Fabulous Fungi and Hidden Physics
Monday 17 August 2026
6 – 7:45pm
1 hour 45 minutes
In autumn across the Hunter region, colourful and strange mushrooms pop up, each lasting for a few hours or a few days. Some of them even glow in the dark! The hidden physics behind the glow and the spreading of mushroom spores will be explored in this talk, as we kick off National Science Week in style.
There will be fun trivia, stunning pictures, plus time to ask questions and meet the speaker, Karen.
Doors open at 6pm, with the talk from 6:15–7.15pm, followed by Meet and Greet from 7:15–7.45pm.
Cost: Adults - $10 | Under 18s - Free
Ages: recommended 8+ years (G rating), children are welcome to attend with adult supervision
Bookings essential
If you have any access or inclusion needs, you will be able to advise us when booking.
Speaker biography:
Karen Livesey is an award-winning physics researcher, speaker and lecturer. After moving to Newcastle, she became fascinated by glow-in-the-dark ghost mushrooms. In 2026, she launched Glenrock Ghost Fungus Tours, with a following of over 1000 people online and 160 in-person guests. Karen is NSW Chair of the Australian Institute of Physics, and an honorary Associate Professor at the University of Wollongong.
Newcastle Museum is supported by Create NSW.
There will be fun trivia, stunning pictures, plus time to ask questions and meet the speaker, Karen.
Doors open at 6pm, with the talk from 6:15–7.15pm, followed by Meet and Greet from 7:15–7.45pm.
Cost: Adults - $10 | Under 18s - Free
Ages: recommended 8+ years (G rating), children are welcome to attend with adult supervision
Bookings essential
If you have any access or inclusion needs, you will be able to advise us when booking.
Speaker biography:
Karen Livesey is an award-winning physics researcher, speaker and lecturer. After moving to Newcastle, she became fascinated by glow-in-the-dark ghost mushrooms. In 2026, she launched Glenrock Ghost Fungus Tours, with a following of over 1000 people online and 160 in-person guests. Karen is NSW Chair of the Australian Institute of Physics, and an honorary Associate Professor at the University of Wollongong.
Newcastle Museum is supported by Create NSW.
