Along Adelaide’s western coastline, tucked between the suburbs and the sea, lies one of our city’s most significant natural treasures. The Wara Wayingga-Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve represents a rare remnant of the coastal dune system that once stretched along our shores, and this October you can explore it at the annual Tennyson Dunes Open Day.
Held as part of the Nature Festival on Sunday 11 October 2026, this free community event offers a genuine opportunity to connect with Adelaide’s coastal environment through guided walks, hands-on workshops and encounters with the remarkable creatures that call the dunes home.
What to expect on the day
The Open Day runs from 10am to 3pm and features a thoughtfully curated program of activities designed to reveal the ecological richness of this 22-hectare reserve. Three free guided walks form the centrepiece of the day, each led by local experts who bring different perspectives to the landscape.
Neville Bonney opens proceedings at 10.30am with a walk exploring plants of interest and importance in the dunes. At 11am, Dr Tim Milne leads a broader exploration of the flora and fauna that thrive here. Later in the afternoon, Dr Murray Townsend addresses one of the most pressing concerns for our coastline with a walk focused on climate change and coastal erosion at 1pm.
“Hundreds of people attend each year to enjoy the activities, spend time outdoors and learn more about this remarkable coastal habitat,” says Nick Crouch, Works Coordinator for the Tennyson Dunes Group. “The guided walks are always a highlight and provide insights into the flora, fauna and environmental challenges facing our coastline.”
Cultural connection and hands-on learning
At 1pm, Buandig/Boandik First Nations Aunty Leanne Williams leads a cultural weaving workshop, offering participants the chance to learn traditional techniques in a hands-on setting. This is a rare opportunity to engage with Indigenous cultural practices in an environment that has sustained First Nations peoples for thousands of years.
For those curious about the smaller inhabitants of the dunes, Kristen Messenger hosts a Meet the Dune Bugs session at 1.30pm. It’s a chance to discover the invertebrates that play essential roles in this delicate ecosystem.
The day also includes a Welcome to Country ceremony at noon, followed by speeches from City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans and Green Adelaide Presiding Member Professor Chris Daniels.
Activities for everyone
Beyond the scheduled walks and workshops, visitors can browse information displays from environmental and community organisations, purchase native coastal plants for their own gardens, and explore stalls featuring locally made and environmentally friendly products. The Rotary Club will have a barbecue, coffee and refreshments available throughout the day.
Children’s activities include Animals Anonymous, an art workshop and a Bugs ‘n’ Slugs session, making this a genuine intergenerational event.
Making the most of your visit
The reserve features a 1.5km Discovery Trail that winds through the conservation area. Spring is an ideal time to visit, with native coastal plants in bloom and wildlife active. Keep an eye out for painted dragon lizards basking in sunny spots and Nankeen kestrels hunting overhead.
To help protect this sensitive habitat, stay on marked paths, take your rubbish home and leave plants and wildlife undisturbed.
Getting there and booking
The Open Day takes place at the Southern Car Park on Military Road, Tennyson. Parking is available at the Conservation Reserve and at Oarsmen Reserve near the rowing club. Public transport users can alight between bus stops 32A and 32B on Military Road.
Entry is free, but bookings are essential for the guided tours and workshops. Spaces fill quickly, so secure your spot early at naturefestival.org.au.
The Wara Wayingga-Tennyson Conservation Reserve was declared a Conservation Reserve in 2015 to protect its significant flora, fauna and ecological values. Events like this Open Day, supported by the City of Charles Sturt and Green Adelaide, help ensure more people understand why that protection matters.
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