Trails of discovery lead to Living Smart Festival
Published on 15 September 2022
Trails of discovery, revealing secrets about local flora, fauna, history and marine habitats along the lake shore, will lead to this year’s Living Smart Festival in an extra effort to lure people out of cars and onto shared pathways leading to the event.
The Lake Mac Discovery Trails are open from today until Monday 26 September, with one stretching from Warners Bay to Speers Point Park, and the other starting at Booragul and ending at Speers Point Park.
Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Chris Harle said the trails mirrored a concept successfully trialled at Green Point Reserve earlier this year.
“It’s a self-guided, all-ages activity where people stop at each marked pavement sticker along the trail and scan a QR code to find out information about the surrounding area, and answer questions designed to stimulate thought and discussion,” she said.
The Warners Bay trail delves into the history of the area, what it was like before European settlement, native tree species found along the lake’s edge and the significance of Munibung Hill.
It also explores climate change, water health and how it’s monitored, and the importance of mangroves and seagrass meadows.
The Booragul trail explores the area’s saltmarsh habitats, water birds, mangroves and the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima close to the end of the route at Speers Point Park.
“We’ve opened this activity up for almost two weeks so our community can enjoy it as a stand-alone activity at a time that suits them,” Ms Harle said.
“You can join in at any point along the trail, so we’re hoping it will encourage people to walk, ride or scoot to the Living Smart Festival.”
“We’ll also have a free bike and scooter valet service on the Saturday of the festival, and free bike checks for people who ride.”
Other transport alternatives have also been planned for the event weekend to reduce the need to drive.
Free shuttle buses will run from Belmont, Croudace Bay and Warners Bay on the morning of Saturday 24 September, returning in the afternoon.
The Lake Mac Ferry will also run extra services, stopping at Speers Point jetty every hour.
Go to livingsmartfestival.com.au for more information.