Celebrate the Great Southern BioBlitz 2026 with family-friendly activities and guided wildlife walks at Willsmere Billabong.
Friday 27 November 2026
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Willsmere Park, Kew East VIC 3102, Australia
Free
Immerse your family in an exciting evening celebrating local wildlife at the Boroondara Bioblitz. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural heritage of Willsmere Billabong through engaging activities and expert-led walks. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, it’s a chance to learn about native animals and plants in a fun, interactive setting.
You can participate in hands-on activities like decorating rocks, making bee hotels, and planting seeds, or join guided wildlife walks to discover nocturnal creatures and insects. The event also features a moth spotting session with the Entomological Society, adding a unique twist to your outdoor adventure.
Bring your curiosity and enthusiasm to connect with nature and contribute to citizen science by recording sightings using the iNaturalist app, helping to map the biodiversity of Boroondara.
The event runs on Friday, 27 November 2026, from 17:30 to 20:30 with drop-in activities that require no booking. These include chatting with Melbourne Water experts, exploring a 3D water catchment model, and playing frog bingo. From 19:30 to 21:30, join the moth spotting and identification activity.
Guided wildlife walks are available but require bookings. Options include Krefft’s Glider Hollow Checks (17:00–18:00), Kids Animal Adventure Walks (17:30–18:15 or 18:30–19:15), Family Friendly Spider and Insect Walk (19:30–20:15), Spider and Insect Walk (20:30–21:15), and Nocturnal Wildlife Walk and Talk (20:30–21:15). Some walks are already booked out, with waitlists available.
The event is held at Willsmere Billabong, located at the junction of Main Yarra Trail and Darebin Creek Trail, Willsmere Park, 27 Willow Grove, Kew East VIC 3102. This site is one of the last remaining billabongs in the lower Yarra River area, offering a beautiful and significant natural setting.
Access the park via local trails or by car, and enjoy the scenic surroundings as you explore the wildlife corridor. The location is family-friendly and suitable for children and adults alike.
Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions with sturdy, enclosed shoes suitable for uneven ground. Be prepared for changing weather and bring a torch for after-dark guided walks to ensure safety and visibility.
While downloading the free iNaturalist app before the event is encouraged to participate in the citizen science challenge, it is not essential to enjoy the activities. The event is free and open to all ages.
All drop-in activities from 17:30 to 20:30 are free and do not require bookings. However, guided wildlife walks require bookings and some sessions are already fully booked with waitlists available.
The event is free to attend, making it an accessible and enriching experience for families eager to connect with nature and learn about local biodiversity.
