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Our Ultimate Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium Guide is Here If You Need Some “Space”

| Last Updated: January 2025

I was more than thankful for my visit to Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium in Queensland. It was an eye-opener unlike any other.

It’s not every day that you’re reminded of how small a footnote humanity is in the grand scheme of things in the universe. That’s a perspective everyone should be reminded of every once in a while.

So, to share that wondrous moment I had with you and all the realizations that came with it, I’ve prepared a guide to help ease you into the otherworldly realm of cosmic sights brought to us by Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium Overview and History

The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is a peculiar l spot that sticks out like a thumb right in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Toowong. You know an observatory when you see one, especially the dome-like structures.

It’s just a short 5km drive from the city center and has been around since May 24, 1978. Fun fact: it’s obviously named after Sir Thomas Brisbane.  He was a former New South Wales governor (back in the 1820s) who was also big into stargazing.

When you visit, the main attraction is the Cosmic Skydome—a 12.5-meter dome theater with this amazing, high-tech digital projection system. They’ve also got an observatory with two awesome telescopes: a Zeiss refractor and a Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain.

Inside, the Foyer and Gallery are packed with cool space-themed displays, including stuff about the Moon landing, the Space Shuttle, and Mars missions. Oh, and there’s a mini-theater with a live space feed you can watch for free.

They host regular shows in the Skydome, plus school group sessions, observatory nights, and even occasional field events. I daresay there’s even something for everyone in this planetarium.

The old Zeiss star projector was recently retired, but the good news is they’re working on bringing in something new. It’s a perfect spot for space nerds and casual stargazers alike!

Where to Find Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

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To be more specific, you can find Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium in Mount Coot-Tha Rd, Mount Coot-Tha QLD 4066, Australia. There are several ways you can get there:

  • Via Bus: Look for buses numbered 416, 470, 471, 598, and 599.
  • Via Train: These train lines have routes that pass nearby CABO, IPSW, SPRI, REDC, and SUNS.
  • Via Car: It’s only five kilometers away from the Brisbane city center.

We’ll recommend some handy apps below to help you navigate the area and its surroundings. But if you’re a tourist, the rule of thumb is to always ask the bus driver or ticket booth just to be doubly sure.

What to Know About Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

If you’re planning a visit to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, here are some things you’ll want to know before you go:

Operating Hours: 

  • Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM–4 PM
  • Friday, 10 AM–8 PM

Contact Details: +61 7 3403 2578

Entrance Fees: Admission fees are as follows, and expect additional charges for shows and events in the Cosmic Skydome:

  • Adults: $15.80 each
  • Children: $9.60 each
  • Group of Adults (10+): $13.30 each
  • Group of Children (10+): $8.80 each
  • Three-show pass: $36 for each adult / $22 for each child

Parking Slots: Make sure to plan accordingly as parking slots may vary depending on the day and time of your visit. Generally, parking is free in designated bays and the main car park.

Getting Around: Once inside, you’ll find the planetarium easy to navigate with clear signage and helpful staff to assist you.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available onsite for your convenience.

Accessibility: The planetarium strives to be accessible to all visitors. Most parts of the facility, including the grounds, have ramp or lift access. They also have pathway gradients for easier steps.

Mobile Applications: If you’re planning a visit to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, consider downloading the following apps to enhance your experience:

  • GPSmyCity – Download this mobile application to access self-guided walking tours around Brisbane.
  • MyTranslink – This mobile application will help you find the best transportation options such as bus, train, ferry, or tram. You can also check maps and corresponding fare fees.

With these tips in mind, you’re all set to enjoy a memorable and “stellar” visit to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium!

Shows and Exhibits in the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Jamming to Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon

Media Credit: soundsacrossoceans

No, seriously. The planetarium has incorporated Pink Floyd’s music into their tours and you get to experience the concert in a full-dome spatial experience. 

It’s great for reintroducing some of the younger generations to good old grandpa’s music.

Other than that, it’s a majestic experience that shows you the planetarium’s greatest strengths and how robust its light shows can be, especially the 12.5-meter projection dome.

