National Science Week 2023: The Best Events Near You

Offering a week-long opportunity for everyone to talk science, see science and do science, National Science Week features more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres.

There are plenty of events no matter your scientific skillset; from kids and adults to science novices and science buffs, and everyone in between. Over one million people participate in science events across the nation—and you can too! 

We've rounded up the best National Science Week 2023 events in Sydney for the ultimate experience of educational family fun. 

National Science Week 2023: The Best Events Near You

When is National Science Week?

Running from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 August 2023, National Science Week is bursting with engaging, immersive experiences just waiting to be explored. These events span in-person events, virtual tours, webcasts, talks, DIY experiments, quizzes, citizen science and competitions—meaning there's something for everyone. 

National Science Week Events

1. Sydney Science Trail 

Sydney Science Trail at the Australian Museum is making a grand return this National Science Week, offering the perfect chance to bring the whole family along for a science festival that's packed with fun and learning!

Get ready to dive into the spectacular Sydney Science Trail Expo, where you'll find a delightful array of interactive stalls just waiting for you to explore. It's a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on with all things science and technology – a total STEM bonanza that your kids will absolutely love!

The Australian Museum has an epic roster of events. including Family Fun Day, Bug-tastic!, Ten Weird Things about Native Bees, The Secret Life of Spiders, Under the Sea: Discovering New Locals, and Climate Change Solutions with the one and only Dr Karl. Race you there, little scientists! 

Where:   Throughout the Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney
When:    Saturday 19 August 2023
Cost:      FREE | Bookings to additional events are required.

2. Sydney Science Festival

Sydney Science Festival is an exciting and accessible program of science events presented by the Powerhouse Museum. It aims to inspire curiosity about what science is capable of in a series of performances, talks, and exhibits across the city.

This year’s festival theme, Trace, explores the many marks we leave on our environment and how scientists strive to understand the sources and effects of different phenomena. The theme is in keeping with Powerhouse exhibitions: Atmospheric Memory; A Line A Web A World; and 100 Climate Conversations, which highlight advances in our understanding of human activity and climate change. Check out the Powerhouse for a full program of events!

Where:   Powerhouse Ultimo, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
When:    11 - 20 August 2023
Cost:      See the website for specific prices for events.

3. Sydney parks bring science to life with free family events this National Science Week

Sydney kids and their families are invited to immerse themselves in two days of FREE scientific discovery as our city’s most iconic parks celebrate National Science Week.

More than 20,000 Sydneysiders are expected to join in the fun with Science in the Scrub back by popular demand in Western Sydney Parklands on Sunday 13 August, and Science in the Swamp returning to Centennial Park on Sunday 20 August.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in these two outdoor scientific journeys and have a close encounter with a life-sized dinosaur! 

Science in the Scrub
When: Sunday 13 August 2023, 11am – 3pm
Where: Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands
Cost: FREE Parking: Free within Western Sydney parklands
More information: www.westernsydneyparklands.com.au/scienceweek

Science in the Swamp
When: Sunday 20 August 2023, 11am – 3pm
Where: Loch Avenue South, Centennial Park
Cost: FREE
Parking: Free within Centennial Park
More information: www.centennialparklands.com.au/scienceweek

3. Rhodes Science Fair

The Rhodes Science Fair is bursting with things to see and do this National Science Week! 

Kids will be amazed by the mind-blowing Liquid Nitrogen Show, love joining in with the entertaining Robot Storytime, or dive headfirst into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—plus plenty more interactive drop-in activities and captivating shows for the whole family.

Where:   The Event Space at The Connection, 30 Shoreline Drive, Rhodes
When:    Saturday 12 August 2023 |10 am - 2 pm 
Cost:      FREE | Bookings essential

4. Play and Explore: Family Fun Day

Get ready for an awesome adventure of play and exploration at Hurstville Library in celebration of National Science Week. There will be a stellar lineup of immersive, hands-on activities and workshops that will have the whole family engaged and curious as you dive into the wonderful world of all things STEM. 

