Gold Coast Volunteer Event – Nerang National Park Citizen Science
Join Friends of Nerang National Park for an unforgettable nocturnal citizen science adventure in Nerang National Park on the Gold Coast – and help monitor one of Australia’s most remarkable and endangered marsupials.
Did you know Nerang National Park is home to the Greater Glider – the world’s largest gliding marsupial? Roughly the size of a domestic cat with a long fluffy tail and distinctive large ears, Greater Gliders are large nocturnal marsupials that feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves and depend on large hollow-bearing trees for shelter. Because Greater Gliders rely on mature forest with numerous hollow-bearing trees, monitoring their presence provides a vital indicator of forest habitat condition in South East Queensland.
Picking up on efforts from previous years, Friends of Nerang National Park are inviting the community to help map and record Greater Glider habitat through a hands-on spotlighting event. Led by experienced team leaders who will guide you through the park, sharing their knowledge of locating and identifying nocturnal wildlife, this is a rare opportunity to contribute real data to the conservation of an endangered species – and to experience the hidden after-dark world of one of the Gold Coast’s most significant national parks.
An ideal event for budding citizen scientists, wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone curious about Queensland’s nocturnal animals. Spaces are strictly limited – register early to secure your spot.
This event is recommended for ages 16+. Participants should be physically able to walk through a hilly bushland environment with some steep and uneven surfaces for up to 3 hours – a moderate level of fitness is required. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Event Details
Day: Friday, 26th June 2026
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Nerang National Park, Gold Coast — meeting point details will be sent to your registered email address
RSVP: Friends of Nerang Spotlighting Event
A ticket must be secured for every person attending.
Note: This event may be cancelled or postponed if weather conditions are unsuitable. Registered participants will be notified via text and email no later than 1 hour prior to the start of the event.
What to Expect
- A guided 2–3 hour spotlighting walk through the native bushland of Nerang National Park after dark
- Expert guidance from experienced team leaders on locating and identifying Greater Gliders and other nocturnal wildlife
- Hands-on mapping and recording of Greater Glider habitat as part of a real citizen science survey
- The chance to observe wildlife that few Australians ever get to see up close
- Citizen science logging via the iNaturalist app – please have a current version installed with an account if you’d like to participate
What to Bring
- Enclosed, sturdy shoes
- Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt suitable for the outdoors
- A hand-held or head torch – red light preferred
- Water
- Insect repellent
- A camera and mobile phone for logging observations
- The iNaturalist app installed and ready on your phone
