National Science Week FREE Family Event

Event details

Saturday 22 August 2026
10:00am – 1:00pm
Busselton Surf Life Saving Club
21 Foreshore Parade, Busselton WA 6280

Entry is via the ocean-facing rear entrance of the Surf Life Saving Club.

FREE – no event admission required.

Dive into marine science with a FREE family event at Busselton Jetty!

Celebrate National Science Week with a hands-on journey into the fascinating marine life of Geographe Bay.

Join experts from the Western Australian Museum and GeoCatch to discover the incredible diversity of life found in our local waters. Learn about the creatures you might encounter while beachcombing, snorkelling or exploring the coastline, hear how scientists identify marine species, and discover how you can contribute to real biodiversity research through citizen science.

From microscopes and marine specimens to guest talks, beach walks and creative activities, there’ll be plenty to explore throughout the morning.

What’s happening

• • 10:00am – 1:00pm – Drop-in activities, including microscopy and specimen exploration, citizen science demonstrations, marine-themed craft activities, opportunities to chat with marine scientists, and raffle prizes
  • 10:30am – Seagrass Beach Walk with GeoCatch – weather permitting

• • 11:00am – Guest Talk with WA Museum

• • 11:30am – Seagrass Beach Walk with GeoCatch – weather permitting

• • 12:00pm – Guest Talk with WA Museum

Meet our special guests

Oliver Gomez – Western Australian Museum
Oliver is the WA Museum’s Collections Manager for Marine Invertebrates and brings extensive experience working with Western Australia’s marine biodiversity, with particular expertise in marine invertebrates including sponges. He manages and contributes to the Museum’s marine invertebrate collections, field expeditions and scientific research.

Jenelle Ritchie – Western Australian Museum
Jenelle is the WA Museum’s Collections Manager for Fish and has worked within the Museum’s Aquatic Zoology team since 2009. Her work has taken her on marine research projects around Western Australia, and she has a particular passion for sharing zoological science with the community and inspiring young people to get curious about marine life.

Lisa Massey – GeoCatch
Lisa Massey, Bay OK Project Officer at GeoCatch, will also be joining us as part of the day’s activities, with GeoCatch hosting seagrass beach walks to help visitors take a closer look at our local coastal environment.

Whether you’re a budding scientist, ocean enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, this is a fun and engaging opportunity to connect with the remarkable marine biodiversity of South West WA.

The event is suitable for families, students and anyone with an interest in nature, science and conservation.

BONUS: Marine Discovery Centre offer

Make a weekend of it! Get one FREE child entry per paying adult to the Busselton Jetty Marine Discovery Centre on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August using promo code SCIWEEK26.

Valid on standard Marine Discovery Centre tickets only. Not valid for Ultimate Experience or Discovery Express packages.

Looking for more marine science? Keep the National Science Week fun going with another marine-themed event hosted by AMSA at Shelter Brewing Co. on Sunday 23 August.