Nature Shake

Nature Shake is back on Saturday 5 September for an afternoon of free, hands-on nature-powered adventures for all ages!

2026 Activity Program

Check our Nature Shake Event Map for activity locations.

Bark Canoe Making with Gumarra

Find us in the Azalea Collection (Event Map ref #10).

Bird Spotting with Illawarra Birders

Find us in near the Duck Pond (Event Map ref #9).

Bugs & Beyond: A Sensory Play Adventure with Wollongong City Libraries

Get up close to the amazing world of minibeasts and uncover the hidden wonders of the Garden. Through sensory activities, creative crafts and guided exploration, participants will learn about insects and other tiny animals while developing a greater appreciation for biodiversity.

Find us on the Fig Lawn (Event Map ref #19).

Buzzing about Native Bees with the Australian Native Bee Association

Discover the fascinating world of the Illawarra’s native bees, from fluffy Teddy Bear Bees to shimmering Golden-Green Carpenter Bees. Learn why these important pollinators matter, peek inside a live native stingless beehive, and enjoy a hands-on craft activity to create a bee-utiful keepsake to take home.

Find us in front of Towri Centre (Event Map ref #13).

Creekline Critters with Green Connect Farm

Grab a dip net and discover the hidden world beneath the water’s surface as you explore the Garden’s creek and the fascinating creatures that live there. Learn how these tiny animals help tell the story of waterway health and gain a deeper appreciation for local freshwater ecosystems.

Find us on the Eucalyptus Lawn (Event Map ref #17).

Discovery Rangers with National Parks & Wildlife

Find us on the Eucalyptus Lawn (Event Map ref #15).

Flower Architecture with Wollongong Art Galley

Drop in and create a vibrant paper collage inspired by the native flowers at the Garden. Guided by educators, participants of all ages can explore colour, shape, pattern and texture while creating their own unique artwork.

Find us in the Azalea Collection (Event Map ref #13).

FOGO Fritters with NSW Health Promotions

Turn simple ingredients into delicious, healthy meals in this hands-on food workshop. Learn how to make veggie fritters and nutritious snacks while discovering creative ways to use leftovers, reduce food waste and make the most of seasonal produce. Participants will leave with new skills, recipe inspiration and practical tips for healthy, sustainable eating at home.

Find us near the Education Centre (Event Map ref #5).

Guardians of the Grassy Woodlands with Ecosystems & Threatened Species Branch of NSW's DCCEEW

Discover the fascinating wildlife of the region's grassy woodlands through interactive displays, native seeds and close-up views of tiny creatures. Learn about nocturnal animals, uncover the secrets of elusive crayfish and help create a giant wildlife tree hollow while exploring how healthy habitats support local biodiversity.

Find us near the Towri Centre (Event Map ref #11).

Junkyard Garden Play with Junkyard Rascals

Transform everyday discarded materials into extraordinary play adventures. Children can build, create and experiment using a collection of rescued loose parts, discovering the value of imagination, teamwork and creative problem-solving along the way.

Find us near the Education Centre (Event Map ref #2).

Mud and Worm Farming

Find us near the Education Centre (Event Map ref #1).

Nature Playtime with Folkplay

Get involved in a range of creative nature play activities, including clay creations, flower-stamped bookmarks, nature wands, watercolour painting and knot tying. This activity encourages creativity, curiosity and connection with nature through hands-on play and discovery.

Find us near the Japanese Tea House (Event Map ref #20).

Lake Illawarra Water Wonders with Council's Coastal Environment Team

Join us for a hands-on exploration of the elusive platypus and the hidden wildlife of Lake Illawarra’s waterways. Get up close to tiny freshwater creatures, take part in a sensory challenge, and discover what makes this iconic animal so unique while learning about the importance of healthy waterways and how we can help protect local wildlife.

Find us in in the Azalea Collection (Event Map ref #16).

Litter Olympics with Council's Rise & Shine Team

Take part a fun, family-friendly challenge where speed and skill are put to the test as participants correctly sort commonly littered items. This interactive activity encourages environmental responsibility, sparks conversations about waste reduction, and inspires community members of all ages to become Local Litter Legends.

Find us near the Education Centre (Event Map ref #3).

Native Tea Display and Tasting at the Towri Tea House

Learn about Australia’s native tea plants through fresh and dried samples, discover how they are grown and processed, and explore the aromas of popular native tea blends. Visitors can take home propagation material to grow their own plants, then visit Towri Tea House to purchase from a range of native teas and sweet treats to enjoy.

Find us at the Towri Centre (Event Map ref #23).

Rise & Shine - 40th Anniversary Exhibition

Discover the story of Council’s longest-running volunteer program through historical photographs, memorabilia and the iconic Rise and Shine trailer. Explore the impact local volunteers have had in creating a cleaner, greener Wollongong and share your ideas for the future of environmental action in the community.

Find us at the Education Centre

Plant Sale by the Friends of Wollongong Botanic Garden

Browse a fantastic selection of affordable plants, lovingly grown by Botanic Garden volunteers. Our knowledgeable volunteers can help you choose the right plants for your garden or balcony, with proceeds supporting future Botanic Garden projects and community initiatives.

Find us at the Towri Centre (Event Map ref #22).

Poem Forest Writing Activities with Red Room Poetry

Be inspired by the beauty of the Botanic Garden and discover your creative voice in this nature-based poetry workshop. With simple writing tips and guidance from experienced poets, you'll create your own unique poem inspired by the natural world. Suitable for all ages and writing experience.

Find us near the Towri Centre (Event Map ref #7).

Rainforest Warriors with Council's Natural Areas Team

Uncover how ecologists study and protect local wildlife through a series of interactive challenges. Test your listening skills, search for hidden birds, explore amazing plant adaptations, and uncover the secrets of a healthy bushland ecosystem while learning simple ways to help protect nature in your own backyard.

Find us in the Rainforest Collection (Event Map ref #11).

Seed Bombs with Landcare

Roll, shape and squish your own native seed bomb using clay, compost and locally sourced seeds. It’s a creative way to learn about native plants, support local pollinators and connect with nature. Take your finished seed bomb home to plant and watch colourful wildflowers grow.

Find us on the Fig Lawn (Event Map ref #21).

Silent Disco, Yoga and Nature Stories with Healthy Cities

Everyone is invited to come together for a fun and engaging outdoor experience that combines music, movement and relaxation. Participants of all ages can rotate between energetic dance sessions, calming yoga and nature-inspired storytelling, creating opportunities to move, laugh, unwind and connect.

Find us on the Turpentine Lawn (Event Map ref #6).

Stick Constructions

Find us on the Eucalptus Lawn (Event Map ref #14).