Sea Acres Aboriginal coastal tour
Sea Acres National Park
Overview
Take a walk to Shelly Beach in Sea Acres National Park on this Aboriginal ranger-guided activity. Discover bush tucker and medicine in the rainforest as you learn about Birpai culture.
- When
The 1st and 3rd Friday of each month from August 2024 to January 2025, 2pm to 3.30pm.
Additional dates: Friday 12 and 19 July 2024. Friday 11 October 2024. Friday 10 and 24 January 2025, 2pm to 3.30pm.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Grade
- Easy. Suitable for adults and children 4 years and over. We’ll walk 3km during this activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults required to book.
- Price
-
Adult $20 per person. Child (5 to 16 years) $10 per person. Children under 5 free. Family $50 for 2 adults and 2 children.
- Meeting point
- Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
Starting at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, we’ll follow Shelly Beach Road to the picturesque Shelly Beach. Here we stroll through lush coastal rainforest rich in bush tucker and medicine plants, if you know what you're looking for.
Come join our knowledgeable local Aboriginal Ranger Nardja on this special cultural activity and celebrate Sea Acres connection to Birpai culture. You’ll discover how Birpai People lived in harmony with their environment through sustainable use of the rainforest resources, and gain insights into local culture and language.
Ranger Nardja will share stories of culture that will allow you to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Birpai connection to country.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/sea-acres-aboriginal-coastal-tour/local-alerts
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Park info
- in Sea Acres National Park in the North Coast region
Sea Acres National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Sea Acres Aboriginal coastal tour.
Getting there and parking
This activity starts at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. To get there:
- From Port Macquarie, head south along Pacific Drive.
- Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is on the left just after Shelly Beach Road
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Not wheelchair-accessible.
Visitor centre
-
Sea Acres Rainforest Centre
159 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 - 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6582 3355
Learn more
Sea Acres Aboriginal coastal tour is in Sea Acres National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Ancient connections
Sea Acres National Park is the traditional country of the Birpai People. The park's landscape has provided a rich source of food, medicines and shelter for thousands of years. Evidence of Aboriginal inhabitants has been found in Sea Acres National Park, and it's likely that the Birpai used the area for fishing, hunting and gathering.
- Bush tucker in Sea Acres National Park Discover bushtucker secrets with our Aboriginal guide on this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Geography excursion in Sea Acres National Park. An easy stroll along a boardwalk will reveal this area’s naturally occurring ‘supermarket’, and ‘hardware store’.
- Sea Acres Aboriginal coastal tour Take a walk to Shelly Beach in Sea Acres National Park on this Aboriginal ranger-guided activity. Discover bush tucker and medicine in the rainforest as you learn about Birpai culture.
- Sea Acres Aboriginal culture tour Join this ranger-guided Aboriginal cultural tour along the rainforest boardwalk in Sea Acres National Park. You’ll go on a unique journey of discovery and learning.
Find out more about this special place
If you are looking for an educational experience within Sea Acres National Park then take some time out to have a look at The Spirit of the Land exhibition. This multimedia exhibition takes you on a virtual tour of Birpai Country and introduces you to key Birpai stories.
- Port Macquarie coastal walk You'll pass historic sites, stunning coastal scenery, beaches, and rainforest along the Port Macquarie coastal walk. It can be enjoyed as a full day walk or broken up into several short walks.
- Sea Acres Rainforest Centre Close to Port Macquarie, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is the gateway to your rainforest experience. Friendly staff provide information and there is a café where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch.
Midnight feast
- Sea Acres Aboriginal coastal tour Take a walk to Shelly Beach in Sea Acres National Park on this Aboriginal ranger-guided activity. Discover bush tucker and medicine in the rainforest as you learn about Birpai culture.
- Sea Acres rainforest boardwalk tour If you’re near Port Macquarie, come along to this unique ranger-guided tour in Sea Acres National Park. You’ll enjoy a walk under the lush canopy of this rare and spectacular coastal rainforest.
- Sensing the rainforest Join us and explore the rainforest in this Stage 2 (Years 3-4) Geography excursion at Sea Acres National Park. Students will experience the wonders of this coastal environment through sensory activities.
Worlds away
When you venture out on the boardwalk, immersed in the still beauty of the rainforest, you’ll really believe you've travelled back in time. And you're right. The environment here has remained unchanged for thousands of years. Engage your senses and let the rainforest and its residents take you away to another place. The rainforest is a haven for myriad birds, so look out for the colourful wompoo fruit dove and rose crowned fruit dove and listen for the distinctive yowl of the green catbird. You're bound to see a brush turkey or two foraging on the forest floor.
- Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk The Sea Acres Rainforest boardwalk is an easy 1.3km walk through the rainforest canopy. You’ll see rainforest birds and animals. It's a great walk for all ages.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
One of the most renowned Australian animals, the tree-dwelling marsupial koala can be found in gum tree forests and woodlands across eastern NSW, Victoria and Queensland, as well as in isolated regions in South Australia. With a vice-like grip, this perhaps most iconic but endangered Australian animal lives in tall eucalypts within a home range of several hectares.
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White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.
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Australian brush turkey (Alectura lathami)
The Australian brush turkey, also known as bush or scrub turkey, can be found in rainforests along eastern NSW. With a striking red head, blue-black plumage and booming call, these distinctive Australian birds are easy to spot while bird watching in several NSW national parks.