Bugs & Beyond: A Sensory Play Adventure
Explore the amazing world of minibeasts in this hands-on sensory learning experience. Through interactive activities, bug-themed crafts, sensory play, and guided exploration, students will discover the diverse creatures that live in our gardens and natural environments.
Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and observation skills, this engaging session helps students develop a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and the important role minibeasts play in healthy ecosystems
Buzzing about Native Bees
Students will discover the fascinating world of Australian native bees. Through hands-on activities and interactive displays, students will learn about the incredible diversity of native bee species found throughout the Illawarra and gain a deeper appreciation for the important role these tiny pollinators play in our environment.
They wil get up close to a live stingless bee hive and observe these remarkable insects at work. Students can test their knowledge with a fun native bee nesting habitat guessing game, exploring the different ways native bees create their homes and support healthy ecosystems. This engaging stall offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, spark curiosity and inspire future environmental champions.
Meet us at the info stall in front of Towri Centre (map ref K11).
Creekine Critters
Children will step into the role of aquatic scientists as they use dip nets to investigate the Botanic Gaden’s creek and uncover the fascinating creatures living beneath the water’s surface. Through hands-on exploration, students will identify a variety of aquatic animals, discovering how these species can provide important clues about the health of the waterway and the wider environment.
This engaging field-based activity encourages curiosity, observation and scientific inquiry while helping students develop a deeper understanding of freshwater ecosystems. By exploring the vital connections between water quality, biodiversity and habitat health, students will gain a greater appreciation for the importance of protecting and caring for our natural environments.
Flower Architecture
Students are invited to drop in and unleash their creativity by creating a vibrant A4 paper collage inspired by the beautiful native flowers of Wollongong Botanic Garden. Guided by educators from Wollongong Art Gallery, students will explore colour, shape, pattern and texture while developing their artistic skills in a fun and supportive environment.
This hands-on workshop encourages imagination and self-expression as students design their own unique artwork. Perfect for all skill levels, the activity provides an engaging connection to nature and the local environment, while giving every student a special masterpiece to take home and proudly share with family and friends.
FOGO Fritters
Get ready to chop, mix, cook, and taste your way to a healthier future! In this fun and interactive workshop, students will discover how fresh, healthy ingredients can be transformed into delicious vegetable fritters. With guidance from experienced educators, students will learn valuable food preparation and cooking skills while gaining confidence in the kitchen. They will also explore practical ways to reduce food waste by making the most of leftover ingredients and learning creative approaches to sustainable cooking.
By connecting healthy eating with environmental responsibility, this hands-on experience encourages students to make positive choices that benefit both their wellbeing and the planet.
Guardians of the Grassy Woodlands
Step into the secret world of the Illawarra's grassy woodlands. Explore native seeds and tiny woodland residents through fascinating macro displays, discover nocturnal animals that emerge after dark, and meet the elusive crayfish that lives hidden beneath rocks.
Students will also help build a giant wildlife tree hollow and learn how important these habitats are for many native animals. Along the way, they will uncover the connections between plants, insects and wildlife that keep these ecosystems thriving. This interactive experience encourages curiosity, observation and a deeper appreciation for the hidden wonders of nature.
Junkyard Garden Play
Transform everyday discarded materials into extraordinary play adventures with Junkyard Rascals. Children can build, create, experiment and explore using a collection of rescued loose parts, discovering the value of imagination, teamwork and creative problem-solving along the way. This free drop-in activity encourages children to discover the possibilities of reuse and sustainability through fun, imaginative play
Lake Illawarra Water Wonders
Discover the hidden wildlife of Lake Illawarra and explore the fascinating world of the elusive platypus. Using nets and sieves, students will investigate the tiny freshwater creatures that platypuses feed on, take part in a fun sensory challenge to learn how platypuses find prey, and explore their habitat needs through interactive activities.
Through hands-on investigations and guided discovery, students will uncover the important connections between healthy waterways and thriving wildlife. This engaging experience builds an understanding of local ecosystems while fostering curiosity and appreciation for one of Australia's most unique and iconic native animals.
Litter Olympics
Students will explore how communities can work together to reduce litter and protect the environment while celebrating 40 years of Rise & Shine environmental education. Through an interactive exhibition, they will discover the impact of litter prevention programs and share their ideas for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Students can then put their knowledge into action in the Litter Olympics, a fun challenge where speed and skill are put to the test as they correctly sort commonly littered items. This engaging activity encourages environmental responsibility and empowers students to become the next generation of Local Litter Legends.
Nature Crafts
Through a range of hands-on nature activities, students will explore what it means to care for Country while expressing their ideas through creativity and play. Participants will create a take-home badge, design mandalas using natural materials, contribute to a collaborative Illawarra Flame Tree artwork, and enjoy sensory play with playdough and nature treasures.
This engaging experience encourages creativity, mindfulness and a deeper connection with the natural environment. Students will be inspired to reflect on their role in caring for Country while working collaboratively, exploring natural materials and sharing their ideas through art and imaginative play.
Nature Playtime
Students can explore a range of engaging activities including creating clay faces and nature-inspired artworks, making flower-stamped bookmarks and nature wands, experimenting with watercolour painting, and learning basic knot-tying skills. Children are also invited to immerse themselves in our nature play space, featuring loose parts and water play that encourage exploration, problem-solving and imaginative play.
Designed to support learning through play, these activities foster creativity, teamwork and a deeper appreciation of the natural environment. Students are encouraged to discover, create and experiment at their own pace, making each visit a unique and memorable outdoor learning experience.
Poem Forest Writing
Discover the power of words and connect with nature through poetry in this inspiring creative writing workshop led by professional poets from Red Room Poetry. Using the beauty of Wollongong Botanic Garden as inspiration, students will explore the natural world through observation, imagination and self-expression. With simple writing techniques and expert guidance, every student can create a unique poem, regardless of their writing experience.
As part of the workshop, students will have the opportunity to enter their poem into the national Poem Forest competition. For every poem submitted, a tree is planted, helping to create a greener, more sustainable future for our community. Suitable for students of all abilities and ages
Rainforest Warriors
Become a rainforest ecologist and discover how scientists study and protect our native plants and animals. Students will investigate the rainforest using real ecological survey techniques. They will identify animals by their calls, search for birds hidden among the foliage, and explore the unique adaptations that help rainforest plants survive in low-light conditions.
Along the way, students will uncover the key ingredients of a healthy bushland ecosystem and learn how their everyday actions can help protect local habitats and biodiversity. This hands-on experience encourages observation, critical thinking and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Rise and Shine 40th Anniversary Exhibition
Silent Disco, Yoga and Nature Stories
Students will pop on a pair of wireless headphones and immerse themselves in a fun and engaging outdoor Silent Disco experience that promotes movement, mindfulness and wellbeing. Through rotating sessions of dance, yoga and nature-inspired storytelling, students will enjoy an uplifting activity that encourages active participation, social connection and self-expression in a supportive, judgment-free environment. This unique experience helps students build confidence, stay active and develop positive wellbeing habits while connecting with their peers and the natural world.
Students can enjoy energetic dance sessions set to feel-good tunes, calming yoga activities that encourage stretching and mindfulness in nature, and engaging nature stories that provide an opportunity to rest, recharge and reflect. Combining music, movement and relaxation, this interactive experience supports students' physical, social and emotional wellbeing while creating opportunities for fun, laughter and meaningful connection.
Waste Truck Exploration
Get ready for a hands-on waste and recycling adventure that brings the journey of our everyday rubbish to life! Students will have the exciting opportunity to climb aboard a real Remondis waste collection truck and take a guided tour of this impressive vehicle. Along the way, they'll discover how waste is collected, why sorting waste correctly is so important, and the vital role these trucks play in keeping our communities clean, safe and sustainable.
Learning continues through a fun and interactive waste sorting challenge where students put their recycling skills to the test. Using recycling, FOGO and general waste signs, student will decide where common household items belong and see if they can sort them correctly. To complete the experience, students will explore a range of products created from recycled materials and FOGO, uncovering what happens after items leave the kerbside. This engaging session helps students understand how the three-bin system works and how simple everyday actions can transform waste into valuable new resources for the future.
Pani Cafe
In addition to coffees, teas and hot chocolates, you’ll can pick up some delicious muffins, croissants, quiche, bureks and toasties between 9am and 4pm every day near the playground (map ref P2).