There’s still time to catch some of the activities on the Australian Botanic Garden winter seasonal calendar 2017.
Winter is a great time to visit the garden anyway, what with around 2,000 species of Australian native plants to check out.
The Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan is also home to the award-winning Australian PlantBank, a major scientific research and conservation centre for NSW flora.
Some of the activities on offer include: Under 5’s Bush Play Group
It is becoming well known that children who spend time playing in nature are happier, healthier and smarter. Bush Play Group is a return to a time when children were able to explore nature freely, build cubby houses, make mud pies, find bugs, play games and make new friends. Children must book in for the full five weeks, and be accompanied by an adult.
Tuesday 1 Aug, Tuesday 8 Aug, Tuesday 15 Aug, Tuesday 22 Aug, Tuesday 29 Aug, 9.30am – 11am; Cost: $100 (allows one child and one adult for 5 sessions); Age: 2.5 – 5 years.
Science in the Wild
Experience the thrills of science in the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. Surrounded by the quintessence of Australian fauna and flora, exhibitors will present all kinds of science in a way that will fascinate all generations. They start with a dinosaur that will transport you back into Gondwana times and finish with the newest technologies of neighbouring universities. See the scientists at work and experience hands-on activities. Sunday 13 August, 10am – 3pm, free.
Secrets of the Seed Vault
You might have heard about the Doomsday Seed Vault buried in the ice in Norway but did you know there was an equally important seed vault located in Western Sydney?
This adults only behind-the-scenes experience will take you into the working laboratories of the Australian PlantBank, the science heart of the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. Meet some of the team working at PlantBank to secure the future of Australian plant species. Enjoy wine and cheese on arrival and wear something warm for your sneak peek into the NSW seed vault.
Wednesday 16 August 2017, time: 6:30pm – 8pm, price: $22 per person.
PlantBank Party
You’re invited to the best science party of the year, for National Science Week. At PlantBank Party, the research centre will be filled to the brim with activities, games and shows- celebrating science on one big day of fun. Seeds, slime, rainforests, rocks, reptiles, flowers, insects and botanical illustration are just some of topics on show. Everyone is invited to dress up in their favourite science themed outfit, there will be prizes for best dressed. Saturday 19 August, 11am – 3pm, free.
♦ For more information and bookings visit the garden’s website here.
