Education

At the Dolphin Discovery Centre (DDC) we provide educational activities and field based learning in marine and environmental studies. These activities include both incursions and excursions and the content within each has been designed to not only be interactive, entertaining and educational, but also to focus on Science and Biology as described within the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) materials (v5.0 May 2013). Within the ACARA model, our program content for all school years cover the science strands of Science and Understanding, Science as a Human Endeavour and Science Inquiry Skills inclusive of Cross Curriculum Priorities such as Sustainability and Aboriginal Histories and Cultures.

Located 90 minutes south of Perth on the foreshore of Koombana Bay in Bunbury, the Centre is surrounded by a diverse range of marine and coastal habitats including the Indian Ocean, Koombana Bay, the Leschenault Estuary, the Leschenault Inlet, and the white mangrove colony. Each habitat represents a unique natural resource and an ideal opportunity to learn and have fun.

Excursion / Activity Program

Year Levels: School Year up to level 2
Activities:
  • 1. See under the sea
Activities
Activity 1 - See under the sea
Duration 60 minutes
Cost $10 pp
Description In this fun and interactive program students will observe and investigate marine animals in a range of different habitats. They will also be introduced to the concept of human impact such as pollution and the importance of looking after our marine environment to protect the animals they see and feel during the excursion. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures
Year Levels: School Years 3 - 6
Activities:
  • 1. The Sea and Me
Activities
Activity 1 - The Sea and Me
Duration 60 minutes
Cost $10 pp
Description This program investigates and interprets information about cetaceans and other living organisms under the sea. Not only will students learn more about marine animals, biodiversity and the food-chain but also understand and recognise the need to act responsibly in relation to them and their environments. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures (upon request)
Year Levels: School Years 3-6
Activities:
  • 1. A Turtles Journey
Activities
Activity 1 - A Turtles Journey
Duration 60 minutes
Cost $10.00 pp
Description This program introduces students to marine turtles, focusing particularly on Loggerhead turtles. Students will gain insights into the turtle's life cycle, the challenges they face in their habitat, and the initiatives undertaken at the Dolphin Discovery Centre to contribute to the survival of the species.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability
Year Levels: School Years 7 - 10
Activities:
  • 1. Dolphin Dynamics
Activities
Activity 1 - Dolphin Dynamics
Duration 60 minutes
Cost $10 pp
Description This activity will introduce the local Bottlenose dolphins and how the environment they live in shapes their biology and ecology. There is a focus on species interdependencies that exist in the area and how both anthropogenic and natural changes have impacted the dolphins and their local marine environment. This knowledge will re-enforce the importance of the research programs currently conducted here at the Centre and provide the students with the ability to identify variables that influence natural processes. Students will also be asked to formulate management strategies that promote conservation and sustainability. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures
Year Levels: School Years 5-12
Activities:
  • 1. Boats, Biology & Bay
Activities
Activity 1 - Boats, Biology & Bay
Duration 60 minutes
Cost $35.00 pp
Description Students will gain a better understanding of the Koombana Bay environment inclusive of human activities and the potential impacts they impose. This boat-based tour will also introduce dolphin research strategies and how the information is used for conservation purposes. We require a minimum of 15 students for this activity.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability, Aboriginal histories and cultures
Year Levels: School Years 7-12
Activities:
  • 1. Rescuing Our Reefs
Activities
Activity 1 - Rescuing Our Reefs
Duration 90 minutes
Cost $15.00 pp
Description In this educational program, students will delve into the fascinating world of coral reefs, with a specific emphasis on the significance of these intricate ecosystems and the dire threats they are facing. Students will not only gain insights into the biological intricacies of corals and the processes governing reef formation, but they will also actively participate in the hands-on experience of propagating corals, directly contributing to our conservation efforts.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability
Year Levels: School Years 7-12
Activities:
  • 1. Turtles: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release
Activities
Activity 1 - Turtles: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release
Duration 60 minutes
Cost $10.00 pp
Description Given that only 1 in 1000 hatchlings makes it to adulthood, each turtle we rescue, and release plays a crucial role in maintaining the species' sustainability. Through this education program, students will develop an awareness of the challenges confronting marine turtles. They will also devise strategies to mitigate these threats, aiming to reduce their impact on the species and secure their long-term survival.
Key Learning Area Science
Other Learning Areas Humanities and Social Sciences
Cross Curriculum Priorities Sustainability
Year Levels: School Staff
Activities:
  • 1. School Staff Information Visit
  • 2. Staff Professional Development Workshop
Activities
Activity 1 - School Staff Information Visit
Duration 15 - 30 minutes
Cost Free
Activities
Activity 2 - Staff Professional Development Workshop
Duration 60 minutes
Cost Group Price

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Group of children sitting listening to presentation
School children taking notes, sitting on a baot
Clownfish swimming in coral
Close up of dolphin swimming

Steps for Booking Activities

Steps for booking activities
1. Choose an activity / activities
2. Choose a number of times / dates that suit you
3. Call / email or fill in the form below
4. Receive confirmation of your booking

Terms of Booking

  • Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • A minimum of 15 students required for each activity.
  • We need 48 hours notice for cancellation, numbers must be confirmed at this time and invoices will be charged based off those numbers. Allowances are made for children sick on the day, but we appreciate if numbers can be as accurate as possible, as this allows us to staff accordingly.
  • Students are allowed to bring their own lunch and snacks for the excursion. If children will be purchasing their lunches please advise our staff ahead of time.
  • Teachers/Assistants are no charge but no more than 1 every 10 students.  Other parents are welcome to accompany at half price.
  • These people must be included in numbers when the Boat, Biology and Bay is booked.

What to bring

  • Hats, suncream, drink bottle, lunch and snacks if applicable.

resources

Broadform Liabiliity Certificate of Insurance Protect your Crab Bait Information Sheet

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Water-Based Excursions

Please note that all excursions at the Centre are considered to be Non Water Based Excursions (with the exception of the boat tours). Should dolphins visit the Interaction Zone the students will observe and record the dolphin’s visit and behaviour from the shoreline. It will be at the discretion of the school as to whether the students are able to approach or enter the water, however it should be noted that the DDC does hold Public Liability Insurance to the value of $20,000,000.

public liability certificate

Ground Breaking Research

The extraordinary partnership between Bunbury Dolphin Discovery and Murdoch University, along with others, enables us to deliver high-quality research outcomes. Being known as a renowned centre for research has attracted scientists from prestigious institutions worldwide. We are confident that findings from research conducted in Bunbury will add significantly to the pool of current knowledge on the topic of the sustainability of wild dolphins and their significance as important community resource. Such knowledge will have implications for conservation and management of wildlife both in Bunbury and worldwide.

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