Where:   Hurstville Library and Service Centre, Cnr Queens Road and Dora Street, Hurstville
When:    Saturday 12 August 2023
Cost:      FREE

5. Dr Karl and Friends: Innovation and Beyond

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and other researchers are teaming up for an unforgettable live show at Sydney Town Hall in Dr Karl and Friends: Innovation and Beyond.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the last 100 years of mind-blowing scientific discoveries and innovations that have shaped our lives in incredible ways. Dr. Karl will chat with four future-focused researchers who are on the verge of launching us into a whole new stratosphere of possibilities!

So, unleash your curiosity, expand your mind, and get ready to dive headfirst into the exciting world of tomorrow. 

Where:   Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney
When:    Thursday 17 August 2023 | 6.30 pm - 8 pm 
Cost:      FREE | Reserve a spot.

6. An Evening With a Future Astronaut

Embark on an enthralling journey into the world of space exploration in An Evening With a Future Astronaut; unveiling the story of Meganne Christian, a true trailblazer whose unconventional path has led her to the stars.

Discover the rigorous selection process, the physical and mental training required to be part of this elite group, and the profound impact of space research on our daily lives. Don't miss this chance to be captivated and inspired by the incredible story of Meganne Christian.

Where:   Roundhouse, University of New South Wales, Anzac Parade, Kensington
When:    Tuesday 15 August 2023, 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm 
Cost:      FREE | Reserve a spot.

7. Family Day: Science

At this fun-filled family-friendly celebration of all things science, visitors at Family Day: Science can experience objects from the Powerhouse science collection, see the Mars Rover in action, and get making with creative activities that connect with technology and innovation on display at Castle Hill. There will be a Rubik's Cube Challenge, an Air and Water Rocket Demonstration, and more! 

Where:   Powerhouse Castle Hill, 172 Showground Rd, Castle Hill
When:    Saturday 12 August 2023, 10 am - 4 pm 
Cost:      FREE

8. Indigenous Science Experience

Get ready to dive into a diverse range of hands-on experiences that will spark your curiosity and imagination at Indigenous Science Experience. 

Engage in enlightening conversations with Elders about bush foods and medicines, and discover the importance of customarily used seaweeds for environmental sustainability. Explore the wonders of Indigenous astronomy and enjoy cultural performances that connect the science of sound and movement.

Feeling crafty? Learn the art of making Aboriginal tools or challenge yourself with thrilling math, physics, and chemistry activities. There's something for everyone!

Where:   Redfern Community Centre, 29-53 Hugo Street, Redfern
When:    Saturday 19 August 2023, 10 am - 3 pm 
Cost:      FREE

9. Poo Palace at Newcastle Museum

Get ready for a unique and exciting experience at Newcastle Museum's Poo Palace during National Science Week! This larger-than-life inflatable re-creation of the digestive system will take children on a sensational sensory adventure through the gastrointestinal tract.

Engage in interactive food experiments that will captivate young minds while they discover the importance of gut health and medical research. Hundreds of kids have already had a blast with this fun and educational experience, and now it's coming to the Newcastle Museum!

Where:   Newcastle Museum, 6 Workshop Way, Newcastle
When:    Saturday 12 - Sunday 20 August 2023, 10 am - 3 pm 
Cost:      FREE

 10. Innovation at Sydney Zoo

In light of the National Science Week theme of Innovation: Powering future industries, Innovation at Sydney Zoo is an engaging event that will offer thought-provoking discussions. At the Sydney Zoo enrichment hub in the Amphitheatre, you'll learn about animal adaptations and meet animals up close. Hear from zookeepers about technological advancements in animal care. Get hands-on by creating enrichments for the animals, help zookeepers implement them and explore the enrichments already made for various species at Sydney Zoo.

Where:   Sydney Zoo, 700 Great Western Highway, Bungarribee
When:    12 - 20 August 2023
Cost:      FREE after zoo entry | General visitors from 12 - 20 August need to book, or book a revisit on their membership.

More Fun in and around Sydney

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