These programs are a fun way for youngsters to learn about their marine environment. Hands-on involvement and seeing where the rubbish goes down the ‘magic drain’ is amazing. Young children ‘see’ that all drains do lead to the sea and what they drop on the ground really does affect dolphins and all our living marine treasures during our ‘Drain Detectives‘ program. Rock pools can also be explored as well – either get wet outside in our Beach Explorers, or do it inside with our Indoor Rockpool. It’s up to you and your group. Everyone comes away happy, enthused and satisfied. At our centre in Hastings, we can host ages from 4 to 94. Our theatre comfortably seats up to 60 people, is fully air-conditioned and wheel-chair accessible. Plus, we have ample, free, off-street parking (very coach friendly).

All programs incorporate the new Victorian Curriculum from Foundation to Level 6. Our fully-qualified educators have current first aid qualifications and meet police checks/working with children requirements. We know how important it is for you, and your school community, to know that your students will have an exciting, worthwhile, engaging, safe and value-for-money experience with DRI. We guarantee that your students will return to the classroom enthused and motivated! At our centre in Hastings, we can host ages from 4 to 94. Our theatre comfortably seats up to 60 people and is fully air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. Plus, we have ample, free, off-street parking (very coach friendly).

Our programs are easily tailored to meet the curriculum needs of individual schools. The DRI Education Officers are fully qualified and have close to one hundred years of teaching experience between them. We know the pressures on teachers to provide a safe, value-for-money excursion that leaves students enthused, engaged and raring to learn more. Whether it’s an excursion or an incursion, DRI knows how to engage, motivate, and inspire. If you are looking for an incursion about our unique marine life and ways to help our Victorian Marine Treasures is perfect. If you prefer a hands on human impact and pollution focus we can head outside for a Litter Sort & Report or bring the activity to you during our Sand Sort program. Want to investigate our incredible mangrove, rockpool or seagrass habitat then look no further.  Participate in a guided walk with our Mangrove Explorers, take a deeper look with our Seagrass Investigation or get outdoors for our Rockpool Ramble.  At our centre in Hastings, we can host ages from 4 to 94. Our theatre comfortably seats up to 60 people, and is fully air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. Plus, we have ample, free, off-street parking (very coach friendly).

Our ‘Victoria’s Marine Living Treasures’ program is a 60 minute presentation suitable for Probus, Rotary and community groups etc. Video footage begins on the wide-screen in our theatre showing some of Victoria’s living marine treasures. These are images you will have not seen before, as they are from DRI’s researchers and supporters. For an hour, see and learn about the amazing underwater creatures of Western Port and Port Phillip. Often the comment we hear after the program is “Well, I didn’t know that, and I’ve lived here for years.”  At our centre in Hastings, we can host ages from 4 to 94. Our theatre comfortably seats up to 60 people, is fully air-conditioned and wheel-chair accessible. Plus, we have ample, free, off-street parking (very coach friendly). Next door to us in the Hastings marina is a bar and bistro, and nearby a cafe. Groups can easily make a day of it on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.

Please send an email to education@dolphinresearch.org.au to enquire. Please note there is a minimum cost of $200 + GST to run this program.