The seasons of Low Isles
Low Isles has a rich annual rhythm of wildlife, conservation and community events. Here's what happens when — and how to stay in the loop.
The island's wildlife and conservation programs follow a reliable seasonal pattern. Events and community activities are announced via our newsletter and social channels — sign up below to hear first.
Three seasons worth knowing
1928 and All That!
Helen McNeill — Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
Saturday 24th October, 17:30
Forever Reef Project Facility, Port Douglas
During the Covid lockdown of 2020, Helen McNeill — manager of the Ocean Explorer Centre at SAMS — began delving into the history of her institute. What started as interviews with former staff became a passion project uncovering previously unknown finds, leading her to Port Douglas to share the story.
This talk sets the scene with early photographs from Millport Marine Station, the birthplace of marine science in Scotland, before exploring the characters involved in the groundbreaking 1928–1929 Great Barrier Reef Expedition to Low Isles. Helen will also share some of the exciting artifacts she discovered from the expedition, and how SAMS is working to archive, protect, and make these objects accessible for the future.
Upcoming meetings
LIPS General Meeting
Venue | Volunteer Marine Rescue Shed, Port Douglas
LIPS AGM 2026
Venue | Volunteer Marine Rescue Shed, Port Douglas · Open to all financial members
LIPS General Meeting
Venue | Volunteer Marine Rescue Shed, Port Douglas
Mark these in your calendar
Pied Imperial Pigeon counts
Dusk counts at Low Isles, coordinated by Dusty Howman. Open to LIPS members — contact us to join a count.
LIPS Annual General Meeting
The AGM is open to all financial members. Minutes and the President's Report are published on the website after the meeting.
Woody Island beach clean-up
Annual marine debris removal day on Woody Island in partnership with Tangaroa Blue Foundation. Data submitted to the national database.
Eye on the Reef surveys
Tourism Weekly Monitoring and Rapid Monitoring surveys submitted to GBRMPA. Anyone can report sightings via the GBRMPA app.
How to hear about events first
LIPS events, volunteer opportunities and island news are announced through our newsletter and social channels. Here's where to find us.
Email newsletter
News, event announcements, research updates and island stories direct to your inbox.
Sign up →Newsletter archive
Browse past member newsletters to catch up on LIPS history and conservation milestones.
View archive →Wildlife photos, volunteer moments and island updates from Low Isles and Port Douglas.
Follow us →Community discussion, event notices and news from the Low Isles Preservation Society.
Like our page →