Swan Bay by Canoe: A Guided Ramsar Adventure

FREE Ramsar Week 2026 event

Note: The minimum age for this tour is 12 with no exceptions and all participants must be able to swim 100m.

Get fully immersed in the Port Phillip Bay (western shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site with a guided tour of the Marine Freshwater Discovery centre followed by a canoe tour of Swan Bay.

Deepen your connection to Swan Bay by appreciating the diversity of habitat it provides to wildlife – from seagrass meadows to coastal saltmarsh. You will see many inhabitants of Swan Bay that rely on this system, including migratory shorebirds and marine life, with Swan Bay being an important nursery site for native fish.

If the weather becomes unfavourable or if Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings are declared, the event will be cancelled and participants will be notified as soon as possible.

Location: This event will begin at the Marine Freshwater Discovery Centre (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zm8QWnDncfoFLg9X8) before moving to Queenscliff Yacht Club (Nankervis Parade, Queenscliff https://maps.app.goo.gl/LPTrzDFLSKqiY4129) to launch the canoes. Participants must self-drive between sites.

What to bring:

Hat, warm jacket, closed toe shoes that can get wet, plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks and binoculars. Be sun smart – wear pants and a long sleeved shirt. 

Catering:

Afternoon tea will be provided at with gluten friendly and vegan options. Please contact hannah.wiggs@ccma.vic.gov.au for any specific dietaries or allergies

This event is part of Ramsar Week 2026 - a week of FREE activities from 2 to 6 February celebrating the internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands in the Corangamite CMA region. Learn more at www.ccma.vic.gov.au/ramsar-week