Here’s a taster of events in Queensland this National Science Week.
Celebrating 60 years of the Busselton Health Study – A Journey of Discovery. 17 August. Busselton.
Step inside 60 years of groundbreaking health research at the Busselton Health Study Biobank. From humble beginnings in a fleet of caravans to becoming one of the world’s leading long-term community health studies, this remarkable journey has helped unlock new insights into heart disease, diabetes, lung health and more. Explore a restored vintage caravan, interactive displays and the stories behind the discoveries, while celebrating the thousands of Busselton locals whose generosity and commitment continue to shape healthier futures for communities around the world.
Nannup Flower and Garden Festival – Grow gather feast. 7 – 16 August. Nannup.
We’re thrilled to welcome back some of your favourite Gardening Australia presenters in 2026. Festivalgoers can catch Sophie Thomson, Faye Arcaro, Guy Jeffreys and local favourites including Steve Wood on the first weekend. Then, on 15-16 August, Costa Georgiadis returns to Nannup after a year’s break, joined by Millie Ross.
Visit the festival to explore how gardening, food production and sustainability are connected through STEM.
Stargazing Astro – Adventure – Mapping the night sky. 19 August. Collie.
Discover the wonders of the universe at this special Science Week Stargazing Event.
Experience planets, stars and constellations up close with guidance from experienced astronomers, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and explore.
If weather prevents outdoor viewing, a full indoor program will run, including space presentations, telescope demonstrations, children’s activities, Mars Curiosity landing videos and fun space-themed challenges.
Whether you’re an experienced stargazer or discovering astronomy for the first time, this inspiring community event offers something for everyone.
Science After Dark. 20 August. Kalgoorlie.
Get ready for an evening of hands-on science fun as Goldfield’s organisations come together to spark curiosity and inspire discovery. Explore robotics, microscopes, UV science, local geology, fossils, food science and interactive experiments, including the ever-popular elephant toothpaste.
Try gold panning, interpret maps, examine a thousand-year-old fossil, and use VR technology to experience the mining world beneath our feet. With a dedicated Junior Scientists Zone for younger children, there’s something for all ages.
The Kids STEM Festival Broome. 12 -13 August. Broome.
Celebrate National Science Week with this free community festival showcasing the exciting world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Meet scientists, researchers, engineers and STEM professionals, explore hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, and discover how STEM is helping shape the future of the Kimberley and beyond.
Build, create, investigate and experiment while learning about health, environmental science, technology, engineering and local STEM projects. Enjoy live entertainment, a free sausage sizzle and activities for all ages.
Australia’s Search for the Missing Part of the Universe. 20 August. Nedlands.
The Search for Dark Matter: What if most of the Universe is invisible?
Scientists believe that everything we can see, planets, stars, galaxies and even ourselves, makes up only a small fraction of the cosmos. The rest may be hidden in a mysterious substance known as dark matter, one of the greatest unsolved puzzles in science.
Join Dr Jeremy Bourhill from The University of Western Australia for a fascinating journey into the hunt for dark matter. Discover how Australian researchers are searching for this elusive substance, the incredible technology being developed to find it, and how breakthroughs in fundamental science can lead to real-world innovations.
The Evolution of Forensic Science Careers – Speak with professionals in the field. 18 August. Bentley.
Curious about a career in forensic science? Join the Australia and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) Student Representative Group for a free careers night exploring the diverse pathways within the forensic sciences.
Meet forensic practitioners at different stages of their careers and learn about fields including digital forensics, DNA analysis, forensic archaeology and anthropology, wildlife forensics, explosives, entomology and physical evidence.
Noongar Two-Way Learning Walk at Kings Park. 20 August. Kings Park.
Visit Kings Park for a one-hour walk on Country, guided by a Noongar educator. This educational tour will provide you with an insight into traditional scientific practices and knowledges of the Noongar people, with hands-on activities. Noongar educator, Rickeeta Walley, will teach you about the local plant species and they ways in which they were utilised and manipulated through physical chemistry, pyro-processing, and eco-engineering, for food and tool resources.
Noongar people have had many millennia in the southwest of Western Australia to observe, experiment with trial and error, and develop incredible techniques to best utilise and understand the natural environment. These techniques and practices were also developed under strict guidelines of environmental and ecological sustainability. We look forward to sharing a glimpse into thousands of years of cultural and scientific knowledge, in this one-hour, relaxed walk on Country.
Plants for Space – Seeding Science from outback to outer space. 11 August. Geraldton.
What would you eat on a two-year journey to Mars? Discover how scientists are exploring ways to grow food in space at this free, hands-on STEM experience from UWA Plants for Space at the Museum of Geraldton.
Explore interactive displays and challenges that reveal how plants can survive in extreme environments, from growing without gravity to thriving with limited resources. Try your hand at pipetting, examine plants under a microscope, play the Space Garden Farmer game and take on astronaut-inspired sensory challenges.
Create your own futuristic space plant and add it to the giant Astro Garden installation. What special features would it need to survive on Mars?
Kings Park Science – The Hidden Life of Seeds. 15 August. Perth.
Through a self-guided tour in the Western Australian Botanic Garden, you’ll discover how researchers turn curiosity into conservation, and uncover the science helping to safeguard Western Australia’s floral treasures.
Grab an event passport at the entrance and follow the map to find story panels hidden in the garden. Each panel reveals a different research journey narrated by our scientists. Follow their path and discover how science moves from lab to landscape and helps tackle real-world conservation challenges.
Return your completed passport to receive one of the five collectible flora and seed pin, custom-designed by our scientists.
Find more events in Western Australia by visiting scienceweek.net.au
