National Science Week 2025 on the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions is bursting with family friendly events that bring science to life through hands-on discovery, creativity, and fun. From Marine Rescue: The Science Behind Saving Lives at Sea in Port Macquarie – where you can explore rescue techniques, underwater drones, and the science of safety – to Sky Stories with the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association, offering stargazing and guided telescope viewings, there’s something for every curious mind.
In Newcastle, the excitement continues with the Hunter Science Festival, the region’s biggest science celebration featuring solar car races, science shows, interactive exhibits, and meet-a-scientist sessions. Budding engineers can also join the Soccer Robots workshop at Newcastle Museum to design and program their own robotic soccer teams.
In Lake Macquarie, FULL STEAM offers talks, creative workshops, science demos, and solar telescope viewing, while Look to the Stars combines digital art, mythology, and real-life stargazing in an evening celebrating our connection to the cosmos.
Whether you’re drawn to the sea, the stars, the environment, or cutting-edge tech, National Science Week 2025 offers endless ways for families to get involved, get hands-on, and be inspired by the wonders of science.
Marine Rescue: The Science Behind Saving Lives at Sea
Ever wondered how people are rescued at sea—or how science helps save lives? Find out at Marine Rescue: The Science Behind Saving Lives at Sea! Over two action-packed Saturdays for National Science Week.
This family-friendly event delves into the scientific principles underpinning marine rescue operations. Attendees can participate in activities such as rescuing a model whale, knot-tying competitions, and exploring underwater drones. The event also features insights into the chemistry of distress flares and the physics of personal flotation devices, with contributions from marine rescue volunteers and experts in marine and earth systems science.
10am – 3pm on 9 & 16 August at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Boat Shed
Port Macquarie Astronomical Association – Sky Stories
Enjoy an evening travelling to different parts of the universe with presenter-led slide show and talk followed by guided viewing of the planets and stars in our night sky through our 14” telescope.
Held at the CWA Hall on Horton Street, these sessions begin with presentations on celestial objects, followed by telescope viewings of the Moon, planets, and nebulae, weather permitting. Open nights are scheduled for Friday evenings and Sundays during school holidays, accommodating up to 60 guests on a first-come, first served basis.
Enjoy an entertaining and interesting presentation on particular facets of our cosmos and explanation of what can be seen in the night sky on the night, followed by a look through our telescope.
Quantum Century – Unlocking the Universe’s Secrets and Shaping our Future
Celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology with the Australian Institute of Physics’s 2025 Marie Curie Lecturer – Dr Danielle Holmes.
100 years ago, quantum physics was born to explain curious behaviour of tiny things. Since then, it has become our most accurate theory in history. It has unlocked secrets of our Universe, such as why stars shine and how migratory birds navigate. Dr Danielle Holmes will take you on a journey to visit these surprising and consequential wonders of the quantum world.
Quantum physics is the most powerful tool that humans possess, not just for increasing our understanding of the world, but for shaping its future.
6 – 7:30pm on Tuesday 5 August at the Newcastle Museum
Join a day of science, creativity, and discovery for all ages. Scheduled sessions include Mad Science Inventions with Pretty Amazing Jono, an Aboriginal Yarn on Australia’s Agricultural Identity, and a fascinating talk on How Peacocks Get Their Rainbow Feathers.
All day, explore hands-on activities including digital fabrication demos at Lake Mac Libraries’ Fab Lab, the Curious Minds student exhibition imagining Lake Mac in 2045, Flute: A Dolphin’s Wild Journey Home by local artist Jenni Goodman, LEGO and craft activities, and solar telescope viewing with University of Newcastle physicists.
9am – 1pm on Saturday 9 August at the Windale Hub, bilyabayi
Look to the Stars – Stargazing and exhibition viewing
The Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, has commissioned an artist to create a work on the theme of “Stargazing”. The work will explore celestial phenomena, mythology, the wonder of the night sky, and our relationship with the cosmos through immersive digital media. The exhibition viewing 5 to 9pm, with launch and talk at 6pm.
In Speers Point Park the Newcastle Astronomical Society will point their telescopes to the sky above Lake Macquarie for a night of stargazing. Learn how to navigate your way to the Milky Way and beyond, as the society members share their love, enthusiasm and knowledge of all things stars and the universe.
5 – 10pm on Saturday 9 August at Speers Point Park
Join Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki for an unforgettable keynote lecture where he will delve into the weird, wonderful, and mind-blowing world of science.
