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
National Tree Day 2026
Sunday 26 July 2026
National Tree Day at Collier Street Reserve is about bringing the community together to plant trees, improve local biodiversity and create a greener, healthier place for people and wildlife. The event invites people of all ages to take hands‑on action, learn about the local environment and connect with nature and each other.
Volunteers are invited to join us for a fun, family-friendly day connecting with nature. Alongside tree planting, there will be a range of nature-themed activities, community stalls, live music, a BBQ, and coffee available throughout the event.
All planting equipment, including gloves and tools, will be provided. We recommend bringing a water bottle, hat, and wearing covered shoes suitable for outdoor activity.
Parking is available in surrounding streets, with additional parking open at the Hunter New England Health Campus carpark, accessible via the corner of Shields Land and Nash Street. Signage for the event will be visible on the day.
*Please book a ticket for each family member, children included!
Collier Street Park
Wallsend BioBlitz
Saturday 14 March 2026
Join us for a science-based BioBlitz in Wallsend to collect baseline ecological data ahead of future greening works at Collier Street Park. Participants will assist with structured bird, waterbug and macroinvertebrate surveys, contributing verified observations to iNaturalist. This is a hands-on data collection activity and is best suited to participants who are keen to learn survey techniques and contribute meaningful data to start this long-term biodiversity monitoring program.
Collier Street Park (meet at the eastern end of Lowrey Lane)
Bird and Bug Hunt
Tuesday 27 January 2026
Join us as discover how the North Lambton Community Tiny Forest is supporting local wildlife.
Take part in citizen science monitoring as you learn how to observe, identify and record birds, insects and other tiny forest residents using the iNaturalist app. You’ll also enjoy hands-on nature activities, light gardening, creative craft, and take-home habitat ideas for birds.
North Lambton Community Tiny Forest, Pilkington Reserve
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
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
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
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
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
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
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