Light through a gemstone
Why do gemstones sparkle with colour? Discover the science of light and minerals – and how gemmologists read their rainbows to uncover hidden stories.
Presented by:
Oskar Lindenmayer, Collection Manager, Geosciences
Trilobites: Arthropods that ruled the ancient seas
Uncover the 270-million-year reign of the trilobites – armoured, alien-looking arthropods that once dominated Earth’s oceans.
Presented by:
Dr David Holloway, Senior Curator, Invertebrate Palaeontology
Incredible suckers
Octopuses, squids and cuttlefish – meet the ocean’s most intelligent and elusive shape-shifters. Discover the science behind their colour changes, arms, and uncanny problem-solving.
Presented by:
Dr. Julian Finn, Senior Curation, Marine Invertebrates
Fur, feathers, scales & skin
Encounter the diversity of Australia's vertebrates – mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians – and explore real specimens up close with our museum experts.
Presented by:
Dr. Karen Roberts, Collection Manager, Vertebrate Zoology
D. Katie Date, Collection Manager, Vertebrate Zoology
Elise Ireland, Information Officer, Sciences
Kylea Clarke, Collection Manger, Terrestrial Vertebrates
A little bird told me… its location!
When birds sing out of sight, how do scientists find them? Learn how sound recorders and smart tech are helping us map and protect wetland birdlife.
Presented by:
Eirine Carajias, Research Assistant, Birds and Mammals
Finding animals with sound and images
Australia’s wild soundtrack is more than just magpies and kangaroos. Explore how scientists use audio and imagery to uncover the full chorus of our bushland creatures.
Presented by:
Dr. Karen Rowe, Hugh D. T. Williamson Research Fellow
Liam Meredith, Research Assistant , Birds and Mammals
Mike Liefman, Research Assistant , Birds and Mammals
Finding animals with DNA
From feathers to footprints to faeces – see how scientists use DNA to detect wildlife that’s long gone before you spot it.
Presented by:
Isaac Di Natale, Research Assistant , Birds and Mammals
A secret library display
Peek into our hidden library and discover rare science books from the Museum’s behind-the-scenes collection.
Presented by:
Hayley Webster, Manager Library, Museums Victoria
Meteorite: Messengers from space and time | 12 noon
Explore how meteorites hold the secrets of our solar system’s birth. These ancient space rocks are time capsules, helping scientists trace the origins of planets, moons, and even life itself.
Presented by:
Dermot Henry, Head Sciences, Museums Victoria Research Institute
The history of the world in seven amazing rocks | 1:30pm
Take a journey through deep time as we uncover the hidden stories of seven remarkable rocks found at Melbourne Museum. From fiery beginnings to fossilised forests, each stone is a chapter in Earth’s epic tale.
Presented by:
Dermot Henry, Head Sciences, Museums Victoria Research Institute
Leaf litter legends | 10:30am & 12:30pm
Get down to ground level and discover the hidden lives of rainforest beetles – nature’s recyclers – exploring how their shapes, colours and sizes help them thrive in the undergrowth.
Presented by:
Dr. Tessa Smith, Assistant Collection Manager, Palaeontology
Carnivore vs. Herbivore | 9am to 2pm
Will you roar as the fierce, carnivorous Tyrannosaurus or charge ahead with the mighty, plant-powered Triceratops? Create and colour your 3D paper mask and dive into the epic battle between these prehistoric titans.