This free exciting event will also feature short presentations from researchers at the University of Newcastle, followed by an engaging Q&A session. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate all things science with the University of Newcastle.
3 – 6pm on Sunday 10 August at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music
Landforms and rock exposures of Port Stephens area (such as Mount Tomaree) are a familiar sight to many. Neil Fraser, a local geologist, will present a talk to explain the volcanic activity and other Earth forces that have created the geology of the area over millions of years. There will also be rock samples to inspect!
Celebrate National Science Week with Australia’s funniest geek! Adam Spencer is coming to Newcastle to show you the incredible potential of ChatGPT and other large language models to change the world of education, medicine – basically everything!
From the most basic definitions of what it is, to applications that have just dropped this week, and finishing with 8 examples of how you can start using these technologies today.
6:30 – 7:30pmon Friday 15 August at the Newcastle Civic Theatre
In this exciting hands-on workshop, you and your team will take on the role of robotics engineers, programmers, and strategists to bring these robotic players to life. These fundamental concepts will help children understand how our growing world of technology works and give them the confidence to be creators rather than just consumers of technology.
11:45am – 1:15pm & 1:45pm – 3:15pm on Saturday 16 August at the Newcastle Museum
Get ready for a jam-packed day of science fun at the Hunter Science Festival during National Science Week 2025! Experience hands-on activities for all ages, including building and racing solar cars and boats, exploring the HMRI Poo Palace, climbing aboard a real garbage truck, and discovering your environmental footprint.
Enjoy science shows, meet local scientists, and take part in interactive exhibits from organisations like Hunter Water, Irukanji Shark & Ray Centre, Hunter Astronomical Society, and many more. Relax with LEGO®, grab a free plant, and refuel with tasty treats from the BBQ or KT Bakes Cakes. Bring the family, your curiosity, and a picnic for an unforgettable day on the Museum Lawn!
10:00am – 2:00pm on Sunday 17 August at the Newcastle Museum
National Science Week 2025 on the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions is bursting with family friendly events that bring science to life through hands-on discovery, creativity, and fun. From Marine Rescue: The Science Behind Saving Lives at Sea in Port Macquarie – where you can explore rescue techniques, underwater drones, and the science of safety – to Sky Stories with the Port Macquarie Astronomical Association, offering stargazing and guided telescope viewings, there’s something for every curious mind.
In Newcastle, the excitement continues with the Hunter Science Festival, the region’s biggest science celebration featuring solar car races, science shows, interactive exhibits, and meet-a-scientist sessions. Budding engineers can also join the Soccer Robots workshop at Newcastle Museum to design and program their own robotic soccer teams.
In Lake Macquarie, FULL STEAM offers talks, creative workshops, science demos, and solar telescope viewing, while Look to the Stars combines digital art, mythology, and real-life stargazing in an evening celebrating our connection to the cosmos.
Whether you’re drawn to the sea, the stars, the environment, or cutting-edge tech, National Science Week 2025 offers endless ways for families to get involved, get hands-on, and be inspired by the wonders of science.
Marine Rescue: The Science Behind Saving Lives at Sea
Ever wondered how people are rescued at sea—or how science helps save lives? Find out at Marine Rescue: The Science Behind Saving Lives at Sea! Over two action-packed Saturdays for National Science Week.
This family-friendly event delves into the scientific principles underpinning marine rescue operations. Attendees can participate in activities such as rescuing a model whale, knot-tying competitions, and exploring underwater drones. The event also features insights into the chemistry of distress flares and the physics of personal flotation devices, with contributions from marine rescue volunteers and experts in marine and earth systems science.
10am – 3pm on 9 & 16 August at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Boat Shed
Port Macquarie Astronomical Association – Sky Stories
Enjoy an evening travelling to different parts of the universe with presenter-led slide show and talk followed by guided viewing of the planets and stars in our night sky through our 14” telescope.
Held at the CWA Hall on Horton Street, these sessions begin with presentations on celestial objects, followed by telescope viewings of the Moon, planets, and nebulae, weather permitting. Open nights are scheduled for Friday evenings and Sundays during school holidays, accommodating up to 60 guests on a first-come, first served basis.
Enjoy an entertaining and interesting presentation on particular facets of our cosmos and explanation of what can be seen in the night sky on the night, followed by a look through our telescope.
Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays at 7:30PM
Quantum Century – Unlocking the Universe’s Secrets and Shaping our Future
Celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology with the Australian Institute of Physics’s 2025 Marie Curie Lecturer – Dr Danielle Holmes.
