City Nature Challenge 2026
The City Nature Challenge 2026 is coming soon, and it’s your excuse to get outside, explore and snap pics of plants, animals, fungi and insects. Across four days from Friday 24 to Monday 27 April we’re teaming up with 27 councils across metropolitan Melbourne to compete with cities around the world and show off the incredible nature in our own backyard.
Open the iNaturalist app, take a photo and help real scientists learn more about our local environment. It’s easy, and a great way to celebrate the diversity of Hobsons Bay. Click here for more information and how to use iNaturalist.
Conservation rangers will be running two events during the City Nature Challenge.
Moth night
Join us for a fun and educational 'mothing' activity exploring the fascinating world of nocturnal insects. Discover the tiny creatures that take flight after dark and contribute to citizen science in the process.
Date/time: Friday 24 April 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: Newport Lakes
Find out more and register here.
Nature Walk at Williamstown Wetlands
Come along and learn about the diverse nature with the Friends of Williamstown Wetlands. We will make our way through the different environments and identifying species.
Date/time: Sunday 26 April 10am to 12pm
Location: Jawbone Arboretum. Car parking Mullins Crt, Williamstown North
Find out more and register here.
Refreshments will be provided at both events. Don't forget to bring your smart phone or tablet. Explore more on iNaturalist!
How can you participate?
- Download the free ‘iNaturalist’ App on to your mobile device. Check out this how-to video.
- Get outdoors, snap pics and record audio between 24 and 27 April of anything in nature.
- Upload all the observations by 10 May to ensure they count to the final tally.
- Help others by identifying observations.
- Follow greater Melbourne’s nature discoveries and see how we compare to other cities around the world.
What and where can I observe?
Anywhere within the municipality, you can record your observations in your own backyard, in local reserves (link to cons reserves) even when you are walking your dog… anytime you are outdoors snap a pic or sound and upload.
Animals: Birds, reptiles, mammals, insects, bugs, but no pets.
Plants: Including weeds and any plants that you find in your garden (they are helpful too), but make sure to note on your iNaturalist upload is the observation is captive or cultivated. Be mindful that most of Hobsons Bay's reserves have been revegetated.
Fungi
Even dead organisms will provide important data on all species presence, predation and threats to the wildlife.
This year we will also be holding an iNaturalist Photo Competition
All Hobsons Bay observations submitted to iNaturalist during this time will go in the running to win prizes for the following categories:
- Most observations
- Most species
- Best animal photo
- Best plant photo
- Best underwater photo
Winners will be decided by Hobsons Bay City Council conservation rangers and Wetlands Centre members. Prizes for each category will be a $50 Newport Lakes Native Nursery Voucher.