A World Habitat Day Afternoon Gathering - Part of the 2025 Nature Festival South Australia

Hosted by the Australian West Papua Association of SA, Pacific Island Council of SA and Conservation Council of SA this experience invites you to journey from our local area across the wider continental region and through the rainforests, coastlines, and highlands of West Papua, exploring the deep connections between its vibrant ecosystems, Indigenous cultures, and the global climate justice movement.

As part of the Nature Festival’s "Flow" theme, we’ll explore the flow of rivers, resilience, and resistance—from rainforest canopy to grassroots movements for land protection.

Expect: A visual and sensory journey through West Papua’s landscapes and biodiversity Reflections on habitat loss, cultural resilience, and what solidarity looks like. The chance to connect with local environment and human rights organisations and find something meaningful, active, and outdoors to do together as an individual, couple, friendship group or as a family, this school holiday.

Bring the kids, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure to this hands-on community event marking World Habitat Day, where we’ll explore the forests, rivers, and oceans of West Papua—one of the most biodiverse (and most threatened) places on Earth. Plus engage with the environment at Yitpi Yartapuultiku and learn about local environmental issues.

Designed for curious kids and caring adults, this engaging, family-friendly experience will include:

Interactive nature storytelling about wild creatures, rainforests, and brave protectors

Creative hands-on activities
A chance to learn how families and individuals can protect nature together—from SA to West Papua
Quiet corners for reflective play and gentle mindfulness
And a flow of hopeful stories about people and places making a difference

This event is perfect for families/groups and individuals who want to get outside, care for nature, and discover how even small actions can have a global impact.

Onsite cafe open in the afternoon
Food trucks from 4pm- 6.30pm

Free. All ages welcome. No prior knowledge required—just bring your imagination.

Note this larger event is split into 2 parts:

2-5pm Free family event in the outside and undercover verandah areas at Yitpi Yartapuultiku

(between events 4-6pm Food trucks on site for those who want a feed)

6-9pm Ticketed guest speaking event seated inside the beautiful venue

($20 full price $5 concession) - see separate event link for more information about the evening program

More detailed info about the FREE Family Fun Afternoon – Celebrate Habitat & Culture!

Join us for an action-packed, FREE afternoon full of hands-on fun, cultural performances, and creative activities for all ages – all in celebration of World Habitat Day!

What’s on offer?
Explore incredible interactive stalls inspired by West Papua and the local natural world:

Build a Habitat! – Can you create the perfect home for a tree kangaroo or a red kangaroo?
Coastal Habitat Treasure Hunt – Discover coastal life through a fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt.
Melting Tropical Glaciers – Experiment with ice and warm water to learn about climate impacts on tropical glaciers.
Messages of Hope – Add your voice with drawings and messages for World Habitat Day.

Dress-up Fun! – Try on traditional West Papuan headdresses and jewellery and strike a pose!
Take-home Nature Crafts – Create your own native succulent cutting and clay seedball to grow at home!

FREE FACEPAINTING!!!

Plus, don’t miss the Bring Back the Butterflies, Sea Shepherd, Asian Australians for Climate Change, Fusion and Greens interactive community stall
Pacific Island Dancers will grace us on the lawns with vibrant performances
Live acoustic music to keep the vibes going all afternoon
Watch a powerful short film on one of the largest deforestation projects in Asia – currently happening in West Papua – screening on the big screen

Even more to explore!

Exciting nature playground
Yitpi Foundation displays
Delicious treats at the onsite café
Plus, more free stalls and activities from our amazing community partners still to be announced!

Don’t miss this incredible day of fun, learning, and celebration for the whole family!
Stay tuned for updates – and invite your friends to come along!

Accessibility event info:
Parking and drop off: Four Accessible parking bays will be available at the Yitpi Yartapuultiku carpark- entrance is off Old Port Rd, Port Adelaide left when driving into the Port Adelaide Shopping district
Safe passenger Drop-Off zones will be available at the turning area off Old Port Rd, Port Adelaide
There is general parking onsite.
Plus if this onsite parking is full you can find parking in the following nearby locations;
- Port Adelaide Rugby Union Oval carpark (Baynes Place. Enter off Langham Place or Commercial Road)
-Paddle SA carpark across Bower Rd
-Port Adelaide Plaza southern carpark
Bathrooms: There is a fully accessible Universal Changing Places bathroom on site, and this requires a special key. Please let the organisers know if you don’t have their own and will need access to a key. There is also a parent room and ambulant unisex toilets.
Pathways: The paths around Yitpi Yartapuultiku are compact gravel and rollable in both manual and power wheelchairs (though a little assistance may be useful in the spots closer to the water). The building and main paths around the facility are fully wheelchair accessible. There are some parts of the nature play area that may be less easy to navigate.
Seating: There will be designated accessible seating areas for presentations or performances. There is lift access to mezzanine level.
Communication access: We are currently seeking funding to make the event inclusive for Deaf and hard of hearing people.
Quiet space: Along with the quiet outdoors areas there will be a designating a quiet area indoors for people who need a sensory break.
Transport: Train Services - City to Outer Harbor Line • Disembark at Port Adelaide Railway Station Please note that the Port Adelaide Station Ramp has a steep decline
Adelaide Metro Bus Services- City to Port Adelaide - 118, 150, 235, 239, 254X, 252 • Disembark on Commercial Road and walk a few minutes to the event
Glenelg to Port Adelaide Adelaide Metro Bus Services - 265, 300 and 118 • Disembark on Commercial Road and walk a few minutes to the event
Public Holiday time tables may change, please check all information with Adelaide Metro before departing. To Plan your journey, please utilise Metro Adelaide Plan a Trip https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/plana-trip/plan-my-journey

Contact the host of World Habitat Day Family Gathering with West Papua