The City of Greater Geelong with community and agency partners, is proud to present the Geelong Nature Festival, a six-week exploration of the wonders of nature, launching on Friday 15 September 2023.  

This year's theme, 'Our Backyard,' aligns perfectly with our inspiring keynote speaker, Hannah Moloney, Tasmanian presenter of ABC Television's Gardening Australia. With her background as a permaculture educator, community advocate, designer, and acclaimed author, Hannah embodies the spirit of nurturing and connecting with our natural environment. 

The festival is committed to inspiring local minds to engage with their surroundings, fostering a deep appreciation for nature in their own backyards.  This year's Nature Festival encompasses a dynamic range of activities, including art exhibitions, field experiences and workshops.

The festival’s closing event on Sunday 29 October will showcase a large-scale art installation celebrating iconic native plant and animal species; selected with guidance from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, using works made by year four school students from across the municipality, as well as GenU artists. 

The festival’s reach extends across six distinct locations within Greater Geelong: 

• Geelong Central (15 to 22 September)
• Armstrong Creek (23 to 29 September)
• Waurn Ponds (30 Sept to 6 October)
• Bellarine (7 to 13 October)
• Northern Geelong (14 to 20 October)
• Anakie (21 to 27 October)

The Geelong Nature Festival promises an unforgettable journey through Geelong’s natural wonders.

Join us from 15 September to 29 October as we delve into 'Our Backyard'.

For more information visit our Geelong Nature Festival page.

Mayor Trent Sullivan  

The Geelong Nature Festival has consistently brought joy to our community, and we're thrilled to be part of it once more in 2023.

Fostering a connection to our local environment and understanding its biodiversity is crucial in preserving Geelong's natural heritage for future generations.

Geelong Nature Festival is an exciting joint initiative, organised by the City and supported by our partners: the Geelong Field Naturalists Club, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Bellarine Catchment Network, Deakin University as well as the many dedicated community volunteer groups.

Councillor Peter Murrihy - Chair of the Environment and Circular Economy portfolio

Our region's biodiversity is a treasure trove of fascinating elements. By directing our attention to our own backyards, we're inviting everyone to discover the wonders that exist right at our back door.

I encourage all to embrace the multitude of events and programs, enriching our knowledge about the diverse natural world that surrounds us.

Hannah Moloney - ABC Television's Gardening Australia presenter

Nature is our greatest teacher and ‘Our Backyard’ is a festival of experiences that will unite the community in collective appreciation of the wildlife and wild places that exist right here on Geelong’s doorstep.

I look forward to sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for nature at the launch event as well as fostering a sense of wonder and connection to our environment at a hands-on workshop at the beautiful Geelong Botanic Gardens.