Sydney Science Trail
Celebrate National Science Week in August with a jam-packed program of science excursions for primary and secondary students presented in collaboration with Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
Join the Sydney Science Trail from 15 - 23 August 2026 to explore the wonders of science and discovery during National Science Week.
Primary and secondary students are invited to get up close to science in this annual program of fun and fascinating events hosted by the Australian Museum, Botanic Gardens of Sydney and their partners. Kids and schools can explore, discuss, and experience the wide world of science through the study of the natural world, climate change investigation, and learn from First Nations peoples about the Australian environment.
School Excursions: 17 -21 August 2026
EARLY ACCESS bookings now available!
Full program details will be released in Term 2.
Now in its seventh year, the Sydney Science Trail offers an engaging, hands-on program of full-day excursions for primary and secondary students in Stages 2 - 6, helping them to discover the important role science plays in our lives.
Program overview
- Primary program (Years 3 – 6):
Monday 17 or Tuesday 18 August - Secondary program (Years 7 – 11):
Wednesday 19, Thursday 20 or Friday 21 August - Diverse Learner Sessions*:
Years 3 – 11: Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 August
Years 7 – 11: Wednesday 19 August
Cost: $25 per student (inc GST)
*Diverse Learner Sessions: In 2026 we are offering Diverse Learner Sessions for students Years 3 - 11 across both our primary and secondary school days. These are designed for groups requiring a more flexible timetable or higher educator to student ratios, such as homeschool groups, support classes, EAL/D students or students with diverse needs.
Inclusions
Program entry includes four activities between 9.30am and 2.30pm across both Australian Museum and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney sites:
- Science Expo at the Australian Museum
- Scientist Panel (Secondary program - Wednesday/Friday) OR Science Show (Primary program/Secondary program - Thursday only) at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- Interactive STEM Workshop at the Australian Museum OR Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- Teacher-led Experience at the Australian Museum OR Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
Read our FAQs and Terms and Conditions.
Clicking on our booking buttons will take you to the Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s booking pages or Humanitix to finalise your registration.
Activity Details
Primary Program: Monday 17 - Tuesday 18 August
Students will be delighted and amazed by a live action science show filled with loads of fun and sure to increase STEM engagement.
Students will participate in one 50 minute hands-on workshop. Individual workshops cover themes including First Nations culture, climate solutions and seed science.
Wander through our Science Expo stalls and chat citizen science, frogs, fossils, medical research and more – even ask our scientists about their career paths.
Guide your students through a gallery at the Australian Museum or amongst the living plant collections at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Teacher resources provided.
Secondary Program: Wednesday 19 - Friday 21 August
Offered to Secondary students on Wednesday and Friday only.
The Scientist Panel brings together leading scientific researchers, and gives your students opportunity to hear from the experts on this year’s National Science Week theme, Seeds of Science: Nurturing knowledge for all. Includes Q&A.
Offered to Secondary students on Thursday only.
Aligning with a range of science topics from the NSW Syllabus, the science show will entertain your students while supporting their understanding of scientific concepts.
Led by experienced educators, these hands-on workshops incorporate elements of the Australian Curriculum's General Capabilities for Years 7 - 11.
Wander through our Science Expo stalls and chat citizen science, frogs, fossils, medical research and more – even ask our scientists about their career paths.
Guide your students through a gallery at the Australian Museum or amongst the living plant collections at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Teacher resources provided.
What teachers said about Sydney Science Trail 2025
100% of survey respondents in 2025 agreed Sydney Science Trail provided students an opportunity to learn something new about science.
Very engaging and informative. Opened up some of the possibilities available to students and exposed them to new technologies and some of the amazing things happening in the science world.
This is an excellent opportunity for our students to attend. They absolutely loved it this year!
....the talks given by the research scientists were interesting and well received by our students, who would not otherwise probably ever get to talk to a scientist researcher.
The Science Social: 19 August 2026
Wednesday 19 August: 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Brought to you by the Australian Museum and Botanic Gardens of Sydney, the Sydney Science Trail presents a special after-hours event at the Australian Museum to bring together the science community for an evening to forge new connections and celebrate scientific innovation.
Enjoy live music, pop-up exhibits including the Science Expo, and drinks as you catch up with your peers, researchers, and experts from leading organisations to hear first-hand about their work and what's in store for the science community.
This is a free event for all science enthusiasts.
Family Community Days: 15 and 22 August 2026
Join us for a family-friendly science festival at the Australian Museum on Saturday 15 August as we kick off National Science Week. Explore the famous Sydney Science Trail Expo full of interactive stalls where you can meet scientists and get up close to science and technology - it's a kids STEM bonanza!
Adventure to the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan on Saturday 22 August for a free interactive program of science talks, nature experiences and hands-on activities.
Stay tuned for more details and registrations opening in July 2026.
Sydney Science trail 2026
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