Nature Discovery - with a focus on arachnids

Next date: Saturday, 28 November 2026 | 06:30 PM to 08:30 PM

Orange spider on a eucalyptus leaf holding prey.
The Great Southern Bioblitz is back from 27 to 30 November, bringing people together across the Southern Hemisphere to record local plants, animals and fungi using the iNaturalist app. Every observation contributes to Maroondah's official results and helps improve our understanding of the local environment.

Join arachnid expert Ben Kurek from Arachnid Academy for a fascinating after-dark exploration of Candlebark Walk Reserve. Learn about the spiders and other arachnids found in Maroondah, record your observations for the Great Southern Bioblitz and discover the important role these often misunderstood creatures play in the local environment.

We encourage participants to download the iNaturalist app before the event so they can record observations during the walk. Whether you're new to nature observation or an experienced iNaturalist user, every observation counts.

Event details

  • Date: Saturday 28 November
  • Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Location: Candlebark Walk Reserve
  • Meeting point: Meeting point information will be sent following registration.
  • Cost: Free

Register online

Additional event information

  • This is an all-ages event. Children must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian.
  • This event is limited to 20 attendees.
  • There are no public toilet facilities at the event.
  • Photographs will be taken at this event for use on Council’s website, social media channels and in published materials. If you do not consent to being photographed, please let a staff member know on the day.
  • This event will go ahead in wet weather but may be cancelled at short notice if weather conditions become unsafe.
  • Please dress for the expected weather and wear closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven ground.
  • This event may not be suitable for people with limited mobility due to uneven terrain.
  • Please be aware of potential hazards, including uneven ground, holes, trip hazards and cyclists on shared pathways.

What to bring

  • smartphone (with iNaturalist app)
  • water bottle
  • binoculars (optional)
  • camera with telephoto lens (optional)

Event presenter - Ben Kurek

Ben Kurek from Arachnid Academy will share insights into Maroondah's spiders and other arachnids, and the important role they play in the local environment.

Getting started with iNaturalist

These short guides include information on:

  • how to set up your iNaturalist account
  • the basics on how to use iNaturalist
  • tips and hints on making observations.

Download from the App Store

How to download the iNaturalist app (apple devices)(PDF, 1MB)

Download from Google Play

How to download the iNaturalist app (android devices)(PDF, 1MB)

Nature discovery activities

When

  • Saturday, 28 November 2026 | 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Location

Meeting point information will be sent following registration.

Candlebark Walk Reserve, 11 Bowness Ct, Croydon Hills, 3136, View map

Google Map

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Event summary

Cost

Free

Contact

Maroondah City Council
1300 88 22 33
03 9298 4598
maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au

Accessibility

Participants may need to walk on uneven ground and unsealed paths, if you have accessibility requirements please contact us to discuss how we can accommodate you.

City Nature Challenge

The City Nature Challenge is a global science event that gets the community involved in documenting flora and fauna to help scientists better understand and protect our environment.

 

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