Discover coastal and marine environments as Summer by the sea returns

VICTORIA’S coastline is buzzing with things to do these school holidays as Summer by the Sea returns for 2025 with more than 90 activities on offer across the state.

The program combines fun and educational activities right across the coast, including in the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong regions.

This year’s theme “The Beach is For Everyone” celebrates diversity in the environment and finding different ways to include everyone.

On the Surf Coast, explore the rockpools in Breamlea on January 18 or get active on January 24 with the Traction Running event, exploring the local area and collecting any rubbish.

The Traction event will finish by hearing from a community environmental organisation and learning more about the local ecosystems.

In Geelong, clean up the Geelong Foreshore beach on Wednesday, January 15 and learn about the importance of marine habitats, with a free sausage sizzle to follow.

The Bellarine also has plenty on offer from getting in the water with canoeing on Swan Bay on Thursday, January 16 and January 22 to snorkelling the shore in Queenscliff, also on Thursday, January 16 and 22.

Uncover the world of seaweed in Barwon Heads on Wednesday, January 15, learning about its importance for sea life and creating beach art.

SOEL at Queenscliff Harbour will also host Borough By the Bay on Friday, January 17, celebrating Southern Port Phillip Bay with free, educational and inclusive activities.

The event will feature mermaid viewing, dolphin mascots, face painting, treasure hunts and more.

The program is supported by coastal land managers, community groups and conservation agencies across the state.

Bookings must be made online for each person attending the event.

For more information on the events and to register, head to summerbythesea.vic.gov.au