The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Sydney Science Trail

Celebrate National Science Week with an adventure full of family-friendly science programs and excursions for primary and secondary students, presented in collaboration with the Australian Museum. 

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Location

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Australian Museum and Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

Date

9 - 17 August 2025

Contact

9231 8134

[email protected]

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Sydney Science Trail is back this August!

Celebrate National Science Week with a jam-packed program of school excursions for primary and secondary students and family-friendly community days.

This annual program from Botanic Gardens of Sydney, the Australian Museum and their partners is an opportunity for curious kids of all ages and schools to think, talk and experience the science conducted at our organisations – from the study of the natural world and research into the effects of climate change, to exploration of the environmental knowledges of First Nations peoples. Sydney Science Trail provides acces to a broad range of sciences.

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School Excursions

Get your school involved with National Science Week at the Sydney Science Trail, live at the Australian Museum and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney this August. 

Now in its sixth year, Sydney Science Trail offers an engaging program of full-day excursions for primary and secondary students in Stages 2 - 6 and explores the important role science plays in our lives.

Easily accessible by public transport or designated bus drop off/pick up locations. 

Program overview

  • Primary students (years 3-6): Monday 11 or Tuesday 12 August
  • Secondary students (years 7-11): Wednesday 13, Thursday 14 or Friday 15 August
  • Diverse learners* (years 3-11): Monday 11 or Tuesday 12 August (years 3-6) and Wednesday 13 August (years 7-11)

 

*For groups requiring a more flexible timetable or higher educator to student ratios, such as home-school groups, support classes, EAL/D students or students with diverse needs.

 

Sessions

Program entry includes four activity sessions between 9.30am and 2.30pm across both Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Australian Museum sites. 

The four sessions include:

  • Science Show (primary days and Friday only for secondary students); or Scientist Panel (secondary students Wednesday and Thursday only) at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
  • Science Expo at the Australian Museum
  • Interactive STEM Workshop 
  • Teacher-led experience at either the Australian Museum or the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

 

Cost

$25 per student (incl. GST)

Science Show - Primary Program

Students will be delighted and amazed by this live action science show filled with loads of fun and sure to increase student engagement in STEM.

STEM Workshop - Primary Program

Your students will participate in one of our bespoke 50-minute hands-on workshops. Workshop themes include First Nations culture, climate solutions and codes in nature.

Science Show - Secondary Program

Aligning with a range of science topics from the New South Wales syllabus, the science show will entertain your students while supporting their understanding of scientific concepts. Available to secondary students on Friday only. 

STEM Workshop - Secondary Program

Led by experienced educators, these hands-on workshops incorporate the General Capabilities for years 7 - 11 with authentic STEM experiences.

Scientist Panel - Secondary Program

The Scientist Panel brings together leading scientific researchers, giving students an opportunity to hear from the experts on this year’s National Science Week theme: 'Decoding the Universe: Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language'. Includes Q&A. 

Available - Wednesday and Thursday. 

Science Expo

Wander through our Science Expo stalls and chat citizen science, frogs, fossils, medical research and more – even ask our scientists about their career paths.

Teacher-Led Experience

Guide your students through a gallery at the Australian Museum or try your hand at nature journaling at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Teacher resources provided.

What teachers are saying about Sydney Science Trail 2024

100% of survey respondents agreed Sydney Science Trail provided students an opportunity to learn something new about science.

"The expo was fantastic, lots of hands on activities that even our less keen Science students were engaged in. It was also very informative for our students that are interested in pursuing Science in the future."

"The hands-on workshops were an excellent resource to our students' learning."

"This year is our second year and the students absolutely loved the experience and engaged well."

"A day which was busy enough for the kids and kept them engaged through."

"Hands on activity on native orchid conservation were great...... gave an insight into how amazing science is as well as how cool a science career can be. A varied and fantastic experience."

Watch past panel discussions

Recorded during National Science Week in 2023 and 2024 for DART Learning, Sydney Science Trail panel discussions for secondary students bring together leading scientific researchers to talk about everything from climate change solutions to environmental DNA.

Watch the 2024 Species Survival panel discussions

Watch the 2023 Talking Science panel discussions

Early access now available!

Our popular schools program sold out in 2024, so get in early to secure your place! Full program details will be released in Term 2.

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Book the Primary Program

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Book the Secondary Program

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Book the Diverse Learners Program

Family Community Days

Australian Museum: Saturday 9 August

Join us for a family-friendly science festival at the Australian Museum as we kick off National Science Week on Saturday 9 August 2025.

Explore the famous Sydney Science Trail Expo full of interactive stalls where you can meet scientists and get hands-on with science and technology – it's a kids STEM bonanza!

Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan: Saturday 16 August

Adventure to the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan on Saturday 16 August for a free interactive program of science talks, nature experiences and hands-on activities.

Save the date for this celebration of all things science!

Stay tuned for more details and registrations opening in July.

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Sydney Science Trail is presented by the Australian Museum and Botanic Gardens of Sydney in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney and the University of New England. 

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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to your top Sydney Science Trail Questions
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Terms and Conditions

Read the Sydney Science Trail terms and conditions.