Bugs in the Backyard: Mini-Creatures Discovery Day

From native bees and butterflies to beetles, flies and spiders, insects play an essential role in supporting healthy ecosystems and productive gardens.

Join Daniel and Benjamin Kurek, experienced insect and spider specialists, for a hands-on exploration of the miniature wildlife living all around us. Daniel is an entomologist and member of the Entomological Society of Victoria, while Benjamin is an Australian arachnid enthusiast and educator who enjoys sharing the fascinating world of spiders and other invertebrates with people of all ages.

Discover the incredible diversity of insects and pollinators that call our gardens, parks and reserves home, learn about the important roles they play in our gardens, and explore simple ways to create pollinator and insect-friendly habitats at home.

Perfect for families and children, this interactive event includes a guided bug hunt, searching for insects that buzz, crawl and flutter, investigating habitats, viewing spider and insect specimens up close and contributing observations to citizen science projects helping scientists monitor biodiversity.

This event is delivered by Glen Eira City Council in partnership with the National Trust of Victoria.

Free to all Glen Eira and Port Phillip Residents, and National Trust Members. Normal garden entry fee applies to all other visitors.

What to bring

• Enclosed walking shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing and sunscreen

• Magnifying glass (optional)

• A smartphone or mobile device (for adults to take pictures and make recordings)

• Feel free to bring lunch, snacks and a picnic rug to enjoy and spend some extra time exploring the Estate after the event.

To plan your visit and see access information, please visit Rippon Lea Estate's webpage. Contact us before the event if you have any enquiries or need assisted access for this event.

Citizen Science Participation

The bug hunt being hosted as part of Australian Pollinator Week, a citizen science challenge encouraging communities to document and celebrate our wonderful local pollinators, from November 7th to 15th. Your observations will contribute to a growing dataset that supports research and conservation both locally and globally.

We encourage adults attending to download the free iNaturalist app before the event and create an account. We will also have observation equipment available for children and families that will not require a device.

Learn more about Glen Eira's Citizen Science program, how to use iNaturalist and other local projects on our website.

Photo credit: Gardens for Wildlife Victoria (Common Blue-banded Bee)