Keep the Kids Busy with Perfect Little Planet

Media Credit: baconstripsxx

Okay, so the kids and younger budding astronomers might not fancy Pink Floyd. In that case, you can take them to the Perfect Little Planet show where they can watch aliens on a vacation to Earth.

Don’t worry, the aliens are cute and the show concludes with a tour of the pristine Brisbane night sky.

Story Time at Magic Globe

Media Credit: spottykites

Another attraction for children would be a story time session with a little cartoon girl named Mia who accidentally discovers stargazing machinery. It’s a cute little tale about the importance of the world’s seasons and nature.

The show takes 30 minutes and ends again with a view of the Brisbane night sky. It’s something you can use to set the tone and keep your kiddy companions interested.

Space Race in Journey to the Stars

Media Credit: crfionacunningham

This one is a dazzling virtual show that launches its visitors through space and towards the stars where the viewers can see the life cycle of celestial bodies in the universe. Our very “own” Sun is among those.

And to keep the tone light despite the dying ball of fire, Whoopi Goldberg will be narrating the virtual tour, just so you know you’re in good hands. It’s quite a long show, by the way, so make sure your tank is empty.

Fly Into Infinity in Passport to the Universe

Media Credit: _adamandsons_

Passport to the Universe takes you even further out, beyond the Solar System, and all the way to the edge of the observable universe. It’s a simulation that ought to keep your mouth agape the whole time.

If that’s not enough to interest you, Tom Hanks will be accompanying you on the journey as the narrator. What better cosmic companion can you ask for than someone with acting experience in Apollo 13?

Galactic Fireworks Show at Cosmic Collisions

Media Credit: brisbanecitycouncil

This time around, you’ll be seeing the destructive potential of celestial bodies in the universe. It’s a simulation of how the universe grows, typically with explosions and violent gravitational reactions.

All of that is narrated by Robert Redford and the whole show was even produced by the American Museum of Natural History. Nothing like a little explosive planetary action to remind you of just how fortunate we are in our own little blue planet.

Tycho Goes to Mars

Media Credit: kantaro_shikoku

Eat your heart out Elon Musk, someone’s already made it to Mars! Well, it’s only a simulation, but that someone is none other than a cute dog named Tycho who blasts off to the red planet to search for water.

He’s that thirsty, poor dog. Along the way, you get educated on what makes a planet habitable to human beings and what’s needed to terraform a barren wasteland like Mars.

Attractions & Exhibitions at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Public Shows at the Cosmic Skydome

Media Credit: familiesmagazine

This skydome comes with an 8K projection system and the aforementioned 12.5-meter diameter projection dome. It’s where you will be watching most of the shows, but even outside, you can already feel just how immersive it is.

The shows are rotating and you can see above what’s available in their 8K projectors. Do be aware that most of the shows here have a fee ranging from $10 to $20, with discounts for kids.

A Trip to the Past and the Future with the Display Zone

Media Credit: the.antipodean

The Display Zone is your typical museum or planetarium exhibit full of photos, spacecraft models, and even replicas of spacesuits. It’s essentially a gallery that details the milestones and achievements of humanity when it comes to space travel.

If you ever wanted to see just how powerful telescopes and space cameras are, you can do so here since they have photos from the Hubble Space Telescope and other major observatories.

The Display Zone also extends to the Skylore, which includes Aboriginal history and how their elders have shared their knowledge of astronomy long before modern science.

Star-Studded Souvenir Buying at the Galaxy Gift Shop

Media Credit: davidlukekennedy

To immortalize your visit just like we did, make sure to view some of the science merchandise in the Galaxy Gift Shop. They have teacher discounts, which is great if you’re on a field trip.

Some of the more interesting souvenirs include spacecraft models, project kits, star charts, and other novelty items. 

Blast from the Past with the Sundial Courtyard

Outside the Planetarium grounds, you’ll find a giant sundial made of concrete, steel, and glass which is incredibly accurate (within 10 minutes). It allows you to tell the time just like any sundial.

It’s a lovely spot for photos and a glimpse of the clear sky or the night sky if you visit on a Friday night. 

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