Pre/Post Conference Tours
Blue Mountains Fungal Foray - Sunday 25 May
Price & Inclusions
$70 AUD
Coach transfers
Full Day Tour
Lunch
Field Trip Leads
Jordan Bailey
Michael Priest
Isobel Colson
Kick off your conference experience with a journey into Sydney’s stunning Blue Mountains, where we’ll explore the fascinating world of fungi! Join us for a guided foray excursion through the beautiful Blue Mountains, led by local experts eager to share their knowledge of wild fungi species. This one-of-a-kind adventure promises not only breathtaking scenery but also hands-on learning as we identify, collect, and discuss the ecological significance of fungi in Australia’s diverse landscapes.
After lunch we will head to the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan, for a tour of the new National Herbarium of New South Wales and Australian PlantBank.
The group will be splitting to cover two different trails. Sassafras Gully is considered ‘hard’ with some deep steps and rocky terrain. Birdwood Gully is an easier option for those that want less of a challenge.
Preview the trails here:
Timings
8am - Departure from ICC
9am - Sassafras Gully/Birdwood Gully
12pm - Lunch
2pm - Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan
4pm - Arrive back to ICC
Forest Pathology Walk - Sunday 25 May
Price & Inclusions
$15 AUD
Expert Guided Tour
Price & Inclusions
$70 AUD
Coach transfers
Full Day Tour
Lunch
Field Trip Leads
Angus Carnegie
Matt Laurence
Timings
1.00pm - Meet at Woolloomooloo Gate
1:10pm - PlantClinic Tour
1.30pm - Tour of gardens
3.30pm Finish at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Urban forests are often the first location exotic pests and pathogens arrive into a new country. Early detection is essential to effective response and eradication.
Join us at the Royal Botanic Garden to observe how we conduct surveillance for early detection of invading biosecurity threats. This includes surveillance of sentinel trees and monitoring of insect traps to catch exotic arrivals (what a location for a day job!).
We will also visit the PlantClinic disease diagnostic laboratory, and test an in-field (LAMP) diagnostic tool for exotic strains of myrtle rust. Expect a leisurely stroll around the gardens looking at trees and talking about biosecurity with some of Australia’s foremost experts.
Central Coast Farm & Research Institute Excursion - Thursday 29 May
Timings
9.00am - Departure from ICC
4.30pm Arrive back to ICC
Field Trip Lead
Dr Len Tesoriero
Explore Diverse Production Systems & Current Research
Join us for an exclusive field excursion showcasing the vibrant horticultural landscape of NSW’s Central Coast. This tour offers a unique opportunity to visit a variety of production environments and research facilities while diving into key disease challenges facing these industries.
Excursion Highlights:
· East Coast Wild Flowers – Tour stunning native flower production and explore pest and disease management in ornamental crops.
· Swan Hydroponics – Step inside a commercial greenhouse and learn about hydroponic tomato production and the latest disease mitigation strategies.
· DPIRD Ourimbah Research Institute – Get behind the scenes at DPIRD’s central coast research facility, review ongoing trials, and discuss emerging plant health issues.
Engage with growers, researchers, and industry experts and see practical applications of the latest research.