The 2023 Milbi Festival has a range of events, tours and experiences many of which are free and educational opportunities to celebrate the natural environment.
The 10 day festival kicks off on 27 October with a free oceanfront concert, followed by a range of environmental and educational activities.
Attend Milbi for environment celebration
Turtle Talks at the Zoo
Want to learn more about our milbi? Come along to Alexandra Park Zoo to chat to our passionate zookeepers as they share their knowledge about these turtle-y awesome creatures!
Monday 30 October
10 am – Noon
Alexandra Park Zoo, Quay Street
Cost: Free
Flyways: The untold journey of migratory shorebirds
The story of Australia’s migratory shorebirds is truly inspiring. Each year these birds fly from coastal feeding sites to the Arctic to breed in the northern hemisphere summer. In Australia, these precious sites are under threat, even in protected Ramsar sites.
In this free screening of the ABC documentary Flyways, learn about these fascinating birds, how they navigate and manage these incredible feats of endurance.
Monday 30 October
10 – 11.30 am
Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Free | Bookings required
Milbi Breakfast at the Zoo
Join us for a truly unique breakfast experience, community yarn up and arts activities alongside the animals that call Alexandra Park Zoo home.
With a delicious BBQ breakfast in hand, receive a rare behind the scenes glimpse of zoo life as the gates open early, allowing you to roam the zoo, take in the sights and sounds and chat with our dedicated zookeepers as they interact with our furry and feathered residents, preparing them for the day ahead.
Date: Saturday 28 October
Time: 7.30 – 9.30 am
Location: Alexandra Park Zoo, Quay Street
Cost: Free
Great Barrier Reef: The Next Generation
In this free documentary screening, a cast of young marine explorers take us on an immersive journey into life on the Great Barrier Reef, during a summer of love.
Featuring stunning footage of coral spawning, fish breeding, birds and turtles returning to islands to nest, we celebrate the reef in a time of renewal and change. Narrated by actress Brooke Satchwell, featuring Lucas Handley and Madison Stewart.
Tuesday 31 October
6 – 7 pm
Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Free | Bookings required
Coral Conversations
Dive into the mesmerising world beneath the waves as we explore the intricate balance of life in our oceans.
In this enlightening and family friendly presentation, our guest speakers will take you on a journey to uncover the hidden wonders of coral, the importance of these colourful ecosystems for our planet's wellbeing and how we can all play a part in helping protect our coral reefs.
Wednesday 1 November
11 am – 12.30 pm
Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Free | Bookings required
Discover Mon Repos Tour
Join the Rangers from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and journey through bush trails and beach as you learn about the unique flora and fauna, the marvels of inventor Bert Hinkler and turtle conservation efforts led by Dr. Col Limpus.
Sunday 5 November
10.15 – 10.45 am
Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Free | Bookings required
Lady Elliot Island: Marine Biologist for a Day
Head on out to Lady Elliot Island and spend the day with a qualified Master Reef Guide, snorkel with turtles, contribute to citizen science and data collection, and learn about the marine life that inhabits the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Thursday 2 November – Saturday 4 November
8 am – 5 pm daily
Lady Elliot Island
$620 Adult | $480 Child (3 – 12 yrs)
Turtle Encounter Tour
Hear tales from the beach and discover what occurs under the stars during nesting season in this guided discussion by a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ranger.
Sunday 5 November
11 – 11.30 am and 12 – 12.30 pm
Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Free | Bookings required
Rockpool Ramble
Discover the secret lives of curious marine creatures that live in our local rockpools at Nielson Park Beach.
Join us as we search for camouflaged crabs, mighty molluyscs and slippery sea squirts and learn about their fascinating lives while enjoying an afternoon tea snack pack.
Saturday 28 October
1:15 – 2.30 pm and 2 – 3.15 pm
Nielson Park Beach (North)
$15 per person | Includes snack pack
Tangaroa Blue Beach Clean Up
Join the Tangaroa Blue for their annual beach clean up to help prevent marine debris entering the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Make a positive difference to our natural areas by helping clean our beaches, reducing pollutants that would otherwise end up in the ocean and put our marine life in harm’s way.
Thursday 2 November
10 am – Noon
Turtle Park, The Esplanade, Bargara
Turtle Hour
Residents and businesses are called on to flick the switch during Turtle Hour in support of the turtles for which the Bundaberg Region is world-renowned.
Anyone interested in being part of the annual event can easily get involved. This event is hosted in support of Bundaberg Regional Council’s Reducing Urban Glow initiative.
To find out more about the ecological significance of turtles nesting in our region and how you can track light glow in our region, visit knowyourglow.com.au.
Sunday 5 November
7.30 – 8.30 pm
At your house or business
Free
In addition for these opportunities for a Milbi environment and educational celebration, view the full program here.
More Milbi Festival news: here
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