Where community, science,and activism come together for conservation
The Takayna BioBlitz is an annual citizen science event that began in 2014. For one weekend, scientists, experts and volunteers join forces in Tasmania’s northwest to record as many species as possible and celebrate the richness of Takayna’s biodiversity.
Each BioBlitz adds vital scientific data that strengthens the campaign to protect Takayna as a World Heritage–listed National Park. It is a chance for the community to contribute directly to conservation and to shine a spotlight on the value of these ecosystems.
After five years, we returned to the northwest of Takayna, exploring button grass moorlands, alpine grasslands, ancient coastlines, rainforests and rivers. These landscapes are full of life but face growing threats from mining, logging and industrial wind farm projects.
Participants, Event Volunteers and Scientists can register here
BioBlitz is now at capacity, register your interest to join the wait list
We’re heading back into Takayna for the 12th annual BioBlitz.
Join a community of scientists, naturalists, and nature lovers as we survey one of the most extraordinary, threatened landscapes in Tasmania. Together, we will explore temperate rainforest, buttongrass plains, alpine grasslands, and river systems, recording the species that call this place home.
Led by expert survey leaders, you will contribute directly to real conservation science. Every observation strengthens the case to have Takayna protected as a World Heritage listed National Park and returned to Aboriginal custodianship.
The data gathered supports the Bob Brown Foundation’s campaign to have the Takayna region protected as a World Heritage National Park.
It’s an opportunity for people to connect with nature and learn about the scientific importance of the Takayna region.
Registrations are now full!
If you’d love to get out in the forests with us this year, sign up for Swift Parrot surveys over summer.
saveswifties.org
This November, Takayna is calling for an extra pair of hands. From Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 November 2026, the Bob Brown Foundation returns to north-west Tasmania for the Takayna Bioblitz, and we need volunteers to help make it happen.
Volunteering is a great way to participate — whether you’re a scientist keen to lead a survey in your field of expertise, or simply someone willing to pitch in with the general running of the event, from BioBlitz HQ to the field sites.
Last year’s Bioblitz mobilized 200 citizen scientists and 25 survey leaders, recording more than 400 species across the region — and it simply wouldn’t happen without volunteers behind the scenes and out in the field. Every hand on deck helps us gather the data that strengthens the case to protect takayna as a World Heritage-listed National Park. If you’d like to volunteer as a survey leader or help fill a general event role, get in touch — this is your chance to be part of one of Australia’s longest-running citizen science events, in one of the world’s last truly wild places.
4pm, Thursday 5 November – 1pm, Sunday 8 November 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
