Woodbridge School Marine Discovery Centre

19/03/2026

Help protect a truly unique local sea star — and be part of its survival story.

We’re calling for volunteers in Tassie to help restore habitat for the live-bearing sea star (Parvulastra vivipara), a remarkable species found only in south-eastern Tasmania.

This tiny sea star is one of just six species worldwide known to give birth to live young — and it’s now Critically Endangered. Sadly, up to 90% of its population has been lost in the past decade, largely due to declining habitat quality.

One of the biggest threats? Invasive Pacific oysters and porcelain crabs, which crowd out sea stars, compete for space, and block access to feeding areas on rocky intertidal shores.

~~How you can help~~

Join our IMAS researchers for a hands-on conservation field day at the locations below. You’ll work alongside marine scientists to remove invasive species and directly improve habitat for this extraordinary sea star.
No experience or equipment needed — full training provided
Volunteers of all ages welcome
Active work on rocky shorelines (crouching, kneeling, walking on uneven ground)
By giving a few hours of your time, you’ll be helping protect one of Tasmania’s most unique marine species and improving the health of your local coastline.
Sessions run for 3–4 hours
Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided

~~Upcoming events~~

📍Woodbridge
Date: Mon 23 Mar
Time: 7:30 am – 9:30 am
👉 Sign up: email [email protected]

📍Fortescue Bay
Date: Wed 25 Mar
Time: 8 am – 10:30 am
👉 Sign up: email [email protected]

📍Tessellated Pavement
Date: Thurs 26 Mar
Time: 9:30 am – 12 midday
👉 Sign up: email [email protected]

📍Woodbridge
Date: Fri 27 Mar
Time: 9 am – 12 midday
👉Sign up: email [email protected]

📍Susans Bay in Primrose Sands
Date: Sat 28 Mar
Time: 12 midday – 2 pm
👉Sign up here: https://events.humanitix.com/save-the-endangered-seastar

📍Lumeah Point in Pipeclay Lagoon*
Date: Sun 29 Mar
Time: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
👉 Sign up here: https://wildcaretas.org.au/events/invasive-oyster-and-porcelain-crab-removal-working-bee-no-10

⭐️How to register to Wildcare events! ⭐️
🔸Sign up to Wildcare: $35 annual membership
🔸Join Wildcare Lumeah Point: https://www.wildcaretas.org.au/groups/wildcare-lumeah-point (see green join button)
🔸Register for event (see event link)

04/02/2026

18/11/2025

Important asbestos awareness and safety information for DIY renovators, tradespeople, importers, real estate agents and more.

03/11/2025

Booking Link to Open Day Event:

Marine Discovery Centre Open Day 29 November 2025 Pat marine animals in our touch tanks, feed the fish and sharks, learn about caring for the...

03/11/2025

20/08/2025

Hoary-headed grebes are common on lakes throughout mainland Australia, with many over-wintering in Tasmania. They can be seen around Woodbridge in autumn and winter. Often mistaken for young ducks, these birds forage by diving down to the seafloor to collect crustaceans.
When primary school classes visit the Marine Discovery Centre we deploy a baited video camera from the jetty to see what marine animals are living there. Very rarely do we glimpse the grebes, but this week we had a great recording of one foraging nearby. It’s even better in slow motion!

19/08/2025

Emmanuel Christian School Visit
Recently, we welcomed a group of enthusiastic Grade 3 students from Emmanuel Christian School who had travelled all the way from Rokeby to visit the Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre.
The students were eager to dive into the wonders of marine life and ecology. The day was filled with hands-on activities, engaging tasks, and creative art projects that left everyone inspired and buzzing with excitement.
Our Primary Teacher, Andrew guided them through a series of interactive experiences designed to deepen their understanding of the local marine environment. One of the highlights was the bioluminescence session, where students lit up various sea creatures with their torches in the dark room. This activity not only sparked their curiosity but also reinforced their appreciation for the delicate ecosystems they had just studied.
The combination of practical learning and creative engagement made the visit to Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre an unforgettable experience for the students. It was inspiring to see their curiosity and enthusiasm grow as they connected with the marine world in such a meaningful way.

30/07/2025

It's time for the Festival of Bright Ideas again, and we'll be there.

Get Tickets on Humanitix - Festival of Bright Ideas 2025 hosted by Inspiring Australia - Tasmania. Princes Wharf No. 1, Castray Esplanade, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia. Saturday 23rd August 2025. Find event information.

23/07/2025

Our youngest explorers from Gaia’s Nest Early Learning Centre visited the Marine Discovery Centre at the end of Term 2 and what an adventure they had.
They saw colourful marine creatures, sea horses, sparkling shells as well as sharks, skates and ocean fish to feed. Every moment was filled with excitement, learning and discovery.
Curious little hands gently explored starfish, crabs, urchins and textured ocean treasures in the touch tank, guided by our Primary Teacher Andrew.
It was a magical day of sensory learning and ocean fun – we loved seeing the joy and curiosity on every face.
Can’t wait to welcome our next group of young marine adventurers!