100 years ago, quantum physics was born to explain curious behaviour of tiny things. Since then, it has become our most accurate theory in history. It has unlocked secrets of our Universe, such as why stars shine and how migratory birds navigate. Dr Danielle Holmes will take you on a journey to visit these surprising and consequential wonders of the quantum world.
Quantum physics is the most powerful tool that humans possess, not just for increasing our understanding of the world, but for shaping its future.
6 – 7:30pm on Tuesday 5 August at the Newcastle Museum
Lake Mac FULL STEAM
Join a day of science, creativity, and discovery for all ages. Scheduled sessions include Mad Science Inventions with Pretty Amazing Jono, an Aboriginal Yarn on Australia’s Agricultural Identity, and a fascinating talk on How Peacocks Get Their Rainbow Feathers.
All day, explore hands-on activities including digital fabrication demos at Lake Mac Libraries’ Fab Lab, the Curious Minds student exhibition imagining Lake Mac in 2045, Flute: A Dolphin’s Wild Journey Home by local artist Jenni Goodman, LEGO and craft activities, and solar telescope viewing with University of Newcastle physicists.
9am – 1pm on Saturday 9 August at the Windale Hub, bilyabayi
Look to the Stars – Stargazing and exhibition viewing
The Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, has commissioned an artist to create a work on the theme of “Stargazing”. The work will explore celestial phenomena, mythology, the wonder of the night sky, and our relationship with the cosmos through immersive digital media. The exhibition viewing 5 to 9pm, with launch and talk at 6pm.
In Speers Point Park the Newcastle Astronomical Society will point their telescopes to the sky above Lake Macquarie for a night of stargazing. Learn how to navigate your way to the Milky Way and beyond, as the society members share their love, enthusiasm and knowledge of all things stars and the universe.
5 – 10pm on Saturday 9 August at Speers Point Park
Looking Ahead Lecture with Dr Karl
Join Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki for an unforgettable keynote lecture where he will delve into the weird, wonderful, and mind-blowing world of science.
This free exciting event will also feature short presentations from researchers at the University of Newcastle, followed by an engaging Q&A session. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate all things science with the University of Newcastle.
3 – 6pm on Sunday 10 August at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music
Port Stephens – A Land Formed By Fire and Ice
Landforms and rock exposures of Port Stephens area (such as Mount Tomaree) are a familiar sight to many. Neil Fraser, a local geologist, will present a talk to explain the volcanic activity and other Earth forces that have created the geology of the area over millions of years. There will also be rock samples to inspect!
Neil is a resident of Port Stephens and investigates local geology and ornithology, including on Broughton Island, in retirement.
5:30 – 6:30pm on Thursday 14 August at the Newcastle Museum
Adam Spencer Live
Celebrate National Science Week with Australia’s funniest geek! Adam Spencer is coming to Newcastle to show you the incredible potential of ChatGPT and other large language models to change the world of education, medicine – basically everything!
From the most basic definitions of what it is, to applications that have just dropped this week, and finishing with 8 examples of how you can start using these technologies today.
6:30 – 7:30pm on Friday 15 August at the Newcastle Civic Theatre
Soccer Robots at the Newcastle Museum
In this exciting hands-on workshop, you and your team will take on the role of robotics engineers, programmers, and strategists to bring these robotic players to life. These fundamental concepts will help children understand how our growing world of technology works and give them the confidence to be creators rather than just consumers of technology.
11:45am – 1:15pm & 1:45pm – 3:15pm on Saturday 16 August at the Newcastle Museum
Hunter Science Festival 2025
Get ready for a jam-packed day of science fun at the Hunter Science Festival during National Science Week 2025! Experience hands-on activities for all ages, including building and racing solar cars and boats, exploring the HMRI Poo Palace, climbing aboard a real garbage truck, and discovering your environmental footprint.
Enjoy science shows, meet local scientists, and take part in interactive exhibits from organisations like Hunter Water, Irukanji Shark & Ray Centre, Hunter Astronomical Society, and many more. Relax with LEGO®, grab a free plant, and refuel with tasty treats from the BBQ or KT Bakes Cakes. Bring the family, your curiosity, and a picnic for an unforgettable day on the Museum Lawn!
10:00am – 2:00pm on Sunday 17 August at the Newcastle Museum
Feature image: Hunter Science Festival 2024
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