Save the date for the next Sydney Science Trail: Monday 12 – Friday 16 August, 2024

Celebrate National Science Week with your school at the annual Sydney Science Trail, returning live at the Australian Museum and Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney in August 2024.

Now in its fifth year, Sydney Science Trail offers a jam-packed program of excursions for primary and secondary students in stages 2-6 and explores the role science plays in our lives.

Sydney Science Trail is a unique opportunity for your students to experience, think and talk about the science conducted at both organisations – from the study of the natural world and research into the effects of climate change, to the exploration of the environmental knowledge of First Nations peoples.

For 2024 we’re offering a Diverse Learners Day on Friday 16 August for students across Years 3-11. The Sydney Science Trail Diverse Learners Day is 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.

Save the date for this celebration of all things science! The full-day excursion program and bookings will open by early Term 2, 2024.

Program overview

  • Secondary students Years 7-11: Monday 12 - Wednesday 14 August
  • Primary students Years 3-6: Thursday 15 August
  • Diverse learners Years 3-11: Friday 16 August (for homeschool groups, support classes, EAL/D students or any groups with students with diverse needs).

Entry includes four activity sessions (including the science Expo) between 9.30am and 2.30pm at both the Australian Museum and Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney.

Cost: $20 per student (inc GST).


Watch videos from the Talking Science panel discussions

Recorded during National Science Week 2023, Talking Science brings together leading scientific researchers to talk about everything from climate change solutions to environmental DNA.

Age: Secondary Schools
Time: 45 mins
Format: Video


From investigating archaeological artefacts in Papua New Guinea, exploring reefs in the Seychelles, or discovering new plant species in remote parts of the Kimberley, science can take you everywhere. Learn more about the world of scientific expeditions with a panel of passionate researchers from fields including archaeology, marine biology and botany, as they talk about their fascinating research and the places it has taken them.

Speakers include Dr Judith Field, First Nations Archaeology Collections Officer at the Australian Museum; Dr Emma Camp, Future Reefs Team Leader, Climate Change Cluster at the University of Technology Sydney and Peter Jobson, Information Botanist at the Australian Institute of Botanical Science.



Have you heard about ‘environmental’ DNA, the traces of genetic blueprints left in water, sediments and even air, that could help scientists uncover the secrets of the past? Science is full of new and creative ideas, and scientists are learning to harness technology in ways previously unimaginable. Join this panel of inspiring STEM researchers as they reveal their innovative research, passions and careers.

Speakers include Dr Yi-Kai Tea, Chadwick Biodiversity Research Fellow, Ichthyology at the Australian Museum; Amber Whitebone, PhD Candidate, Palaeoscience Research Centre at the University of New England; and Dr Georgina Meakin, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Technology Sydney.



From documenting tree hollows for wildlife, participating in backyard bird counts, and recording frog calls with nothing more than a smartphone, communities are getting hands-on with science and furthering our shared understanding of the world. Join a panel of passionate scientists to hear why there has never been a more important time to become a citizen scientist and find out how your school can get involved.

Speakers include Dr Jodi Rowley, Curator of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology at the Australian Museum and UNSW Sydney; Professor David Booth, School of Life Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney and PhD candidate Thomas Mesaglio.



Climate change solutions are already here and we’re seeing people across the world embrace new ways of living sustainably and adopt clean energy technologies. Hear from inspiring and insightful scientists as they discuss how we can all work together to slow the progress of climate change and better deal with its effects.

Speakers include Dr Jenny Newell, Curator, Climate Change at the Australian Museum; Mira Jordon, Technical Officer Biodiversity Genomics from the Botanic Gardens Sydney and Dr Jennifer Matthews, UTS Chancellors Research Fellow, Climate Change Cluster at the University of Technology Sydney.




Sydney Science trail 2024

Stay up-to-date about Sydney Science Trail 2024 programs and be the first to know when tickets go on sale.

Sign up to find out more