Takayna Bioblitz

You can visit our campaign page here to see Takayna and the threats it faces from mining and logging.

4pm, Thursday 5 November – 1pm, Sunday 8 November 2026

This year, the Takayna BioBlitz Headquarters will be held just south of Smithton in Tasmania, at the Riverbend Youth Centre.

We have an amazing team of volunteer experts and scientists that lead surveys on the field trips in their field of expertise. You sign up to your preferred survey the night before each survey day. Multiple surveys will run at each survey site a day, so you have the opportunity to assist in learning and collecting data from a range of experts each day.

A combination of field techniques led by the survey leaders, from capturing insects, soil and plant samples, to photographs you can take on your own phone and upload to iNaturalist. More instruction will be provided in the mandatory briefing on Thursday afternoon.

This year’s BioBlitz will explore a range of ecosystems within Takayna, including wet and dry forests, buttongrass plains, riparian zones, and coastal areas. Each site has been selected for its ecological significance and biodiversity potential. Survey activities may involve walking through uneven terrain; participants should be prepared for varied conditions.
More details about each site will be shared during the Thursday briefing and in the event guidebook.

Participants are responsible for making their way to Riverbend Youth Centre, located just south of Smithton, where BioBlitz HQ is based.

Detailed directions will be provided in the event guidebook, including signage and parking information.

Once at Riverbend, transport to survey sites is provided via minibuses. These buses depart each morning and return in the afternoon and are equipped with first aid kits.

Please arrive at Riverbend by 4 pm on Thursday 4 December for the mandatory safety briefing and to settle in before fieldwork begins.

Volunteers are offered limited spots on our minibuses travelling from Hobart, Launceston and Burnie first thing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. These minibuses will be returning at midday on Sunday.

Riverbend has the option for participants to pay for accommodation in bunk beds for the three nights, or you can camp for free on the centre’s grounds. You can purchase beds when you buy a ticket.

Yes, all participants are provided with three delicious vegan and peanut-free meals each day, with a gluten-free option available. Everyone is asked to bring a sturdy, leak-proof lunch box for the packed field trip lunches.

Participants are encouraged to bring additional snacks. As this is a vegan event, we ask that no animal products be brought into communal areas.

Yes, an event guidebook will be released in the weeks before the event and sent to all ticket holders.

Due to the incredible demand for this small event, tickets are for the whole four days. If you decide to leave early, please let us know in advance.

Yes, an event guidebook will be released in the weeks before the event and sent to all ticket holders.

Due to the incredible demand for this small event, tickets are for the whole four days. If you decide to leave early, please let us know in advance.

No. We need everyone at the Riverbend Centre by 4 pm on Thursday 5 December for the mandatory safety briefing.

Yes! We encourage budding citizen scientists and their families to attend; there is a small Takayna Kids program that runs adjacent to the main program for more age-appropriate science activities (ages 6 – 12). All minors must be accompanied by an adult both at HQ and on field surveys.

Yes! We are an organisation only made possible by the incredible efforts of our volunteers.

Yes, all ticket holders will have the option to pre-order an exclusive event t-shirt in the weeks before the event. A limited number of shirts and sizes will be available at the event, so pre-ordering is the best way to ensure you get the size and style you want.

Participants should bring sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (including rain gear), a reusable water bottle (at least 2 litres), a leak-proof lunch container, personal hand sanitiser, a headlamp or torch, and any camping gear if not staying in a bunk. A full packing list will be included in the event guidebook.

Mobile reception is limited at Riverbend and is unlikely at most field sites. Please plan accordingly, download iNaturalist before you arrive and let family or friends know you may be out of contact during the event.

No, all necessary equipment for surveys will be provided. However, if you have binoculars, field guides, flips, a SLR Camera or other particular field equipment you love to use, we encourage you to bring it along. If you have a smartphone, we encourage you to download the iNaturalist app before arrival to help record species data.

Some power outlets are available at Riverbend HQ. We recommend bringing a portable power bank if you plan to use your phone or camera extensively in the field.

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted at the BioBlitz due to the sensitive nature of the environment and wildlife. Please leave your pets at home.

BioBlitz goes ahead rain or shine. Field sites can be exposed and weather in Takayna is unpredictable, so please come prepared for all conditions. In extreme weather, some activities may be adjusted for safety.

Demand to attend is high and we aim to keep costs to participate low. As part of the ticket price, we offer free camping, meals and survey site transport.
Volunteering at the event is a great way to participate, and does not require a purchased ticket.

While the event is inclusive and Riverbend HQ is mobility friendly, collecting data at survey sites involves getting on and off minibuses and walking on uneven terrain. Please contact us for more details and to discuss any specific needs or adjustments that may be able to be made.