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If you would like to receive updates about the Marine Discovery Centre & our activities please submit your name & email below. Please indicate your preferences and interests in the check box.
The concept of a Marine Centre on the Central Coast has been initiated through a number of parallel processes.
Early in 2004, a committee comprising a number of the partner organisations met for initial discussions and to identify possible functions of the Marine Centre. This committee included representatives from community, environment education and marine research sectors and resolved to seek opportunities to pursue the establishment of the Marine Centre.
Concurrently, Central Coast Tourism initiated a study of nature based tourism on the Central Coast, co funded by the Central Coast Area Consultative Committee, State and Regional Development and Business Central Coast. The study was launched in November, 2004 with one of the recommendations being the establishment of a Marine Discovery Centre.
In 2005, a working group was formed to further develop the concept of the Marine Centre.
Partnerships
The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre proposal brings together a range of stakeholders with diverse interests, including environment and conservation, education, tourism, economic development, scientific research and development, natural resource management, business and industry.
Through cooperation and a shared vision, stakeholders have engaged in the development of this proposal.
The proposal through its multi-faceted approach recognises the marine and coastal environment and its social and economic values for the Central Coast. It seeks to provide benefits to each of these values.
Pacific Australis - Odyssey of life; The CCMDC's big crab.
In 2022 CCMDC was blessed to receive a generous art sculpture donation by artist Christopher Diaz. After many volunteer hours and lots of support from our partners we have now installed the sculpture at the front of the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre.
The Pacific Australis is a great photo point. When taking photos please do use the social media hashtags #CCMDCbigcrab and #Pacific Australis.
At the Centre a range of activities are available for children of all ages. This includes puzzles, colouring, painting, competitions, microscopes and quizzes.
Become a Junior Marine Scientist, do the quiz, get a certificate and a free gift. While Mum and Dad relax with a Tea or Coffee at the Cafe.
At other times talks are often given in the evening by experts on marine topics such as shipwrecks, heritage, diving, fish and other creatures of the oceans and estuaries.
To be kept informed of activities coming up at the Marine Discovery Centre subscribe to our newsletter (enter your name & email on the right hand side of this page & hit "Subscribe")
Looking for interesting activities to keep your children amused. Group tours can be tailored to suit. Contact the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre for more information on rock pool rambles, guided coastal walks and more...
Activities Include:
* Vacation Care Programs
* School Holiday adventures
* Educational and Special Interest Tours
* Seniors groups
* Girl Guides & Scouts
* Playgroups and more.
Other Services:
Room Hire: Available for functions, meetings, talks and birthday parties, contact the Centre for options and prices.
Rockpool Discovery.
Parklife Cafe: The Cafe serves Tea, Coffee, Juices, Meals, Muffins and Ice Creams.
The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre (CCMDC) offers a range of fieldwork and excursion programs for primary and secondary students.
We provide engaging excursions where your students will gain hands on experience, collect first hand data and explore the wonders of our coastal & marine environments. A typical program runs from 9:30am to 2pm and is delivered by qualified CCMDC staff.
Primary Programs - The following programs are based on syllabus outcomes and can be related to either COG’s units, HSIE or Science & Technology. The focus of our primary programs is to engage students with the marine environment and foster an understanding of their importance and the need for protection.
Secondary Programs - Our Secondary Programs are based on syllabus outcomes in both Science and Geography. Students will gain invaluable field skills as they study our local ecosystems.
The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre prides itself on fantastic customer service! Our customers enjoy fish feeding demonstrations, craft activities and learning about the local marine environment. As a volunteer at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre you will be trained to guide customers through our marine education displays. We are always on the look out for volunteers.
If you are interested in tourism, customer service, marine science or aquaria maintenance this is the opportunity for you. You can become a regular volunteer or volunteer as a part of school or university work experience.
No experience necessary. To find out more, go to our events page to see when our next Volunteer Information Session is. Or fill out the the expression of interest form and send it back to us.
Unlimited access to the CCMDC for the year starting from the date of purchase.
10% Discount on shop
10% Discount on venue hire bookings
10% discount on Marine Talks
If you are interested in tourism, customer service, marine science or aquaria maintenance this is the opportunity for you. You can become a regular volunteer or volunteer as a part of school or university work experience.