BioBlitz 2025: Return to the Wild

Dates: 5 pm Thursday 4 December – 11 am Sunday 7 December
Location: Riverbend Youth Centre, Scotchtown (8 mins south of Smithton, Tasmania)

We’re heading back into Takayna for the 11th annual BioBlitz — and this year marks a special return to a region we haven’t surveyed in six years. Join our passionate community of scientists, naturalists, and nature lovers as we rediscover the biodiversity of this extraordinary landscape.

Led by our expert survey leaders, immerse yourself in temperate rainforests, buttongrass plains, alpine grasslands, and river systems while helping to document the biological richness of these threatened ecosystems. Your observations contribute vital data to support our campaign to have Takayna protected as a World Heritage-listed National Park.

What is BioBlitz?

BioBlitz is a hands-on, field-based science festival where experts and volunteers work side-by-side to survey under-documented ecosystems in North-west Takayna. It’s a chance to:

Discover and record species across diverse habitats
Learn from leading experts, scientists and conservationists
Contribute to real-time data collection and analysis
Deepen your connection to this ancient landscape and community
Help contribute to the work to protect Takayna

What to Expect

Field surveys: Daily excursions on our minibuses to a range of ecosystems, including buttongrass moorlands, eucalyptus forests, alpine zones, rainforests, and rivers.
Base camp: At Riverbend Youth Centre, we will feed you three delicious vegan meals a day, offer evening talks with experts, data entry stations, and opportunities to share discoveries and connect with survey leaders.
Accessibility: Some survey sites are selected with accessibility in mind, though all require a basic level of mobility. Transport will be via our provided minibus.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided at HQ with lunch packs sent out with field teams. All meals are vegan, peanut free with GF options.

Why It Matters

Science is central to Bob Brown Foundation’s campaign for the long-term protection of Takayna. Every species recorded strengthens the case for conservation and highlights the global significance of this ancient landscape.

Tickets – Pay What You Can

We want BioBlitz to be as accessible as possible while supporting the costs of running a fully catered, multi-day field science event. Tickets are pay-as-you-can within the suggested ranges:

Adult: $290 – $620
Concession: $210 – $290
Child (under 17): $160 – $210

Your ticket includes:

Participation in a variety of expert-led field surveys on the provided minibuses
Camping at our base camp
Full vegan catering (breakfast, lunch packs and dinner)
Access to evening talks and data sessions

Bio Blitz 2025 t-shirts will be available for pre-order closer to the event. Keep an eye on our social media and newsletter!

Accommodation Options

BioBlitz HQ:
Riverbend Youth Centre, 358 Trowutta Rd, Scotchtown TAS 7330

We offer a range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets; you can book these options at the same time you purchase your tickets.

Dorm beds - $40 per night

Shared rooms (10 beds) in bunk rooms for male or female identifying participants
BYO bedding, sheets, pillow, sleeping bag etc.
Cost: $120 per person for 3 nights

Private room - $240 per night

Whole room with bunk beds, sleeps 6
BYO bedding, sheets, pillow, sleeping bag etc.
Cost: $720 for 3 nights

Powered site for motorhome / caravan - $40 per night

Cost: $120 for 3 nights

Unpowered camping (free)

Bring your own tent, vehicle, or caravan
Please register your intent to camp during ticket booking

Note: Bob Brown Foundation does not provide tents or campervans.

Facilities at Riverbend include basic showers, toilets, and change rooms.

Nearby accommodation (self-arranged)

If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, limited options are available in nearby towns:

Smithton: 6.7 km / approximately 8 minutes by car
Stanley: 25.9 km / approximately 22 minutes by car
Burnie: 89.6 km / approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car

Volunteering at BioBlitz 2025

Bio Blitz thrives on the knowledge, energy, and generosity of its volunteers — from seasoned scientists to enthusiastic nature lovers.

If you’d like to be part of this unique event, there are two ways to get involved:

Survey leaders: Are you an expert in ecology, botany, zoology, or another field? Lead a field survey and share your knowledge with participants.

General event volunteers: Help with logistics, driving, catering, data entry, participant support, and more.

All volunteers receive:

· Full vegan catering (breakfast, lunch packs, and dinner)

· A BioBlitz 2025 t-shirt

· Camping or dorm accommodation at Riverbend Youth Centre

To express interest or ask questions, please register your interest here or contact us at events@bobbrown.org.au