If you have kids, then you will be on the lookout for fun and free things to do when you're on holidays in Nelson Bay. Most visitors find themselves, at some stage, walking around the d'Albora Marinas in the heart of Nelson Bay. Here you will see a sign saying
"Fish Feeding Area - 10:30am Daily", located right on the water in front of the restaurants and shops.
My family and I waited for it to begin, on a beautiful morning in December, and it was entertaining just to look down into the clear water and marvel at the number of fish just under the platform, waiting to be fed. There was a sign nearby which showed the species of fish in the water, so kids could find a fish they liked and then look for it on the sign to learn its name. The two most common fish were Bream and Luderick. Kids loved looking at the different ones, whilst many adults were surprised at their size - perfect for eating! There is no fishing from that section of the marina, however, so all these pretty little fish were safe...for now!
Look for the sign on a small platform, at the d'Albora Marinas at Nelson Bay
The crowd gathering at the sign (photo taken before Christmas, hence the decorations)
Sign explaining the species of fish you can see in the water
The fish feeding happens every day of the year and at 10:30am on the dot, a staff member from the marina comes over with a small bucket and begins to chat to the people who have congregated on the small platform. On our visit, he explained that the food he fed them was plant-based and 40% protein, to ensure it is nutritious for them, but also not enough to completely replace their diet - so they still fed naturally.
One thing was for sure - every species of fish swam like a piranha when the food was thrown!
The staff member from the marina throws out the food...
...and watch them go!
It took 15 minutes for the fish to be fed and for everyone to have a leisurely chat to the fish-feeder about the different fish species down below. When I was chatting to the feeder, he said that the fish seem to follow the white bucket when he moved along the platform - they knew where the food was coming from. When I asked him if the fish were fed every
single day, he said yes - but they get a bit agitated when its daylight savings time and the time is 1 hour out!
This activity at the marina is interesting for kids and adults alike. It is free and the perfect thing to do after enjoying breakfast at one of the cafes or eateries at the marina. Why don't you go down and check it out at 10:30am today? The fish will be waiting...
I can guarantee that it won't be just the kids who will enjoy it!
