Featuring over 400 events, the festival will bring together notable figures from diverse fields, leading discussions and workshops that explore the intersection of nature, design, and culture.
Leading the lineup is adventurer and environmentalist, and current SA Australian of the Year, Tim Jarvis, who will present the Nature Adventure Challenge. Joined by Australia’s first female astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Both Tim and Katherine invite kids and families across South Australia to embark on an adventure during the Spring school holidays, encouraging them to document their explorations and gain a fresh perspective on the world around them.
As Tim says, you don’t have to go to Antarctica to have an adventure, it could be a kid-led micro-adventure in your own backyard, an extra activity to enliven the family camping holiday, or going along to a Nature Festival event. Ideally it involves a little bit of difficulty, is in some way new or unusual for you, and is, above all, fun.
For more information and to sign up to the Adventure visit Nature Adventure Challenge.
If you want to learn more about Tim’s work planting trees and regenerating farmland, you can join a special Nature Festival tour and talk at his Forktree Project property.
Joining Tim and Katherine and adding to the excitement is a plethora of other amazing speakers, artists, explorers, academics, including:
- Bob Brown – Renowned environmentalist and former leader of the Australian Greens, Brown will speak after the screening of his recent film, The Giants, which chronicles 50 years of his activism, from the Franklin River campaign to today’s fight for the Tarkine rainforest.
- Jac Semmler – Horticulturist and author of Superbloom, Jac will share her expertise on plants and landscape design through her participation in the 7×7 Awe Talks and the interactive installation Pleasance at the Art Gallery of South Australia.
- Alison Page – Aboriginal designer and storyteller, Alison will present a thought-provoking talk on “A New Australian Design” at the Together / Tomorrow: Art and Architecture Symposium, exploring how Indigenous ecological knowledge can inform modern design practices.
- Elizabeth Farrelly – Author and architect, Elizabeth will speak on “City as Survival Device” at the Together / Tomorrow Symposium, discussing how urban design can both protect and enhance nature.
- Hugh Possingham – A leading conservation scientist, Hugh will engage audiences with his insights on biodiversity at three bird-watching events across the regions.
- Tiahni Adamson – Conservation biologist and advocate for Indigenous Australians in STEM, Tiahni will present her work in conservation and advocacy at the 7×7 Awe Talks.
- ABC Radio Host Jules Schiller – Jules, along with Andrew Thornhill, will host the world’s first moss-based quiz night, bringing their lively energy to the festival.
Nature Festival invites everyone, from seasoned nature lovers to curious newcomers, to join in celebrating the wonders of South Australia’s natural landscapes. With events tailored to all ages and interests, this festival is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the rich cultural and natural heritage of our beautiful state.
Nature Festival 2024
28th of September – 13th of October, 2024
Various locations around South Australia
