Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care day in Kingston, held annually in late July. Free volunteer opportunities available at Clayton South and Chelsea—bookings essential.
Ongoing activity
1230 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham VIC 3192, Australia
Free
National Tree Day brings families together across Kingston for a hands-on day of tree planting, environmental stewardship and outdoor fun. It’s a great chance for school-aged children and their parents to connect with nature, learn about native vegetation, and make a visible difference in local parks and reserves.
This community event is centred on tree planting and caring for local green spaces, with a strong focus on native species and biodiversity. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to planting, the day is welcoming and family-friendly, offering practical learning about ecology and conservation.
Parents can expect a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where kids get muddy, learn about the environment, and make new friends while helping restore local habitat. National Tree Day in Kingston is an ideal mix of outdoor exercise, environmental education, and community connection.
On arrival you’ll be greeted by volunteer coordinators who will outline the planting plan and safety instructions, ensuring everyone knows how to handle tools and plants safely. Children that are school-aged will find activities pitched to their level so they can participate meaningfully without feeling left out.
You can expect to spend time planting native seedlings, mulching, and learning simple tree-care tips that you can take home. There will be short breaks for snacks and photo opportunities, so bring a hat, water and a camera to capture proud little planters.
Typical volunteer sessions are suitable for families and community groups, with coordinators providing gloves, tools and guidance. If you or your child have specific needs, coordinators are happy to help accommodate accessibility or age-appropriate tasks.
Bookings are essential for the Kingston National Tree Day volunteer opportunities; the page lists Volunteer at Clayton South and Volunteer at Chelsea as available locations. The activity is free and organised by City of Kingston in partnership with Planet Ark and local community groups.
This event is ideal for parents of primary and secondary school children who want a meaningful weekend activity that combines fresh air, exercise and environmental education. Children can learn about native vegetation, tree planting techniques, and the importance of biodiversity in a hands-on way.
Expect to be outdoors for the bulk of the session; moderate physical activity is involved (digging, carrying small plants, light raking). Coordinators will advise on task suitability for different ages and provide basic tools and instruction to keep everyone safe and engaged.
National Tree Day activities take place across various Kingston locations; the listing specifically references volunteer opportunities at Clayton South and Chelsea. The City of Kingston office is at 1230 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham VIC 3192 for general enquiries, but planting sites are community parks and reserves within Kingston.
Organisers recommend walking, cycling or using public transport where possible and leaving the car at home to reduce congestion at planting sites. Maps and meeting-point details are provided to registered volunteers ahead of the event so families can plan arrival times and child-friendly routes.
Parking may be limited at some reserves, so bring comfortable shoes suitable for uneven ground and prepare to walk a short distance from drop-off points. If you need accessibility information for a specific site, contact Kingston Customer Care before the event.
Safety is prioritised: volunteers will receive a quick safety briefing on tool use and correct planting technique. Please ensure children wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and clothes that can get dirty; parents should pack water and snacks for the kids.
If anyone in your family has allergies, particularly to mulch or certain plants, notify coordinators when booking so they can suggest suitable tasks or provide alternatives. Children should be supervised at all times, and younger kids may be given lighter duties such as seedling placement or watering.
The event supports environmental stewardship and native vegetation restoration. If the weather is severe the organisers may reschedule; registered volunteers will be notified by the contact details provided at booking.
Bookings are essential and free of charge. The City of Kingston page notes "Bookings essential: Volunteer at Clayton South; Volunteer at Chelsea" so register for the preferred location to secure places for your family.
There is no fee to participate and basic equipment (gloves, tools, seedlings) is typically provided by organisers. Families are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles and a small spade if preferred.
For booking help or enquiries contact Kingston Customer Care on 1300 653 356 or use the council website event page. Spaces can fill quickly for family-friendly activities like this, so early registration in late June/early July is recommended for late-July planting dates.
