National Science Week 2026 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 Fabulous Fungi and Hidden Physics at the Newcastle Museum there’s something for every curious mind.
National Science Week 2026 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
Join Marine Rescue Port Macquarie for an exciting day of discovery, adventure, and hands-on activities as we explore the science, technology, and people behind marine rescue operations.
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 Saturday 15 August at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Boat Shed
In autumn across the Hunter region, colourful and strange mushrooms pop up, each lasting for a few hours or a few days. Some of them even glow in the dark! The hidden physics behind the glow and the spreading of mushroom spores will be explored in this talk.
Monday 17 August | 6:00pm – 7:45pm | Newcastle Museum
A spectacular touring lecture series that turns physics, light, and the cosmic fabric into a visual masterpiece. Essential viewing if you want to see the universe through a highly creative lens.
Friday 21 August | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm |Newcastle Museum
If you can’t make the lectures in person, you can also watch them online.
Monday 17 August at 6.00 – 7.00pm AEST – Book here
Friday 21 August at 6.30 – 7.45pm AEST – Book here
Celebration of Science
Discover, learn and play at the Singleton Library community science day. With special guests Starr’s Planetarium, the University of Newcastle’s SMART Team and access to our very own STREAM resources, celebrate science in a fun and interactive way all day.
9am – 2pm on Saturday 22 August at Singleton Library
Get ready for a jam-packed day of science fun at the Hunter Science Festival during National Science Week 2026! 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.
New outdoor stage so EVERYONE can see the science shows! It’s a big day of stage performances from Fizzics Education, The Bubble Laboratory, The Pretty Amazing Jono and HMRI Poo Palace researchers. Over thirty of your favourite stalls from last year are back PLUS we’ve loaded it with even more NEW free science experiences for kids and adults
Your curiosity, and a picnic for an unforgettable day on the Museum Lawn!
10am – 3 pm on Sunday 23 August at the Newcastle Museum
The College of Engineering, Science and Environment has another outstanding National Science Week program across Newcastle and its regional campuses. Highlights include astrophysicist Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith exploring the latest discoveries in astronomy and space exploration. University of Newcastle researchers will also be out in force at the popular Hunter Science Festival on 23 August.
National Science Week 2026 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 Fabulous Fungi and Hidden Physics at the Newcastle Museum there’s something for every curious mind.
National Science Week 2026 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
Join Marine Rescue Port Macquarie for an exciting day of discovery, adventure, and hands-on activities as we explore the science, technology, and people behind marine rescue operations.
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 Saturday 15 August at Marine Rescue Port Macquarie Boat Shed
Fabulous Fungi and Hidden Physics
In autumn across the Hunter region, colourful and strange mushrooms pop up, each lasting for a few hours or a few days. Some of them even glow in the dark! The hidden physics behind the glow and the spreading of mushroom spores will be explored in this talk.
Monday 17 August | 6:00pm – 7:45pm | Newcastle Museum
The Marie Curie Lectures: Painting the Universe
A spectacular touring lecture series that turns physics, light, and the cosmic fabric into a visual masterpiece. Essential viewing if you want to see the universe through a highly creative lens.
Friday 21 August | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm |Newcastle Museum
If you can’t make the lectures in person, you can also watch them online.
Celebration of Science
Discover, learn and play at the Singleton Library community science day. With special guests Starr’s Planetarium, the University of Newcastle’s SMART Team and access to our very own STREAM resources, celebrate science in a fun and interactive way all day.
9am – 2pm on Saturday 22 August at Singleton Library
Hunter Science Festival 2026
Get ready for a jam-packed day of science fun at the Hunter Science Festival during National Science Week 2026! 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.
New outdoor stage so EVERYONE can see the science shows! It’s a big day of stage performances from Fizzics Education, The Bubble Laboratory, The Pretty Amazing Jono and HMRI Poo Palace researchers. Over thirty of your favourite stalls from last year are back PLUS we’ve loaded it with even more NEW free science experiences for kids and adults
Your curiosity, and a picnic for an unforgettable day on the Museum Lawn!
10am – 3 pm on Sunday 23 August at the Newcastle Museum
University of Newcastle
The College of Engineering, Science and Environment has another outstanding National Science Week program across Newcastle and its regional campuses. Highlights include astrophysicist Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith exploring the latest discoveries in astronomy and space exploration. University of Newcastle researchers will also be out in force at the popular Hunter Science Festival on 23 August.
Feature image: Hunter Science Festival 2024
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