Visitors to the Central Coast and locals are now able to enjoy a new perspective on pelican encounters with a brand-new education programme taking them behind the scenes of marina wildlife care.

Central Coast Council has partnered with Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast to deliver a family-friendly, educational, safe, eco-friendly pelican experience.

Pelican Time is a free talk that takes place every Saturday and Sunday (including public holidays – excluding Christmas Day), and every day during the School Holidays at 3.30pm at Pelican Plaza – located on the waterfront at The Entrance until July 2024.

Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, said Council, together with the community, has a shared vision for the Central Coast to have a thriving, connected, and supported tourism industry that provides compelling visitor experiences and positions the region as a premier sustainable tourism and lifestyle destination.

The council’s marketing and tourism team will be working with Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast over the next year to develop the programme with additional bookable eco-friendly experiences which celebrate the pelican and provide further educational opportunities

Visitors to Pelican Time can expect a deep dive into the secret life of one of the world’s most wonderfully bizarre animals – the pelican.

“This programme will also hopefully inspire guests and others to both act on, and support, the protection of wildlife and their environments in general,” Melanie Smith said.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the new pelican programme is just one example of the many experiences visitors and locals can enjoy on the Coast.

“Visitors and locals love the Coast for these types of vibrant experiences, and there’s so much more on offer across the whole region,” Mr Hart said.  

To learn more about the new Pelican Time with Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast, head to the website here.