Australian Plants Society NSW upcoming events

APS NSW Quarterly gathering, Annual General Meeting, and Plant Sales Hosted by Menai Wildflower and Sutherland Groups (9 May 2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Join APS NSW for our quarterly gathering hosted by the Menai Wildflower Group and Sutherland Group.
Presentation: The incredible flora of southwestern WA.

Thomas Mesaglio, iNaturalist Australia Site Admin (Australia) and PhD candidate at the UNSW will present a summary of a trip that he and two mates undertook to South Western Australia in July 2022, where they took a combined 75,000 photographs and documented over 1,000 plant species. Thomas will present a summary of the trip and introduce us to the incredible flora of southwestern WA.

Southwestern Western Australia is one of the great flora diversity hotspots both in

Australia and globally, with thousands of plant species occurring in the region, many of them endemic. Many familiar east coast genera such as Conospermum, Drosera and Banksia have tenfold as many species occurring in southwestern WA, and there are also many unusual genera that only occur on the west coast, such as Verticordia, Anigozanthos and Synaphea.

Program

9:30 am to 12:00 pm: Guided Walk -The Glen Bushland Reserve, Bonnet Bay

Meet at Bonnet Bay Public School, 34R Tudar Road, Bonnet Bay

Join members for a guided walk through Glen Reserve, starting in dry Sydney sandstone country and following a creek through paperbark forest down to the mangroves in the tidal reaches of Bonnet Bay.

12:00 to 1:00 pm: Lunch

Bring your own lunch and enjoy time with other members at the Illawong Rural Fire Station, where the afternoon session will be held.

Lunch can also be purchased nearby at Menai Marketplace or Illawong shops.

Native plants will be available for sale.

1:00 to 1:30 pm: APS NSW Annual General Meeting

1:30 to 2:30 pm: Guest Talk
Thomas Mesaglio (iNaturalist Australia, UNSW) will speak on the flora of south-west Western Australia, one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots.

2:30 to 3:30 pm: Afternoon Tea

Location

Illawong Rural Fire Station
999 Old Illawarra Road
Illawong NSW 2234

AGM Documents

Important Dates

Board nominations close: Friday 24 April 2026
Proxy forms due: Friday 1 May 2026
Financial questions due: Friday 1 May 2026

Please send nominations, proxy forms, and any financial questions to:
office@austplants.com.au

All welcome. No cost.

Blue Mountains - Meeting & Talk: Peter Mobbs - Mallee Eucalyptus of Southern Australia (9 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Join the Blue Mountains District Group of the Australian Plants Society NSW for a presentation by Peter Mobbs exploring the mallee eucalypts of southern Australia. This talk draws on firsthand observations from extensive travel through outback NSW, South Australia and southern Western Australia, highlighting distinctive characteristics, subgenera and sections, and how these species differ from the east-coast eucalypts many of us know well.

Details
Speaker: Peter Mobbs – APS Blue Mountains President
Topic: Exploring Mallee Eucalyptus of Southern Australia

Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Time: 10:00 am

RSVP by: Wednesday 6 May 2026

Enquiries & confirmation:
Email: blue.mountains@austplants.com.au
Or Glenbrook Nursery: 02 4739 8597 (during open hours Wed, Sat, Sun 12.00–4.00 pm)

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (16 May 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join the Blue Mountains District Group of the Australian Plants Society NSW for a morning of bush care at the Glenbrook Native Plant Reserve. This is a great opportunity to contribute hands-on to the care of local native vegetation while enjoying time with fellow members and volunteers.

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Morning tea provided. All welcome.

Additionally, the reserve is the home of the APS Blue Mountains group and its nursery, and both are open to the public 12 noon - 4 pm Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (6 Jun 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (20 Jun 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (4 Jul 2026)

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains – Weekend in Wollongong (10 Jul 2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join the Blue Mountains Group for a wonderful long weekend exploring the Illawarra region. The program includes a visit to the Illawarra Grevillea Garden, a walk to Maddens Falls through Darkes Forest, and a guided buggy tour and talk at Wollongong Botanic Gardens hosted by the Friends of the Gardens. Meals out are planned for Friday and Saturday evenings, with details to be confirmed closer to the date.

SCHEDULE:

Friday evening: Dinner at a local RSL or eatery (venue TBC)

Saturday 10:00am: Illawarra Grevillea Garden ($7 entry, BYO picnic lunch) Saturday afternoon: Walk through Darkes Forest to Maddens Falls Saturday evening: Dinner out (venue TBC)

Sunday 10:00am: Wollongong Botanic Gardens Two guided buggy tours of the gardens (45 mins each) and two volunteer talks (45 mins each) — gold coin or other donation appreciated, all funds go to the Botanic Gardens Cafe on site open 9:00am to 4:00pm

REGISTRATION NOTE: RSVP by Wednesday 6 May. Email blue.mountains@austplants.com.au or call Glenbrook Nursery on 02 4739 8597 during open hours (Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 12:00pm to 4:00pm).

