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City of Newcastle

City of Newcastle is committed to supporting a thriving, connected and environmentally aware community. Our Natural Connection summer program brings residents fun, hands-on events that help people discover our coastal places, learn from local experts and take part in hands-on citizen science activities. THESE EVENTS ARE RESERVED FOR NEWCASTLE RESIDENTS. IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE THE LGA AND WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLSIT, PLEASE EMAIL ehoyland@ncc.nsw.gov.au

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Hidden Life of Sand - Stockton

Monday 12 January 2026
Discover the incredible world hidden beneath your feet! Join local marine scientists to take sand core samples from the swash zone and explore them under microscopes back at the Surf House. You’ll uncover tiny organisms, minerals, and even microplastics that shape our coastal environment. This hands-on workshop also introduces a simple citizen science activity so you can continue monitoring your local beach. Perfect for curious minds of all ages. The exact meeting point will be emailed to registered participants prior to the session. Please arrive 5 minutes before the start time so we can begin promptly. Please bring a hat, water bottle, and any personal items you might need for time outdoors. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. Children attending this event must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Stockton Beach
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Hidden Life of Sand - Nobbys

Tuesday 13 January 2026
Discover the incredible world hidden beneath your feet! Join local marine scientists to take sand core samples from the swash zone and explore them under microscopes back at the Surf House. You’ll uncover tiny organisms, minerals, and even microplastics that shape our coastal environment. This hands-on workshop also introduces a simple citizen science activity so you can continue monitoring your local beach. Perfect for curious minds of all ages. The exact meeting point will be emailed to registered participants prior to the session. Please arrive 5 minutes before the start time so we can begin promptly. Please bring a hat, water bottle, and any personal items you might need for time outdoors. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. Children attending this event must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Nobbys Beach
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Rockpool Ramble - Cowrie Hole -1

Friday 16 January 2026
Step onto Newcastle’s rocky shores and explore the bustling world of tide pools with a marine ecologist as your guide. Learn to identify fascinating species that live between the tides, from anemones and crabs to sea snails and colourful algae. Participants will also have the option to upload their discoveries to iNaturalist, helping build a community-driven snapshot of our coastal biodiversity. A fun and engaging adventure for families, nature lovers, and anyone keen to learn more about our coastline. The exact meeting point will be emailed to registered participants prior to the session. Please arrive 5 minutes before the start time so we can begin promptly. Please bring a hat, water bottle, and any personal items you might need for time outdoors. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. Children attending this event must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Cowrie Hole
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Rockpool Ramble - Cowrie Hole - 2

Monday 19 January 2026
Step onto Newcastle’s rocky shores and explore the bustling world of tide pools with a marine ecologist as your guide. Learn to identify fascinating species that live between the tides, from anemones and crabs to sea snails and colourful algae. Participants will also have the option to upload their discoveries to iNaturalist, helping build a community-driven snapshot of our coastal biodiversity. A fun and engaging adventure for families, nature lovers, and anyone keen to learn more about our coastline. The exact meeting point will be emailed to registered participants prior to the session. Please arrive 5 minutes before the start time so we can begin promptly. Please bring a hat, water bottle, and any personal items you might need for time outdoors. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. Children attending this event must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Cowrie Hole
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Waste to Art - Stockton

Tuesday 20 January 2026
Turn beach debris into creative treasure! We’ll start with a short guided clean-up where participants collect and sort marine litter, contributing data to national citizen science programs. Then we head indoors to transform the collected materials into artworks you can take home. This workshop blends creativity, environmental awareness, and hands-on action. The exact meeting point will be emailed to registered participants prior to the session. Please arrive 5 minutes before the start time so we can begin promptly. Please bring a hat, water bottle, and any personal items you might need for time outdoors. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. Children attending this event must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Stockton Beach
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Native Bee Workshop

Saturday 29 November 2025
Native Bee expert, Dr Tobias Smith, is returning to Newcastle to run two native stingless bee workshops. Learn about native bee diversity, bee lifecycles, management of stingless bees and join a practical session on the process of hive splitting and propagation. These workshops are open to Newcastle LGA residents. If you're located outside the LGA and would like to be added to a waitlist, please email ehoyland@ncc.nsw.gov.au.
Hunter Wetlands Centre
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Breakfast with the Birds

Tuesday 21 October 2025
Join us for a morning of birdwatching with a local ornithologist at Blackbutt Reserve. Stroll along easy trails, learn birdwatching techniques, identify native species, and discover the beauty of our local biodiversity. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast with tea and coffee provided. Meet at Blackbutt shelter 1, off Carnley Reserve carpark. Please bring water and wear closed-toe shoes. Binoculars will be provided. Please note: car parking charges apply at Blackbutt Reserve.
Blackbutt Reserve