Goodness Festival and National Science Week enthusiasts were treated to a rare spectacle earlier this month when the distinctive Point Moore Lighthouse was opened to the public.
The lighthouse was the first steel built tower on mainland Australia and has become an iconic symbol of Geraldton and its history.
The 34m high lighthouse was not the only main attraction during the Open Day, with an array of stalls, music acts and NACC’s Coastal Community Trailer all joining in the fun.
More than 80 people cruised by the trailer to check out the displays and learn a thing or two about coastal erosion, beach wrack and identification tools for beach flora and fauna.
The Coastal team’s self-sufficient trailer is kitted out with a TV and solar panels and provides an opportunity for valuable community interaction at events light the Lighthouse Open Day.
During lunchtime more than 30 people joined a group beach walk, combing the sand for anything that looked interesting. Everyone brought back their collections and discussed their origin with NACC Coastal & Marine Project Officer Vanessa McGuiness.
“There is nothing better about the beach then exploring its wonders,” Vanessa said.
“It was not only the kids who came out beachcombing but plenty of parents interested in identifying what they had found as well!”
Participants collected sponges, shells, colourful algae, sea grass and even dried up bluebottles and used NACC’s Beachcombing app and Coastal Plants app to identify each item.
For more information on NACC’s Coastal & Marine Program please contact Vanessa McGuiness (e) Vanessa.McGuiness@nacc.com.au (p) 08 9938 0108
