University Pavilion at Agfest

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the University Pavilion at Agfest (2-4 May). Immerse yourself in our action-packed program of over 30 exciting hands-on activities for all ages.

About

We're excited to support  Rural Youth in 2024, as proud sponsors of Agfest.

From 2 - 4 May at the University of Tasmania Pavilion, to discover an action-packed program.

Join us and learn how you can support sustainability and the environment, improve health outcomes, and contribute to our Tasmanian community.

Agriculture students, Cambridge

Immerse yourself

The University Pavilion has lots to inspire and captivate your imagination.

The University Pavilion at Agfest offers an unforgettable experience, with over 30 hands-on activities.

Find out how pollination works, operate mini drones, and create an inspired masterpiece. Explore prehistoric megafauna, fossick for fossils, and find out how to live a healthier, longer life. Unwind in our chill-out areas with creative and mindfulness activities.

Find out who can grow the biggest beetroot at 11:30am on Thursday, as part of Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture’s ‘Let it Grow’ School competition. And get along to Health Stop for a free blood pressure check and fun health-related activities for kids.

Explore what’s on at the University Pavilion.

What's on

At the University of Tasmania Pavilion, there’s something for all ages.

Grab a trail card, get involved in the 30+ activities and discover how the University of Tasmania is helping address global challenges and build a better, more sustainable future for all.

Healthy futures 
Our University is committed to Tasmanians living longer, healthier, and better lives. That’s why our Menzies Institute for Medical Research conducts internationally significant research for healthier communities. Chat with experts about the mysteries of our brain, what happens in the brain during a stroke, multiple sclerosis, making the air you breathe safer, fitting incidental exercise into a day, preventing osteoarthritis, and vaccines for devil facial tumour diseases. You can also help contribute to the next medical discovery by participating in research studies – your involvement can make real change!

Cosmic conundrum 
Embark on an epic adventure and uncover the hidden biases that shape your decisions. As the leader of the Starcorps Enterprise, you have an ethical dilemma! Your latest space journey has met with disaster and you must choose who to save.

Health Stop
Make time for your health - visit the Health Stop in the big marquee outside the University Pavilion. Get your blood pressure checked and learn how you can build resilience to dementia. Kids will have fun too – plastering fingers, making hand cream, and testing their sports skills.

Still life drawing
Be inspired by Tasmania's unique flora. Create a unique masterpiece, while learning drawing techniques and connecting with fellow creatives.

Trash or treasure
Hunt through trash and treasure, in a quest a more sustainable future.

Mindfulness activities
Unwind with a range of mindfulness activities. You can also explore stress-free pathways to studying at uni, that give you skills and confidence.

Soda Stand
Drop by to enjoy a free soda and chat with friendly staff, students and alumni.

Future students 
Thinking about studying at the University? Get answers to all your questions – from finding the right course for you, to starting your studies.

Learn abroad 
For many students, university and travel go hand in hand. Find out how you can study part of your course overseas, enriching your studies and making new connections.

Work at the University 
Discover exciting career possibilities with the University, the second largest employer in the State. We offer a wide range of jobs – from farm hands to safety dive officers, and everything in-between.

Tech solutions
Delve into the future! Fly a mini drone and be thrilled by a virtual reality rollercoaster. Experience the excitement of new tech, solving real-world challenges in every twist and turn.

Licensed to grow
Pollination is essential for biodiversity and food production. Learn how various fruits and veggies come to life, discover the unsung heroes, and plant your own 'pollinator pot' to see the magic in your own backyard!

All aboard
Today, much of the world's trade is carried by ship. Explore our Australian Maritime College’s Wave Adaptive Modular Vehicle (WAM-V®) and take up the life jacket challenge – can you gear up in record time?

Electric race car 
Take an electrifying lap around a circuit in our simulated race car. Check out the UTAS Motorsport electric car, designed and built by Engineering students for the annual FSAE-A competition.

‘Let it Grow’ school competition
Join the excitement as we reveal which school has grown the largest beetroot on Thursday (2nd May) at 11:30am in the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture space in the University Pavilion.

Wildlife detectives 
Camera traps have revolutionised animal studies. Find out what a camera trap looks like and why we use them along with other approaches for studying animals.

Invasive species in Tasmania 
Invasive species, such as deer and cats, have a significant impact on our environment, agriculture, and forestry. Learn about the importance of good cat management and how you can help protect our wildlife by becoming a citizen scientist.

Get curious
Ready to ignite your curiosity? Discover a range of captivating science events and programs that you can attend around the State.

Sustainability action
The University of Tasmania is ranked #1 internationally for climate action in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for 2022 and 2023. Learn about our sustainability actions for climate and food, and discover how you can partner with us in taking action for a healthier, more sustainable planet for everyone.

Fossil dig 
Experience what it is like being a palaeontologist, delving into the mysteries of the past! Uncover ancient secrets hidden in layers of rock and sand, armed only with a brush.

Gold rush
Embark on a thrilling gold-panning adventure. Learn the art of panning, uncover hidden treasures, and experience the excitement of striking gold!

Map nature with drones
Soar with our mini drones and discover how drones have impacted the field of geography with their ability to conduct aerial surveys, collect spatial data, create topographic maps, and more.

The Nature Connection Storytelling Pod
What are the impacts of connecting closely with nature? How do you connect with nature? How does it make you feel? Share your stories to help researchers understand how nature connection impacts our health, wellbeing and environmental future.

Go extinct
Unearth the secrets of gentle giants and mega-predators from the Ice Age! Explore our Species Hotel and collect a set of closely related animals, featured on the evolutionary tree.

Chill with Children’s University
Welcome to the ultimate hang out for kids! Join us to make art, solve puzzles, play games, and talk about what is important to you. Meet Commissioner Leanne McLean and the team from the Office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People to explore your rights to a happy, healthy and fair life. It's where fun meets learning!

And more...

‘Let it Grow’ school competition
Join the excitement as we reveal which school has grown the largest beetroot on Thursday (2nd May) at 11:30am in the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture space in the University Pavilion.

Meet Rosie, the dinosaur
Don't miss the chance to experience the prehistoric and hear the mighty roar of a feathered Velociraptor!

Also visit:

  • Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) – at Forest Industries, sites 809, 811 and 813 on Eighth Avenue.
  • Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science (IMAS) – at MAST Marine Precinct in the NRE Tas Fishing Hub, sites S63 and S65, on the corner of Seventh Avenue and South St.
  • Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) – at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, sites S70-72 on South St.

Note: The program is subject to changes.


Schools

Are you bringing a school group to Agfest this year? Visit the University Pavilion for an unforgettable experience, exploring over 30 hands-on activities.

From operating drones to helping solve crimes, uncovering prehistoric megafauna to fossicking for fossils – there is so much to do and learn! Afterward, unwind with creative and mindfulness activities in our chill-out zone.

Interested? Complete this  Expression of Interest form and we’ll be in touch.