look around and take in the history of the local region and on a self guided Historical tour concluding at the Historical Cemetery. From the Cemetery head down to Kooloonbung creek nature park where the Council ecologist will present a talk on role the nearby flying fox colony play in weed distribution.

Field Trip Four | Guulabaa Place of Koala and Wildnets Centre

Guulabaa means ‘place of koala’ in local Gathang language, and this beautiful area is a visitor experience designed to embrace just that. Visitors are welcomed to the site by The Big Koala, a 2.5 metre mural koala, part of the award-winning Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail. Those seeking an adventurous experience will also take on the WildNets Adventures. During the tour, enjoy a presentation from Landcare to show the work undertaken to manage mid story weed species within the breeding area.

Field Trip Five | Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries and Cassegrain Cellar Door

Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries is located just ten minutes north of Port Macquarie. Two acres of greenhouses produces high quality hydroponically grown tomatoes & Strawberries. Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries pride themselves on being an environmentally friendly farm. While here, listen to a presentation that shows Groundsel Control undertaken within Ricardoes Farm. This follows from investments to gain control under the Early Needs Weeds funding. You can also take in a trip to Cassegrain Wines, a place where passion, heritage, and innovation come together to create exceptional Australian wines. The winery is a testament to the Cassegrain family’s commitment to producing world-class wines for over 35 years.

Field Trip Six | Coastal Walk- Town Green Foreshore (East) to LHB Lighthouse

Enjoy a guided walk along the jewel of the region, Port Macquarie’s beautiful coastal trail. Covering 7km of stunning coastline (with options to shorten the walk if you are not feeling up to it), you will pass through several beaches, headlands and coastal escarpment, including Sea Acres littoral rainforest, finishing at the 1879 Tacking Point Lighthouse. Your guides will discuss the natural features of the area and point out some areas of historic and ongoing weed control. Discuss the challenges of weed control in steep, coastal situations and see where we have used innovative techniques (including drones) to control hard-to-reach weeds. This will be a leisurely walk with a café or two along the way and mandatory whale watching from several amazing vantage points.