North Narrabeen’s Coastal Environment Centre has unveiled a new marine life exhibit, giving visitors the chance to view local rock platform creatures without stepping into the water.
Annual Open Day in August
The Coastal Environment Centre (CEC) in North Narrabeen will host its annual Open Day on Saturday, 30 August 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature free interactive exhibits, workshops and activities focused on local biodiversity and sustainable living.
The program includes live music, face painting, nature crafts, story sessions and plant giveaways. Animals from Sydney Zoo and Bugs About will also be on display. Sustainability sessions will cover topics such as composting and solar energy, and a Scouts-run sausage sizzle will be available throughout the day.
Marine Life on Display in North Narrabeen
A new tank at the Coastal Environment Centre (CEC) in North Narrabeen highlights the creatures found on local rock platforms and aquatic reserves. The installation is a collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The tank features sea stars, elephant snails, sea hares and sea urchins. These species are commonly seen at Barrenjoey, Long Reef and Narrabeen rock platforms, areas where marine life is vulnerable when the tide recedes.
Protecting Delicate Ecosystems
While many visitors enjoy exploring rock platforms, the fragile balance of these ecosystems can be harmed when plants and animals are disturbed or when rubbish is left behind. The CEC’s new display offers a way to observe these species without affecting their natural environment.
Educational details about the creatures are included in the exhibit. For instance, sea stars use two stomachs to capture and digest food, elephant snails are nocturnal foragers, sea hares lay eggs resembling yellow spaghetti, and sea urchins, although lacking a brain, move using water-powered tube feet.
Coastal Environment Centre Programs
The CEC provides interactive exhibits, workshops and school programs on coastal ecosystems, marine biology and environmental sustainability. The centre is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional opening on event days.
Programs are offered for preschool, primary and high school groups, all linked to the NSW and ACARA curriculum. Resources for teachers, community events and holiday programs are also available.
Looking Ahead
The new tank and Open Day form part of the CEC’s wider role in raising awareness of local biodiversity and sustainable practices. By showcasing marine life in a controlled environment, the centre aims to encourage understanding and protection of North Narrabeen’s unique coastal ecosystems.
Published 21-Aug-2025
Photo Credit: NBC
