Wara Wayingga Tennyson Dunes Open Day

Connect with nature and learn more about the amazing dune habitat at Wara Wayingga Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve Open Day in Adelaide's western suburbs.

This important coastal ecosystem spans over 22 hectares but represents just a small percentage of what used to be here. It was declared a conservation reserve in 2015 to help protect the flora and fauna in the reserve.

Open Day Activities include:

• Guided tours led by experts on this interesting and precious ecosystem

• Workshops - cultural weaving

• Kids activities - including interactive VR experiences and hands-on
  activities with the highly-awarded Marine Discovery Centre; Paint a Painted Dragon with Hannah Jones; Animals Anonymous, and Bugs ‘n’ Slugs.

• Native coastal plant sale

• Interesting information displays by local community groups

• Stalls selling locally made, environmentally friendly gifts

• BBQ, coffee and cold drinks will be available

Take time out to:

• Walk the 1.5km Discovery Trail through the dunes

• Listen and look out for Singing Honey-eater birds, Painted Dragon lizards and Nankeen Kestrels

• Enjoy the coastal native plants in spring bloom

Cost

There is no charge for this event but we appreciate your donations which will help us: cover costs of the Open Day; maintain the Tennyson Dunes viewing platform and Discovery Trail; and provide basic equipment for our volunteers.

Book a Tour or Workshop

Tickets for the free guided tours and the weaving workshop are limited - and can book out quickly. If you miss out please join us anyway as unused tickets may become available on the day.

New tours may be added closer to the event so please check in again.

Most tours go for about 60 minutes. Check the program below and avoid booking overlapping tours!

Plants of Interest and Importance in the Wara Wayingga Tennyson Dunes

Join renowned botanist, native food advocate and author, Neville Bonney, to discover the hidden world of native coastal plants and their uses.

Flora and Fauna of the Wara Wayingga Tennyson Dunes

Your tour guide, Dr Tim Milne is an ecologist who has worked extensively in the management and restoration of coastal dune systems throughout the state. He has conducted long term monitoring of biodiversity outcomes, and has a personal passion for reptiles.

In Search of Dragons

Peter Matejcic is Vice-President of the Field Naturalists Society of SA, and an ecologist interested in coastal reptiles and how they are adapted to our harsh environments. He has undertaken a comprehensive survey of the Painted Dragon along the Adelaide coastline.

Climate Change and Coastal Erosion

On this tour Dr Murray Townsend will discuss the history and evolution of the Adelaide coast and describe the expected impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, on beaches, dunes and other coastal areas, and how the coast can adapt to these changes.

Meet the Dune Bugs

Uncover the secret lives of invertebrates living in Wara Wayingga Tennyson Dunes with Kris Messenger of Bugs and Slugs. Who are they and what role do they play?

Cultural Weaving

Join Buandig/Boandik, First Nations lady, Aunty Leanne Williams, to learn the art of cultural weaving and create your own artwork.

Protect Wara Wayingga Tennyson Dunes

The Tennyson Dunes Group works collaboratively with the City of Charles Sturt, Green Adelaide, and National Parks SA to help protect the dunes, and thanks them for their support.

You can help too!

• Stay on the paths to protect the delicate ecosystem

• Keep your dog on a short leash

• Take only memories (and rubbish/litter) home with you. Please leave flowers, plants and animals in their home where they belong

To join us, or find out more, please go to our website: www.tennyson.org.au

Parking and Public Transport

Parking is available at the Conservation Reserve and at Oarsmen Reserve near the rowing club.

The Reserve is also accessible by public transport and can be found between bus stops 32A - 32B on Military Road, Tennyson.