The Ultimate Guide to National Science Week in Western Sydney

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by Inspiring NSW
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National Science Week is back, bringing a jam-packed schedule of interactive experiments, wildlife encounters, space exploration, and hands-on STEM fun across Western Sydney. Whether your kids are budding botanists, future astronomers, or junior conservationists, these community events offer an incredible opportunity to spark curiosity.

Conservation Through Innovation at Sydney Zoo

Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 August at Sydney Zoo, Eastern Creek

Highlights:

  • Take on the Discovery Trail, a self-guided journey highlighting 12 threatened species (including cheetahs and cassowaries).
  • Become a wildlife detective using cutting-edge conservation tech like thermal imaging and citizen science tools.
  • Complete interactive clues to win a reward and kick-start conservation action at home.

Community Day at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

Saturday 22 August | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan

Highlights:

  • Go behind the scenes at PlantBank and the National Herbarium of New South Wales.
  • Explore plant nurseries and take guided nature walks led by expert scientists and horticulturists.

Science in the Scrub

Sunday 23 August | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands

Meet a Scientist 2025 Science in the Scrub

Highlights:

  • Live science shows, microscope stations, and real-time research demonstrations.
  • Get up close with a life-sized roaming dinosaur moving through the parklands.
  • Meet real-life scientists

Science, Visual and Performing Arts: A Multilingual Confluence

Saturday 22 August | 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm at S P Jain School of Global Management, Lidcombe

Highlights:

  • A vibrant, multicultural celebration fusing science with visual arts, music, and storytelling.
  • Interactive science experiments, public speaking showcases, and science/math quiz contests with on-the-spot prizes.

3D Print a Carnivorous Plant Planter, Burwood Library

  • Wednesday 19 August | 12:00pm – 5:30pm
  • Learn the fundamentals of additive manufacturing by designing and 3D printing a custom planter box designed specifically for carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps.

ANSTO x Auslan, Lucas Heights

  • Sunday 16 August | 9am – 12.30pm
  • Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation opens its doors for specialized tours and interactive science presentations fully supported with Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpretation.

Hawkesbury Regional Museum, Windsor

  • Digging up the Past: 15 – 23 August, during opening hours
    Use brushes and tools to uncover hidden treasures buried in the sand and carefully record what you find on our artefact record sheets.

Hawkesbury Library Service

  • Seeds of Science Display: 15 – 31 August, during opening hours
    Drop into Hawkesbury Central Library, Windsor and Richmond Branch Library and unlock the secrets of the universe!

Microscope Mania 2026, Auburn

  • Saturday 15 August | 11am – 3.30pm
  • Dive into the microscopic world! Kids and families get hands-on experience using lab microscopes to explore plant biology, seed structures, and tiny ecosystems.

Play and Explore 2026, Hurstville Library

  • Saturday 15 August | 10:00am – 2:00pm
  • Early-childhood STEM discovery featuring Storytime Science, succulent planting, virtual garden painting, 3D printing design, and interactive sensory stations.

Our Amazing Bodies at West Ryde Library

  • Saturday 15 August | 10.30am – 11.30am
  • Explore the seven senses and use your melon to examine the efficacy of helmets at West Ryde Library.

Mr Snotbottom – The Science of snot at Ryde Library

  • Saturday 22 August | 10.30am – 12.00pm
  • What happens when you eat your boogers? Explore the science of snot, excite in ewwwy, gooey experiments and giggle at gross-tastic gags in this hilariously silly sci-fi perfect for kids ages 6 and up!
Find an event near you

Quick Tips for Attending

  • Book Early: While most of these events are free to attend, popular library workshops and entry slots require prior registration.
  • Pack for the Outdoors: Large parkland venues like Lizard Log and Mount Annan span big distances, so remember hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles.
  • Accessibility: Events like ANSTO x Auslan offer dedicated accessibility features, while most local library workshops provide wheelchair access.