Sydney Olympic Park Sydney Olympic Park

Experience biodiversity

28 Aug 2023

How can we tell what season it is? If you have been outside recently your sense of touch will tell you it is warmer. Your sense of smell will detect a sweet odour carried on the air. Your eyes may be seeing changes in nature not seen since temperatures dropped a few months ago.

September is one of the best times of the year, when nature is responding to the warmer weather and longer days. It is also Biodiversity Month, a call to connect with and care for nature. This is one of the best times to celebrate the amazing flora and fauna of Sydney Olympic Park. 

Close-up on grey and brown head of Eastern Bluetongue lizard on ground

The Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard is the largest skink at Sydney Olympic Park. They can be slow to move off the path when cold.

See biodiversity

Wander down any pathway and you will see the return of species, some of whom have been quiet, hiding from the cold and are only now starting to become active. Others have returned after escaping altogether by migrating north.

  • Keep a watch for lizards sunning themselves on the pathways. Lizards such as the Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard are attracted to the heat retained by dark footpaths. These and other lizards will be present in greater numbers over the coming weeks. Take care and avoid squashing these creatures with your feet or wheels.
  • Fairy Martins have returned! This tiny bird has returned from northern Australia to nest. You can see Fairy Martins swooping for tiny flying insects over the Northern Water Feature or the Brickpit. Hint: you can tell martins from Welcome Swallows by their white rumps and square tails.
A brown and white coloured Fairy Martin on gravel

The tiny Fairy Martin weighs the same as 10 jelly beans! © Jeff Byron.

Smell biodiversity

Step into the Park and take a deep breath – many scented plants will be in flower during Biodiversity Month.

  • Pittosporum undulatum, nicknamed sweet pittosporum or native daphne, produces highly perfumed flowers.
  • Many acacias are in full bloom and their pollen is an important source of food during the end of the cooler months.
  • Look out for flowering Kunzea ambigua. This white flowering shrub emits a gorgeous honey smell.
Multiple golden blooms of Acacia fimbriata

At least 4 species of acacia will be in flower during September. This is Acacia fimbriata, the Fringed Wattle.

Experience biodiversity

Connect with nature this Biodiversity Month on these fun and exciting experiences:

  • Come and see the In Nature Photography winners displayed in Figtree Grove throughout September to see the variety of wildlife found in the Park.
  • Join the Ecology Team and Park Rangers on the Park After Dark - Biodiversity Month Special at Wentworth Common. Discover the plant and animal species of the Parklands, nocturnal creatures and see what activity goes on in the Park after nightfall.
  • Take part in Meet the Ranger activities - an exciting adventure for all the family exploring the Park and learning about nature:
    • Saturday 9th from 2 pm - 3 pm – Lake Belvedere – Migratory Birds
    • Saturday 16th from 2 pm - 3 pm – Blaxland Riverside Park – Parramatta River Corridor
    • Saturday 23rd from 2 pm - 3 pm – Village Green – Nocturnal Creatures
  • Explore the industrial past of the Brickpit and experience it now as a biodiversity haven on the Behind the Scenes Brickpit and Bell frog Tour.
  • Care for nature in a practical and worthwhile way by joining the Neighbours Nurturing Nature volunteers.
An orange, black and white patterned Australian Painted Lady butterfly perched on white blooms of Kunzea bush

This Australian Painted Lady butterfly is sipping nectar from a Kunzea bush.