Sunday 22 June 2014

New Junior Rangers Programs for the Outback and Reef

Keep the kids happy these school holidays with new Junior Ranger programs being offered in the outback – at El Questro Wilderness Park, in the Kimberley – and on the reef – at Heron Island Resort, on the Great Barrier Reef.

Led by one of El Questro's experienced rangers, the Junior Rangers program at El Questro will offer fun, interactive sessions covering a range of topics the kids will love, including fishing, bird watching, bush tucker and bush survival, crocodile and snake safety, plus learning about the region's flora, including the famous boab trees.

At a cost of $30 per child, there will be two two-hour Junior Rangers sessions per day, from June through to late August, and bookable at El Questro Station on the day.

Located 110km from Kununurra, El Questro is a remote and rugged destination that promises the seclusion to explore this iconic part of Australia and the amazing wildlife that exists within its boundaries.

Kids interested in bugs, birds and little critters will be in their element at El Questro. A naturalist's delight, El Questro is home to nearly half of Australia's 780 bird species and more than 60 mammals. Brolgas, jabirus and red-tailed black cockatoos are common during the day and by night kids will enjoy listening for the dog-like call of the aptly named barking owl.

The less audible mammal species are largely nocturnal, preferring to avoid the heat of the day and include rock wallabies, dingoes, fruit bats and flying foxes, all found throughout the property. Reptiles also have a home at El Questro, from turtles to frill-necked lizards and the relatively harmless freshwater crocodiles found in billabongs.

While the kids are happy, parents can take part in numerous tours at El Questro, from 4WD trips, scenic flights, horseriding and walking tours to various gorges. Full-day fishing tours for the elusive local barramundi are also available.

“El Questro is the ultimate kids' playground,” said El Questro General Manager Lori Litwack. “They can get their hands dirty in our dusty red-brown earth learning about lizards and ants, and learn all about our famous boabs, bush tucker and graceful eagles soaring overhead.”

Meanwhile, 2,500km east of El Questro, the Junior Rangers program on Heron Island is preparing to welcome budding young explorers over the winter school holidays with its popular Junior Rangers Program.

Whilst parents can enjoy some diving or snorkelling, the kids can get to know the island's more natural side learning about everything from sea cucumbers and corals to black noddy chicks and nesting turtles.

As a true coral cay located right on the Great Barrier Reef, and with the protection of being within a Marine National Park, Heron Island offers its young visitors a unique range of educational experiences, designed to stimulate their interest in and understanding of the natural environment.

The Junior Rangers Program is for children aged seven to 12, costs $15 per day, and runs during school holidays. Outside school holidays the program operates every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

It has been developed by Heron Island's experienced team of marine biologists and naturalist guides, with the cooperation of the University of Queensland and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Junior Rangers Program on Heron Island offers a range of nature-based activities designed to nurture a sense of exploration and caring for the environment, from reef walks, bird-watching and beachcombing through to the opportunity to design and run your own resort island.

Junior Ranger activities contribute to the earning of a variety of colourful embroidered badges, from the “Three-Kilometre Badge” through to the highly prized “Junior Ranger Badge”.

The $15 fee covers the provision of a Junior Rangers Workbook, Junior Ranger Hat, embroidered badges, and Junior Ranger activities throughout the duration of a family stay.

For more information about the Junior Rangers program and the many other activities at El Questro and Heron Island, please visit www.elquestro.com.au or www.heronisland.com  

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