With an array of nature-based activities, workshops, guest speakers, presentations and displays, this festival was attended by over 2,000 people. There were 70 inspiring events, many of which were organised by passionate local nature volunteer groups.

The festival was a six-week journey spanning six different landscapes across Wadawurrung Country. It began with the urban landscape of Central Geelong in week one, moved to Armstrong Creek (wetlands), then Highton/Waurn Ponds (waterways), Portarlington (coast), North Geelong (plains) and Anakie (hills), with each week of activities celebrating the unique characteristics of each landscape.

Gardening Australia presenter Hannah Moloney launched the festival on Friday 15th September at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and followed up with a gardening demonstration at the Geelong Botanic Gardens on Saturday 16th. Hannah is best known for her work in permaculture and as a presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia, quickly followed by her commitment to climate activism. Hannah shared many fun ways to turn your backyard into a haven for wildlife.

The festival’s closing event on Sunday 29th of October showcased the installation of an ephemeral large-scale art project titled 'Nature, Our Backyard', designed by The School of Lost Arts. The art piece celebrated iconic native plant and animal species selected with guidance from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. It consisted of over 1,200 small wood tiles and 17 large animal cutouts crafted by the Mt Duneed Men's Shed and decorated by over 1,400 year four students from 22 local schools, as well as GenU artists and youth from the fOrt Youth Centre.

A poster and mini film have been produced as way of capturing the scale and beauty of Nature, Our Backyard as it was an art installation for only a few hours during the closing ceremony.

Download the Geelong Nature Festival 2023 - Nature Our Backyard Art Project Poster (PDF - 4.3 MB)