Discover the strange ways local nature plays with light

Newcastle Museum is shining a light on some of the stranger things happening in our local bushland this November.

On Wednesday, 25 November, Illuminate Nature will explore glowing scorpions, shining lichen, colourful spiders and the surprising ways nature manipulates light.

Held ahead of the touring exhibition Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light, the after-hours talk will be led by local scientist and tour guide Karen Livesey.

Across the evening, Karen will unpack how different plants and animals interact with light, from converting UV into a visible glow to creating rainbow-like colour from a single brown pigment.

Expect plenty of striking images, some curious science, and trivia with prizes up for grabs along the way.

The event is recommended for ages eight and over, with children welcome to attend under adult supervision.

Doors open from 6pm, with the talk running from 6:15pm to 7:15pm. As this is an after-hours event, entry is via the Theatrette entrance on Wright Lane.

Illuminate Nature

When: Wednesday, 25 November 2026
Where: Newcastle Museum, 6 Workshop Way, Newcastle
Time: Doors 6:00pm; talk 6:15pm–7:15pm
Cost: $10 adults, free for under 18s
To book, visit Newcastle Museum