To reach the Sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia means braving The Roaring Forties and The Furious Fifties in a small ship. But these islands are truly gems – mostly green with dense rata forest decked with mosses and lichens to tussock grass and the unique mega herbs with few but spectacular flowers. They are breeding grounds for teeming elephant seals and vast numbers of penguins and a wonderland for pelagic birders. They record human activity, past and present, and conservation and restoration work, especially on Macquarie Island, where some 150,000 rabbits have been eradicated.

The natural range of flannel flowers extends over three-quarters of NSW and into Queensland. The species is notorious as a garden plant difficult to keep alive, which is why more research is needed. Nathan aims to discover whether differences are a consequence of particular genetics in a given area and/or the local environment.

North Head, near Manly, is perched between the harbour and the Pacific Ocean and boasts a wonderful variety of plants and is a refuge for wildlife. It supports a large area of the endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub on patches of aeolian dune sand. The number of plants in flower varies throughout the year and usually peaks in spring when about 250 different species will be flowering. Geoff and Judy Lambert have played a significant part in preserving this bushland and have walked in this area for many decades. Geoff’s superb photographs will allow us a glimpse of these plants and plant communities.

Horticulturist Angus Stewart has worked for decades on selecting and breeding Australian plants to make them more gardener-friendly. Angus will pass on some of the knowledge gained from his extensive experience as a plant breeder, including practical tips that unlock the secrets of cleverly designed Australian gardens to provide year-round colour, vibrant foliage and havens for wildlife.

Joanne Hambrett is the leader of the Australian Native Plants Society’s Garden Design Study Group, which  provides answers as to how to have a beautiful Australian garden which is environmentally friendly, encourages and supports biodiversity and is completely self-sustainable. Jo is one of the authors of “The Australian Garden”, the first book to demonstrate how Australian native plants could be used in all styles of garden.

The Northern Sand-plains of WA is an area stretching from the Moore River (north of Perth) up to Shark Bay. This area has some of the richest sites for plant species in the world.  From late winter through spring and early summer, a spectacular mass floral display covers large parts of the area.  This area is, plant for plant, the most biodiverse vegetation zone in Western Australia, with some parts having more species per unit area than anywhere else in Australia.
The talk will provide an overview of the area, some places to visit, and a long look at the unique flora of the region.

Feral animals and inappropriate fire regimes are having a devastating impact on Northern Australia’s wildlife and ecosystems. Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is dedicated to saving Australia’s threatened wildlife and their habitats. Hear how AWC is using science and innovation to fight back and successfully restore Australia’s biodiversity.