Science in the Scrub 2026
Join us on Sunday 23 August for Science in the Scrub – a FREE family fun day out at Western Sydney Parklands!
Sunday 23 August 2026
10 am – 3 pm
Lizard Log Amphitheatre
Western Sydney Parklands - The Horsley Dr &, Cowpasture Rd, Abbotsbury NSW 2176
Free – no tickets or registration required.
Science in the Scrub returns this National Science Week on Sunday 23 August, bringing a free, family-friendly day of hands‑on science to Western Sydney Parklands.
Explore over 40 stalls, shows and activities, from interactive experiments and robotics to wildlife encounters and live science demonstrations. Meet scientists and discover how science connects to the world around us, with experiences designed for all ages.
Event highlights include:
- UNSW Science Village – Explore hands-on STEM activities, including the Engineering Makerbus, Physics Playground, science scavenger hunts and interactive exhibits.
- Meet Ginger and the Baby Dinosaurs – Meet Ginger the life-sized roaming dinosaur and get your photo taken with newly hatched baby dinosaurs.
- Indigenous Science Village – Discover Indigenous scientific knowledge through bush foods, medicinal plants, seaweed science and hands-on STEM activities with NISEP.
- Australian National Maritime Museum Ocean Lab – Explore marine science with microscopes, preserved specimens and ocean-inspired experiments.
- Creative Science Live Show – A fun-filled liquid nitrogen science spectacular packed with experiments, laughs and audience participation.
- Bug Hunt Citizen Science Project – Investigate insects and discover how you can contribute to real-world scientific research.
- Wildlife Encounters – Meet frogs, bats, birds, reptiles and other native Australian animals.
- Giant Bubble Station – Create giant bubbles, foam clouds and hands-on bubble experiments.
- Amelie the Singing Blue-Banded Bee – Join Amelie's interactive nature-themed performances.
Free and outdoors, it’s a day to explore, experiment and discover.
Science in the Scrub 2026 map
Stall list
- Bugs About
- Invertebrates Australia & Invasive Species Council
- Sydney Water
- Sydney Zoo
- Australian National Maritime Museum
UNSW SCIFEST VILLAGE
- Physics Playground
- Engineering maker bus
- Code, create, fly!
- Play-doh circuits
- Australian Wildlife Encounters
- Great Science Scavenger Hunt
- Say Rainbow
- Mud and Sugar
- Geological Society of Australia
FIRST NATIONS SCIENCE VILLAGE
- National Indigenous Science Education Program
- Yaegl Elders/Macquarie University
- South Coast Seaweed
- Bush to Bowl
- Indigeebee
- Muramara Junior Rangers
- Meet a Scientist - Inspiring Australia
- Creative Plaground
- Museum of Fire
- Sydney Wildlife Rescue
- Sydney Bats
- BirdLife Australia
- Fairfield City Council
- Frog and Tadpole Society
- Humble Bee Australia
- Greater Sydney Parklands
- Return and Earn & Cleanaway
Engage with science in a fun, interactive way 
Meet Ginger the life-sized roaming dinosaur 
Don't miss mind-blowing live science shows 
Get hands-on with experiments at over 40 exciting science stalls
How to get to Science in the Scrub
Parking at Lizard Log is limited. We strongly recommend taking public transport to get to Science in the Scrub:
- Take Bus 813 from Bonnyrigg to Fairfield.
- Get off at Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands (Stop 2176312).
- Lizard Log Amphitheatre is a 600 metre walk from the Lizard Log bus stop.
WIN one of two Greater Sydney Parklands experiences!
Sign up to our mailing list for your chance to win one of two Greater Sydney Parklands prizes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Science in the Scrub is a free community event – everyone is welcome to attend, however activities are catered to school-aged children.
Absolutely! Dogs are welcome to join the fun. However, we ask that you keep your dog on a leash at all times during the event and away from food stalls.
Yes, accessible parking will be available. People requiring accessible parking will need to make themselves known to traffic controllers and present a valid mobility parking permit.
We recommend that you bring:
- re-fillable drink bottle - you can fill these up at our free tap water stations
- hat and sunscreen
- umbrella, in case of rain
- cash or cards to purchase food and other products
- bags to carry any items you wish to take home
- a picnic blanket.
Yes – there will be several food trucks available.
This Inspiring Australia initiative is supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week.
UNSW Sydney is a proud sponsor of Science in the Scrub
Related events
Join us this Halloween for a ghoulish, spooky & ghostly spotlight in search of our nocturnal friends at Centennial Park.
Join our experienced Rangers for a fascinating and surprising spotlight walk to see how the Park transforms.
Join a First Nations guide from Bush to Bowl for a fascinating two-hour guided walk-through Centennial Parklands.