Science in the Swamp 2026
Join us on Sunday 16 August for Science in the Swamp – a FREE family fun day out at Centennial Park!
Sunday 16 August 2026
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Dickens’ Lawn, Loch Avenue South, Centennial Park
Free – no tickets or registration required
Science in the Swamp returns this National Science Week on Sunday 16 August, bringing a free, family‑friendly day of hands‑on science to Centennial Park.
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 natural world, with experiences designed for all ages.
Event highlights include:
- UNSW Science Village – The biggest science precinct at the event, featuring slime-making, psychology experiments, astronomy, wildlife encounters, engineering, maths and hands-on STEM activities.
- Meet Ginger and the Baby Dinosaurs – Meet Ginger the life-sized dinosaur and get your photo taken with baby dinosaurs.
- Creative Science Live Show – Exciting science demonstrations featuring liquid nitrogen, audience participation and plenty of laughs.
- Daytime Astronomy – View the sun safely through specialist solar telescopes with astronomers from Blue Mountains Stargazing.
- Wildlife Encounters – Meet native animals including frogs, bats, birds, reptiles and mammals.
- Rooftop Bees – Watch a live observation hive, learn about pollinators and taste local honey.
- Green Room – Hands-on nature play, bushcraft, propagation and environmental activities led by GSP Education Rangers.
- Giant Bubble Station – Create giant bubbles and foam clouds in this interactive family zone.
- Meet a Scientist – Chat with scientists and researchers from universities and science organisations.
Free and outdoors, it’s a chance to explore, experiment and discover in the heart of the park — with more to come.
Science in the Swamp 2026 map
Stall list
- Australian wildlife encounters
- Great science scavenger hunt
- From waste to wonder
- Who owns the moon?
- Mathapalooza
- Slime shuttle
- Minecraft vs chemistry
- Can you trust your brain?
- Physics playground
- Cells & molecule explorers
- Materials with superpowers
- Playconomics
- Code, create, fly!
- Written in bones
- Human body explorers
Giant Bubble Station
- Creative Playground
- Rooftop Bees
- Greater Sydney Landcare
- Blue Mountains Stargazing
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science
- Bush to Bowl
- Sydney Water
- Sydney Bats
- Greater Sydney Parklands Volunteers
- Centennial Park Bird Surveying Group
- BirdLife Australia
- Sydney Wildlife Rescue
- Say Rainbow
- Mud and Sugar
- The Orangutan Project
- Frog and Tadpole Study Group
- StemLabs
- Meet a Scientist - Inspiring Australia
- Bugs About
Meet Ginger the life-sized roaming dinosaur 
Don't miss mind-blowing live science shows 
Engage with science in a fun, interactive way 
Get hands-on with experiments at over 30 exciting science stalls
How to get to Science in the Swamp
Parking at Loch Avenue South is limited. We strongly recommend taking public transport to get to Science in the Swamp:
- Take buses 333, 440 and 355.
- Get off at Oxford St, before York St, Bondi Junction (Stop202260). Loch Avenue South is 1.2km from this stop.
- Take Lightrail L2 and alight at Royal Randwick (Stop 2031196). Loch Avenue South is 1.5km from this stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Science in the Swamp 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.
Science in the Swamp is a large event held at Loch Avenue South, Centennial Park. The site will have limited access for your own safety before and after the event on Saturday 15 August and Sunday 16 August after 3pm.
Sounds impacts will be kept local to the event site. We are committed to complying with all legislation and guidelines covering amplified sound levels at outdoor events as set out in our Noise Management Plan.
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 Swamp
Related events
Listen to the amazing Sydney Youth Orchestra's Symphonic Wind Orchestra performing Gustav Holst's The Planets and more!
Join our experienced Rangers for a fascinating and surprising spotlight walk to see how the Park transforms.
Enjoy the great outdoors and get out under the stars!