Go on a bio-quest in Anglesea

SEPTEMBER is Biodiversity Month, and Parks Victoria is offering children the chance to go on a “bio-quest” in several spots across the Geelong region to discover the insects, birds and plants that live in our parks.

Using the QuestaGame app, children will be heading out on quests to earn points and prizes during the spring school holidays.

Parks Victoria’s Junior Ranger program is hosting the BioQuest within the Anglesea Heath and wants families and kids to go searching for animals including echidnas, and plants such as the common heath (Epacaris impressa) and running postman (Kennedia prostrata).

The program is all about fostering children’s natural enthusiasm for discovery by providing fun and hands-on activities in parks.

QuestaGame takes the adventure to a new level, allowing children to challenge Park Rangers in search of different plants and animals, and earn points for what they find. You don’t have to be an expert; just capture what you see.

The free program will run in parks across the state during the school holidays and includes a range of interactive and fun activities for children aged 6-12 years.

“These activities are designed to inspire curiosity and help kids connect with the natural world around them,” Parks Victoria education and interpretation coordinator Roellen Gillmore said.

“It’s wonderful to see them getting out of the lounge room and exploring and enjoying our beautiful parks.”

QuestaGame chief executive officer Andrew Robinson said the app’s technology brought children closer to nature, not further away.

“The game empowers them to experience, learn about, and protect, the wonder that is life on earth.” BioQuests start at the Anglesea Heath from Saturday, as well as at the You Yangs , the Great Otway National Park and the Barwon Bluff Marine Park.

For more details and booking information, head to juniorrangers.com.au.