More than 21,000 people attended Greater Sydney Parklands' National Science Week events, Science in the Swamp and Science in the Scrub, transforming Centennial Park and Lizard Log at Western Sydney Parklands into living laboratories of discovery, learning and exploration.
The free community events invited visitors of all ages to experience science beyond the classroom through hands-on activities, immersive exhibits and real-world demonstrations. Together, the events showcased how Sydney's iconic parklands can serve as vibrant learning hubs, bringing people closer to science and nature.
Across both events, visitors explored more than 40 interactive stalls and experiences covering wildlife conservation, engineering, physics, environmental science and technology. This year, an expanded partnership with UNSW Sydney brought the interactive Science Village to both Science in the Swamp and Science in the Scrub, extending the experience to Western Sydney for the first time. Visitors investigated animal skulls as forensic scientists, experimented with magnetic levitation and explored cutting-edge technology aboard the Engineering Makerbus.
Science in the Scrub also featured a dedicated Indigenous Science Village, highlighting the relationship between Traditional Knowledge and contemporary science through exhibits focused on native plants, traditional medicines, sustainable food systems and seaweed research.
Popular attractions included Ginger the life-sized roaming Australovenator dinosaur, native animal encounters, the Ocean Lab and slime-making activities, providing memorable experiences for children and families.
For more than a decade, Science in the Swamp has been a flagship National Science Week celebration for Greater Sydney Parklands, while Science in the Scrub continues to grow its strong Western Sydney audience. These events support Greater Sydney Parklands' commitment to providing inclusive, educational experiences that connect communities with nature and inspire future generations of scientists, innovators and environmental stewards.
The events are supported by University of New South Wales, Inspiring Australia and the Australian Government as part of National Science Week 2026.