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (18 Jul 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (1 Aug 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (15 Aug 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains – Walk: Rickard Road to Lake View Lookout, Warrimoo (29 Aug 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Join Blue Mountains APS for a walk from Rickard Road to Lake View Lookout in Warrimoo.

This walk follows bushland typical of the lower Blue Mountains, with sandstone soils supporting a variety of native plant species. Along the way, there will be opportunities to observe local flora and enjoy views across the surrounding landscape from Lake View Lookout.

The walk will be taken at a comfortable pace, allowing time to pause, look closely at plants, and share observations.

Contact: blue.mountains@austplants.com.au

OR phone or leave a message 0247398597 Only Open 12-4pm Wed, Sat & Sun.

When:Saturday 29 August 2026

Where:
Rickard Road to Lake View Lookout, Warrimoo
(Meeting point details to be confirmed)

Notes:
Please wear suitable walking shoes and bring water. Further details will be provided closer to the date.

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (5 Sep 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains - Spring Fair at Glenbrook Native Nursery (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Join Blue Mountains APS for our Spring Fair, a popular annual event celebrating Australian native plants.

Held over two days, the fair offers an opportunity to explore beautiful gardens, enjoy a relaxed day out, and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts. More details will be shared closer to the event, including information on transport and any entrance fees.

Members are also very welcome to assist with setting up on the day prior to the fair.

When:
Friday 11 September – 9:00am (Set-up)
Saturday 12 September – 10:00am–4:00pm
Sunday 13 September – 10:00am–4:00pm

Where:
Boongala Native Gardens and Rainforest Gardens
76 Pitt Town Road, Kenthurst NSW 2156

Details:
Further information, including transport and entrance fees, to be confirmed.

Contact:
blue.mountains@austplants.com.au
or phone / leave a message on (02) 4739 8597
(Open 12:00–4:00pm, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday)

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (19 Sep 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (3 Oct 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (17 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains – Walk: Dargans Arch, Bell (24 Oct 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join Blue Mountains APS for a walk to Dargans Arch near Bell.

Dargans Arch is a striking sandstone formation set within bushland characteristic of the upper Blue Mountains. The area supports a range of native plants adapted to cooler conditions and rocky soils, making it an interesting location to explore both geology and vegetation.

This walk provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural setting while taking time to observe plant communities along the track.

When:

Saturday 24 October 2026
Time: Details to be confirmed

Where:
Dargans Arch, Bell
(Meeting point details to be confirmed)

Notes:
Tracks may be uneven in places. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring water.

Contact: blue.mountains@austplants.com.au

OR phone or leave a message 0247398597 Only Open 12-4pm Wed, Sat & Sun.

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (7 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (21 Nov 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains – Walk: Mt Hay Road Butterbox (22 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join Blue Mountains APS for a guided walk at Mt Hay Road, Butterbox.

This walk explores bushland in the Mount Hay area, an important part of the eastern Blue Mountains landscape. The area supports a range of native plant communities typical of sandstone environments, with opportunities to observe local flora in situ and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

The walk will be taken at a relaxed pace, with time to stop, look closely at plants, and share observations along the way.

When:

Sunday 22 November 2026

Where:
Mt Hay Road, Butterbox
(Meeting point details to be confirmed)

Notes:
Please wear suitable walking shoes and bring water. Further details will be provided closer to the date.

Contact: blue.mountains@austplants.com.au

OR phone or leave a message 0247398597 Only Open 12-4pm Wed, Sat & Sun.

Blue Mountains - Bushcare 2026 (5 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Bush care runs twice a month on the first and the third Saturday. Open to both novice and experienced bushcarers. For more information, email APS Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains – Christmas BBQ (5 Dec 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Join Blue Mountains APS for our annual Christmas BBQ.

This is a relaxed social afternoon to celebrate the year, catch up with fellow members, and enjoy the festive season together. More details will be shared closer to the event.

When:

Saturday 5 December 2026
Time: 4:00pm

Where:
Glenbrook Native Reserve Information Centre
Great Western Highway
(Opposite Glenbrook Cinema & Visitor Information Centre)

Details:
Further details to be confirmed.

Contact:
blue.mountains@austplants.com.au
or phone / leave a message on (02) 4739 8597
(Open 12:00–4:00pm, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday)