The Geelong Nature Festival has wrapped up after a huge six weeks of events attended by more than 1,700 community members.

The City, in partnership with the Geelong Field Naturalists Club, joined forces with 55 volunteer groups and organisations to deliver 70 events from 15 September - 29 October 2023 that celebrated, explored and nurtured Greater Geelong’s diverse natural environment.

From restoring habitat on Waurn Ponds Creek and learning how to grow your own native plants to bug nights and Burrunan dolphin watching sessions, there was something on offer for all age groups, interests and passions.

Gardening Australia presenter, author and permaculture practitioner, Hannah Moloney, launched the festival as keynote speaker and held a series of hands-on demonstrations on how to attract pollinator insects to your garden.

Our closing event on Sunday showcased a large-scale art installation designed by The School of Lost Arts celebrating iconic native plant and animal species. Selected with guidance from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, 1,200 art works by more than 1,400 grade four students and members of genU and the fOrt were on display.

The ‘Our Backyard’ arts project was made possible thanks to the generosity of community groups such as the School of Lost Arts, Geelong Field Naturalists Club and Mt Duneed Men’s Shed who conceived the project and prepared the materials for the artists to use.

Find out more about nature volunteer groups.

Mayor Trent Sullivan

The Geelong Nature Festival was a massive success, thanks to the community.

The last six weeks have offered a special chance to come together and learn about our local native plants and animals, foster a stronger connection with nature and find out how we can better nurture our surrounds.

To have so many community members and groups attend and host events shows their immense passion and desire for an enhanced environment.

I thank everyone who attended and contributed to events, shared their knowledge and participated in habitat restoration.

Councillor Peter Murrihy - Environment portfolio chair

Geelong Nature Festival journeyed through the region’s wetlands, waterways, coast, plains and hills.

It’s been terrific engaging with nature through the many landscapes in our own backyard, making unforgettable memories and learning to care for the environment.

If you’ve been inspired to be more involved in nature or become a nature steward, please consider joining one of our many nature volunteer groups such as the Geelong Field Naturalists Club, Friendsof Waurn Ponds Creek or the Friends of Buckley Falls.