Dolphin Discovery - Bardon Park (4 - 7yrs)
When: Tuesday 29 September
Where: Bardon Park, Maylands
Time: 10 - 11.30am
Ages: 4 - 7yrs
Cost: $7 per child
Get to know the dolphins that call the Derbal Yerrigan Djarlgarro / Swan Canning River System home through interactive games and activities.
Join River Guardians at Bardon Park to learn how dolphins' bodies help them swim, jump and catch food, then play a game to show us your best dolphin impression! Have a go at identifying the Swan River dolphins using our FinBook guide and then go on a walk along the river to see if you can spot them.
Discover some of the things that can hurt our dolphins and what we can all do to keep them safe. Finish the morning by decorating your dolphin craft. Please note this is NOT a drop and leave activity. Adult supervision is essential.
Creatures of the Night (Families 8+ years)
When: Tuesday 29 September
Where: Perth Hills Discovery Centre
Time: 6.30 - 8pm
Ages: Families with children 8yrs and over
Cost: $15 for all participants
Discover the bush after dark with Nearer to Nature! Explore Beelu National Park on a guided night walk and learn about the amazing wildlife that emerges when the sun goes down. Keep watch for nocturnal animals and experience the sights and sounds of the nighttime forest in this fun school holiday family adventure.
This activity is suitable for families with children 8yrs and older.
This is NOT a drop off activity. Adult supervision is essential.
Birds of The Night
When: Wednesday 30 September
Where: City of Melville EcoHub, Piney Lakes
Time: 6 - 8pm
Ages: Families with children 8yrs and over
Cost: From $7 per participant
Join Nearer to Nature and enjoy a special up-close encounter with some birds of the night, including owls. Learn about their unique features, behaviours, and natural beauty.
After meeting these fascinating birds, we'll head out on a guided night walk through Piney Lakes Reserve in search of wild owls, tawny frogmouths, and the habitats they call home. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for other nocturnal wildlife, including bats, frogs, spiders, and a variety of other creatures that come to life after dark.
This is a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about local wildlife, and experience the reserve in a whole new light... or rather, under the stars!
This event is perfect for families with children aged 8 and up.
Wetland Wildlife Investigators (4 - 7yrs)
When: Thursday 1 October
Where: Canning River Eco Education Centre, Wilson
Time: 10 - 11.30am
Ages: 4 - 7yrs
Cost: $7 per child
Our urban wetlands are some of the most important habitats in the world. Surrounded by houses and human activities, these wetlands provide a refuge for a huge range of wildlife. Join River Guardians for an exploration of the Canning River where everything from birds to reptiles, fish, amphibians and bugs call this place home.
Together, we will investigate this incredible habitat, look for clues, play games and complete challenges to find out exactly what species are living here and how we can protect them!
Please note this is NOT a drop off activity. Adult supervision is essential.
Wildlife by Water - Canoe on the Canning River (12 - 17yrs)
When: 01/10/2026
Where: Canning River Eco Education Centre, Wilson
Time: 9 – 11am
Ages: 12 - 17yrs
Cost: $35 all participants
Make a splash these school holidays and get Nearer to Nature in a canoe adventure on the Canning River!
Glide across the water, discover amazing wildlife, and put your strength, balance, and agility to the test - all while having loads of fun!
This is a DROP OFF activity suitable for ages 12 - 17yrs.
Wonderful Waterbirds (4 - 7yrs)
When: Friday 2 October
Where: Neil Hawkins Park, Joondalup
Time: 10 - 11.30am
Ages: 4 - 7yrs
Cost: $7 per child
Lake Joondalup is home to a range of water birds of all shapes and sizes. Join the River Guardians team at Neil Hawkins Park and discover why each bird has a different beak and body shape and how their special features help them survive in and around the water.
Scoop through the water to investigate what these birds are eating and find out why we should all say NO to feeding birds bread! We'll play some games for you to learn about the dangers facing these birds, and how we can all help protect them.
Please note this is NOT a drop off activity. Adult supervision is essential.
Pollinator Picnic
When: Tuesday 6 October
Where: Perth Hills Discovery Centre, Mundaring
Time: 9am - 12pm
Ages: Families with children of all ages
Cost: FREE - Bookings essential
Join Nearer to Nature for our Pollinator Picnic – Ways to be Wild event and discover the amazing world of native bees, birds, insects and other pollinators that help our bushland thrive!
Pack a picnic rug and spend the morning exploring, creating and connecting with nature in the beautiful Perth Hills.
Schedule of events
9 - 9.15am Meet native bee scientist Dr Kit Prendergast for a story book reading of her new book 'Amy is an Amegilla' ages 4yrs and under.
9.25 - 9.55am Help restore bee hotels and learn how to create habitat for wildlife with native bee scientist Dr Kit Prendergast. All ages
9.30 - 10.45am Wander among the wildflowers on a guided pollinator walk with the Wildflower Society of Western Australia. All ages, please note the walk is on gravel track with no wheelchair or pram access.
10 - 10.15am Dress up as your favourite pollinator for our Pollinator Parade and win prizes. All ages.
10.30 - 10.45am Meet native bee scientist Dr Kit Prendergast for a story book reading of her new book 'Amy is an Amegilla' ages 4 - 8yrs.
10.55 - 11.25am Help restore bee hotels and learn how to create habitat for wildlife with native bee scientist Dr Kit Prendergast. All ages.
11 - 11.45am Wander among the wildflowers on a guided pollinator walk with the Wildflower Society of Western Australia. All ages, please note the walk is on gravel track with no wheelchair or pram access.
11.45am - 12pm Behind the Science. Meet native bee scientist Dr Kit Prendergast. All ages.
Free all morning
Get creative with pollinator-inspired crafts. Make a moving Pollinator Paper Craft, Bird Nest Builder, Wildlife Water Station, or an Insect Hotel to help wildlife in your garden.
Explore the Fairy Folk & Forest Friends Trail and match the pollinator pairs along the way.
As part of the Ways to be Wild initiative, this FREE event encourages children and families to get outdoors, discover local wildlife, and experience the wonder of nature through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures.
Come play, explore and discover the wonderful world of pollinators this spring!
This event is FREE but bookings are essential. Presented by Spring into Parks, an initiative of the WA Parks Foundation, with support from Lotterywest.
Book now and celebrate spring with a morning of nature, discovery and outdoor adventure!
Build a Quenda Cabin
When: Wednesday 7 October
Where: City of Melville EcoHub, Piney Lakes
Time: 10am - 12pm
Ages: 7 - 12yrs
Cost: from $7 per child
Join Nearer to Nature and quenda expert Dr Kenny Travouillon from the WA Museum for a fascinating exploration of one of Perth’s most iconic native marsupials, the quenda (southern brown bandicoot).
Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, discover the secret lives of these remarkable animals and learn how you can get involved in the annual Quenda Count taking place in October.
Make a real difference for local wildlife by helping to build quenda refuges, known as “Quenda Cabins”, which provide shelter from predators such as cats and foxes. Together, we’ll construct two quenda cabins that will act as important stepping stones between fragmented habitats in Piney Lakes Reserve, helping support local quenda populations while raising community awareness about their conservation.
Please note This is NOT a Drop off activity. Adult supervision is essential.
