Sydney Science Trail Community Day

Celebrate National Science Week at Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. Be amazed by the wonders of nature and plant science.

Location

Herbarium Forecourt and Australian PlantBank, Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

Date

22 August 2026

Time

10am – 3pm

Price

Free – Register now

Duration

5 hours

Contact Send an email

Discover a world of science at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

We're inviting all nature and science lovers to come and celebrate National Science Week, Saturday, 22 August 2026 and experience our groundbreaking work.

Start your adventure with one of our exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours led by our knowledgeable Science and Horticulture teams.

Explore PlantBank, the National Herbarium of New South Wales, and our plant nursery, as you engage in hands-on workshops, family-friendly walks, and tours led by our experts.

Bring the young scientists of your family to go on a journey of discovery, completing their Plant Passport, to win a wealth of knowledge and go in the draw to win an annual school holiday programs pass.

Each activity is designed to highlight the vital role the Botanic Gardens of Sydney and our friends like Invertebrates Australia and the Australian Museum FrogID team play in protecting nature, as well as learning how you can make a difference at home.

Make a day of it and bring a picnic to enjoy on the Herbarium Lawn. You will be able to purchase food and drinks at the event, including options from food trucks, as well as coffee and ice cream.

This fantastic event is suitable for all ages and is free to attend. Make sure you register to secure your spot!

Free activities on the day

Behind the Scenes Nursery Tour

Journey through the behind-the-scenes of our Nursery. Learn more about how our plants are looked after and hear about our role in plant conservation!

Herbarium Tour

Learn about the specialist design features and how the collection is used by researchers all around the world.

Behind the Scenes PlantBank Lab Tour

Discover the inner workings of the Australian PlantBank. Note: Participants must be 16+.

Meet the Scientists (Herbarium)

See what is involved in collecting and preserving our plant specimens, and learn about why we collect. Also, don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about invasive plants and have a hands-on experience doing a gooey “alien autopsy” (preparation of a cactus to make a herbarium specimen!).

Meet the Scientists (PlantBank/SeedBank Lab Experience)

Meet our PlantBank and SeedBank teams and join us for hands-on activities to see if you could process seeds, just like our scientists!

Endangered Ecosystem Walk

Bushwalk through the Cumberland Plain Woodland – a critically endangered ecosystem of which less than 10% remains!

First Nations Tour: Listening, Remembering, and Walking with Country

Wander through the Cumberland Plain Woodland, tuning in to the subtle sounds and stories carried by Dharawal Country. Along the way, pause at the Stolen Generations memorial to reflect on the enduring connection Aboriginal people have with the land, and the powerful journeys of resilience, truth-telling, and healing it holds.

First Nations Bushfoods Tour

Journey through the vibrant Fruit Loop Garden, where culture, knowledge, and nature come together. Explore a diverse range of First Nations bush foods and learn how these plants have traditionally been used for nourishment, medicine, tools, and shelter.

Learn about Country: First Nations Stall

Join our First Nations team to learn more about Country through artefacts and hands-on activities.

Education What’s On Stall

Drop in to see what we have planned this Spring at the Garden!

Seedlings Taster/Toddler Play Space

Try hands on garden activities and crafts with your 2.5 - 5 year old.

Australian Museum FrogID

Contribute to citizen science and track local frogs with the Australian Museum's free FrogID app. Learn how to identify frogs by their calls and join a short demonstration and walk to our wetland.

Invertebrates Australia

Learn more about the cutie-crawlies around you with Invertebrates Australia and find out about the Bug Hunt project they run in partnership with The Invasive Species Council and Australian Geographic.

University of Technology Sydney Stall

Join us at the UTS stall to discover cutting‑edge research in community and landscape ecology driving the conservation and management of native biodiversity and ecosystems - and meet the scientists behind the work! Explore UTS courses that will equip you to shape the future of environmental solutions.

The Australian Museum Sydney Science Trail Community Day is on Saturday 15 August 2026 and details will be release soon. You can see the full program here.

Learn more