MEGAfauna: A Walk Through Time

Alerting all explorers! We need your help to discover our long-lost creatures at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

Travel back in time with us for a family-friendly outdoor discovery trail combining nature, science, art, culture, history and fun! Throughout July, adventurers are encouraged to take a walk through the Gardens to see some unique plants and animals that existed in prehistoric Australia!

This year there are some new ancient creatures who have come to visit. Following their migratory route to seasonal feeding grounds, three ancient diprotodons have become lost in the city and have found their way to the Australian National Botanic Gardens. As they try to make their way in the altered landscape, these visitors from a forgotten time created by visual theatre masterminds Dead Puppet Society provoke a reflection on how humans have changed this island and its creatures, and the importance of the Gardens for plant and animal conservation.

Watch and interact as these life-sized diprotodons roam the Gardens for the first week of the school holidays from 1 – 7 July. Enjoy both day and night activities inspired by our natural world, with around 18 megafauna sculptures and plants to discover during this month-long event.

Megafauna will be roving the Gardens during the day near the Friends Lawn and Pollen Cafe.

When not roving the Gardens these life-sized Diprotodon creatures will take refuge in a prehistoric installation in the Visitor Centre Gallery until they leave to roam the land again on 6 August.

MEGAfauna will be held during NAIDOC Week (2 – 9 July 2023). The Gardens worked with Wilay Designs for the event imagery to complement and connect the events.  

The main image by Wilay Designs depicts the Diprotodon’s journey across hills and rivers to find plants. 

Wilay Designs, is a creative partnership between Jazz and Kristal – who are two Ngunawal sisters and artists. Wilay Designs art is inspired by their Ngunawal culture, and the stories passed down by their family. Their art is not only a reflection of their own identity and perspective, but also a way to start positive conversations about culture, educate others, and promote understanding by sharing knowledge. 

MEGAfauna: a walk through time! is supported by ACT Government, Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Ovolo Nishi.

Wheelchair accessible.