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Useful Information

  • Event dates

    10 April - 12 April 2026

  • Price

    FREE

    No bookings required

  • Location

    Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct

  • Session Times

    Fri 10 – Sun 12 Apr

    10am - 3pm

    Performances 11:30am & 1:30pm

Big Bandicoot Backyard

10 April - 12 April 2026
Family

Our great big bandicoot comes out of hiding. Come and say hi!

Created with natural materials by artists Darryl Cordell, Vanessa Ellis and Trina Gaskell, this beautiful sculpture likes to have somewhere cosy to sleep – just like the last remaining population of Southern Brown Bandicoots in urban Victoria, which have found refuge in Cranbourne Gardens.

Explore a bandicoot safe city with Wild City by artist Kathy Holowko - a mini urban landscape where wild animals are considered citizens and delight in watching award-winning theatre ensemble, Born in a Taxi, perform their southern brown bandicoot inspired performance.

See the world as a bandicoot does, as you join in craft and science activities to uncover the wonderful world of our native marsupials - and learn about the best ways we can protect our nosey neighbours.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there, over the weekend help us celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the award-winning Australian Garden with a jam-packed program of walks, talks, performances and hands-on activities to celebrate the People, Plants and Place! – you can find more information here!

Bandicoot Performances by Born in a Taxi

Join award winning performance company Born in a Taxi and meet bandicoots Shazza and Razza for a hilarious Southern Brown Bandicoot inspired performance.

Fri 10, Sat 11 & Sun 12

11.30am & 1.30pm (30 mins)

Free, no bookings required

Wild City by Kathy Holowko

Explore a mini urban landscape where wild animals are considered citizens, watch the animation and then search the city to find all the special secrets that make it bandicoot safe!

Sat 11 & Sun 12

10am – 4pm

Free, no bookings required

Photo: Mossy Rock Photography

Bandicoot Walk

Cranbourne Gardens is a unique haven for endangered Southern Brown Bandicoots, along with a wide array of native wildlife. Enjoy a guided walk through the Australian Garden to learn all about these marvellous marsupials! Whether you live in the bush or the heart of the city, learn which plants and garden features can support your favourite critters, and some simple steps to act for bandicoots and help them thrive in the suburbs.  

Fri 10, Sat 11, Sun 12 April  

12.30pm (45min) 

Free, Bookings required

All Ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)

Meeting point: Big Bandicoot Backyard Concierge desk, Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct

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