National Science Week at Centennial Park: Science in the Swamp

Get ready for one of the biggest family-friendly events of National Science Week 2025 - Science in the Swamp is taking over Centennial Park on Sunday 17 August, and it’s set to be an unmissable day of discovery, dino-sized surprises, and hands-on fun!

Celebrate Science Week with a FREE family day out at Centennial Park

Head to Loch Avenue South, where kids (and their grown-ups!) can dive into a world of wonderful science, from slime labs and spider stations to 3D anatomy, forensics, and hands-on experiments.

Highlights include:

• Ginger the life-sized Australovenator dinosaur - Yep, she’s back and ready to stomp!
• UNSW SciFest Village - explore 30+ science stalls with slime, optical illusions, fitness demos, 3D anatomy, forensics, spiders and scavenger hunts.
• Young Entomologist Lab - get hands-on with bugs and nature’s tiniest heroes.
• Creative Science Show - explosive demos in physics, bio and space science.
• Meet real scientists - chat with researchers from universities across NSW.
• Native animal encounters - learn about local wildlife firsthand.

What's New:

• The UNSW SciFest Village is a huge new addition to Science in the Swamp, with more than 30 scientists and 10 hands-on science exhibits.
• Get ready to discover eight diverse scientists across the park as part of The Great Science Scavenger Hunt!
• Enjoy a musical moment with Amelie Ecology about blue banded bees; check out unforgettable neuroscience; and step into the world of AI personalised storytelling.
• That’s not all! Dive into Science in the Swamp like never before with the new event app powered by UNSW Sydney - an epic science adventure at your fingertips for those exploring Centennial Park or joining from home. The NEW Science in the Swamp app brings the festival to life with smarter, greener, and more interactive experiences, including:
  • Live Maps and Swamp Secrets – Navigate the festival, discover hidden surprises, and stay updated in real time.
  • Play to Win – Take on science challenges, earn digital badges, and unlock exclusive prizes from UNSW!
  • Science @ Home – Can't make it to the park? Enjoy hands-on experiments and games from wherever you are.
  • Keep the Fun Going – Explore the app’s digital library packed with cool games, activity sheets, and fascinating reads to keep curious minds buzzing long after the event.
  • A Greener Festival – Say goodbye to paper maps. This app makes the event more sustainable and more connected.

Plus, enjoy food trucks and picnic hangs in the park. Whether you're bug-obsessed, dino-curious, or just love discovering something new, the whole family will find something to spark their imagination. Rain or shine, confidence guaranteed!

Where:  Dickens' Lawn, Loch Avenue South, Centennial Park
When:   Sunday 17 August 2025 | 11am - 3pm
Cost:     Free - no tickets or registrations required 

Visit Greater Sydney Parklands for more information. 

More Winter Events in Sydney

MCA Winter Walks: See Sydney in a Whole New Light
Art After Hours at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
Zig Zag Railway Steam + Snow Festival

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