Put down that smartphone - well, after you finish reading this - and get outside to experience the Fleurieu’s natural wonder as part of the Festival of Nature.

The second Festival of Nature is being held from 14-22 September across the District Council of Yankalilla region, also known as the Fleurieu Coast.

It aims to celebrate the natural environment and promote sustainability.

The festival encompasses a host of events, some ticketed but many of them free, that entice locals and visitors to learn about, connect with and explore the natural world.

Program highlights include a workshop in astro photography, where keen amateurs will learn how to photograph the night sky at Normanville; a Sea Dragon Snorkel with marine biologists to meet local leafy and weedy sea dragons at Rapid Bay; and Forage & Feed, where patrons will learn about foraging and hunt for tasty ingredients on the grounds of Leonards Mill Restaurant, Second Valley, before enjoying a luncheon feast cooked from what has been harvested.

You can explore caves and pristine waters by kayak at beautiful Rapid Bay, try your hand at botanical drawing, learn from a geologist about the ancient landscape at Cape Jervis, and even experience Hikyoga - a hiking and yoga hybrid!

Both local breweries, Smiling Samoyed at Myponga and Forktree Brewing at Carrickalinga, are hosting events. 

There will also be guided bushwalking and birdwatching, agriculture-focused workshops and site visits, and plenty of opportunities to sample the region’s delicious produce.

Acknowledging that it can be difficult or impossible for those with mobility issues to explore nature, two events have been created to provide inclusive access to Deep Creek Conservation Park and Normanville Beach.

The festival will be capped off with an Outdoor Adventure and Eco Expo on Sunday 22 September, from 10am-3pm at Yankalilla Showgrounds. The event includes market stalls, workshops, a kids’ zone, entertainment, food, wine and craft beer. Admission is free.

For more information and the full program, visit www.festivalofnature.com.au or follow the event on Facebook.