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7 Science Museums in Brisbane That’ll Make You Smarter (Or Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again!)
Let me take you to my latest discovery around Brisbane, real quick! There’s this one lazy Sunday afternoon that is truly a mind-blowing adventure that brought out the kid in me (and I’m not kidding!).
Now, if you’re ready to bring out the kid in you, too, and maybe you’re ready to unleash your inner child and maybe even learn a thing or two (or just have a really good time pretending to be a mad scientist), get ready.
Here are the museums in Brisbane (which I see with my eyes!) that will also make you feel like a kid again—no lab coat required.
Queensland Museum
Website: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/
Address: Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets
Contact details: +61 (07) 3153 3000
Operating hours:
- Open daily 9:30AM to 5PM
Cost: $-$$
Alright, let’s start with the biggie: the Queensland Museum. This place holds the crown of science museums in Brisbane. Located in South Bank, it’s got everything from dinosaur skeletons to ancient artifacts.
You’ll love the mix of natural history and cultural exhibits. Plus, the Sciencentre within the museum is perfect for hands-on fun—think interactive displays that make learning about physics and biology a blast.
| Pro tip: Head there early on weekdays to avoid the school groups and enjoy a more relaxed visit. Also, check out their rotating exhibits; there’s always something new and exciting happening. |
Sparklab at Queensland Museum
Media credit: qldmuseum
Website: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/kurilpa/whats-on/sparklab
Address: Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets
Contact details: +61 (07) 3153 3000
Operating hours:
- Open daily 9:30AM to 5PM
Cost: $-$$
Next up is Sparklab, also at the Queensland Museum but deserves its own mention. This interactive science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) space is designed especially for kids but trust me, adults have a blast too.
You can experiment with light, forces, and even electricity in a safe and fun environment. It’s all about learning through play, which is honestly the best kind of learning.
| Pro tip: Book your tickets online to secure a spot, especially during school holidays when it gets super busy. They also offer awesome educational programs and workshops, so keep an eye on their schedule. |
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Media credit: brizzy.brett
Website: N/A
Address: Mount Coot-Tha Rd
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Open daily 10AM to 4PM
Cost: $-$$
For all the star-gazers out there, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is a must-visit. This museum is located in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha and offers mind-blowing shows in the Cosmic Skydome.
You’ll feel like you’re traveling through space without ever leaving your seat. They also have a great collection of meteorites and space-related exhibits that will ignite your inner astronaut.
| Pro tip: Evening shows are less crowded and give you a perfect chance to combine your visit with a sunset stroll through the beautiful Botanic Gardens. |
The Workshops Rail Museum
Media Credit: melodic_sky
Website: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops
Address: Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Open daily – 9:30AM to 4PM
Cost: $-$$
If you’re into trains and industrial history, The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich is worth the trip. It’s not just about locomotives but it’s a deep dive into the science and engineering behind railway systems.
With interactive exhibits, you can try your hand at driving a train simulator or check out how steam engines work. It’s a unique blend of history and hands-on science.
| Pro tip: Plan your visit around one of their Steam Train Days for a chance to ride a real steam train—a hit with both kids and adults! |
Cobb+Co Museum
Website: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/cobb-and-co
Address: 27 Lindsay Street
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Open daily – 9:30AM to 4PM
Cost: $-$$
This museum is a bit outside of Brisbane in Toowoomba. The Cobb+Co Museum is perfect for those who love history and science.
It showcases the history of horse-drawn vehicles but also features hands-on science and natural history exhibits. Their science shows and workshops are super engaging and make the drive totally worth it.
| Pro tip: Check their event calendar before you go because they host some awesome temporary exhibits and special events that are always a hit. |
Pine Rivers Heritage Museum
Media Credit: jujumar
Website: N/A
Address: 901/904 Dayboro Rd
Contact details: +61 7 5433 2710
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 10AM to 3PM
- Monday and Tuesday Closed
Cost: $-$$
For a mix of local history and hands-on science, Pine Rivers Heritage Museum in Whiteside is a hidden gem. It’s got a variety of exhibits that focus on the region’s history.
I, personally, love this museum because it includes interactive science displays. The museum’s layout is great for a casual, informative stroll with plenty of surprises along the way.
| Pro tip: Visit during one of their special events or community days for extra activities and workshops that are often free and family-friendly. |
Ipswich Art Gallery
Website: https://ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au/
Address: D’Arcy Doyle Place
Contact details: +61 7 3810 7222
Operating hours:
- Open daily – 10AM to 5PM
Cost: $-$$
Okay, so technically it’s an art gallery, but hear me out because Ipswich Art Gallery often hosts amazing science exhibitions that blend art and science in the coolest ways.
Their interactive exhibits are particularly great for kids, with past hits including construction zones and sensory experiences.
| Pro tip: Follow their social media or website for updates on upcoming science-themed exhibitions so you don’t miss out on any of the fun. |
