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Our SparkLab Brisbane Travel Guide Will Give You “Watt” You Want!

| Last Updated: January 2025

If you’re a museum enthusiast, most museums eventually start to feel the same—but Sparklab in Brisbane is a refreshing exception that will shock you.

Sparklab is a STEM-focused, interactive museum designed to spark curiosity in both kids and adults, and it might even inspire a future in science. I’d go so far as to say it’s the most hands-on museum I’ve ever visited.

Sparklab brought back memories of school science labs, and now you (and any kids you bring along) can experience it too— with a little help from my guide.

SparkLab Overview and History

SparkLab is an interactive science space within the Queensland Museum.

Think of hands-on activities, fun experiments, and a chance to really explore how science works in the real world– quite literally with your very own hands.

If you ever want to play with air pressure and light or experiment with currents and electricity, you can do so at SparkLab since it’s a safe space. No need to cause a headache for your landlord (up to you though).

Now, Sparklab wasn’t always the Sparklab we know today. Back in the day, this part of the museum was home to Sciencentre, which many locals still remember fondly.

The Sciencentre was a classic 90s science experience, all chunky buttons and panels with bold, blocky lettering. It had its charm, but eventually, the museum decided to give it a glow-up.

In 2018, after a major revamp, Sparklab was born, bringing with it a fresh, modern vibe and updated exhibits that focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

From there on, it’s like the museum hands you the keys to its brain and says, “Go nuts!” There’s also the Science Bar, where live demonstrations happen. These are the kinds of shows that make you go, “Wait, science can do that?!”

How to Get to SparkLab Museum in Brisbane

SparkLab is part of a bigger museum, specifically the Queensland Museum Kurilpa so you have other attractions once you’re done with SparkLab.

To get to SparkLab, you have plenty of choices, but if you’re already at the center of Brisbane CBD (the City Hall, for example), then you can simply walk* there. It’s a 16-minute walk (1.2 km) from Brisbane CBD to SparkLab.

You can also take the 333, 330, or 345 bus from Queen Street bus station if you want and then drop off at the Cultural Centre station (one stop away). But you’ll still be walking for several hundred meters after dropping off.

What to Know About SparkLab

Address: Grey Street &, Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM–4 PM
Contact Details: 

Admission & Show Fees: There’s an initial admission fee for the SparkLab and they have the following pricing depending on your age range:

  • Adult: $16 Per Person
  • Concession (with valid ID): $14 Per Person
  • Child (5-15 y/o): $13 Per Person
  • Family (2 adults + 2 kids or 1 adult + 3 kids): $47.50
  • Health Care Card Holder: $10 Per Person
  • Companion Card Holder: Free
  • Member (details below): Free

Memberships consist of annual passes with different fees depending on who’s availing them:

  • Adult: $39 Per Person
  • Child: $30 Per Person
  • Family: $99 (you can also add up to two children to that annual pass for $10 for each child)

Parking Slots: Parking space is available and you’ll mostly have to use the Queensland Museum parking lot. However, it’s in Brisbane CBD so you’ll have no trouble finding additional parking lots.

Getting Around: You’ll have to enter through the Queensland Museum first and there should be curators around or in the lobby area near the entrance. You can ask them for directions to the SparkLab.

Restrooms: There are plenty of restrooms in Queensland Museum and there’s also one in SparkLab. Make sure to ask curators first for a general direction.

Accessibility: Being a part of the Queensland Museum, SparkLab and its surrounding areas offer parking for PWDs and even wheelchair access to exhibits, restrooms, and cafés.

Main Attractions in SparkLab 

Ease kids into science with the Low Sensory Friendly Session

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SparkLab understands that not all children are extrovertedly inquisitive about science and technology. So the museum has something in place for more sensitive or neurodivergent kids, and they call it the Low Sensory Friendly Session.

The Session is essentially a quiet and more relaxed partition within SparkLab. The idea is that the more tranquil environment is meant to foster learning at your own pace. 

At the same time, museum staff will be stationed in the said sessions, allowing children to be more vocal about their curiosity and learning whenever they’re ready. You will need to inquire about the session in the lobby since it varies per case.

Be a Mad Scientist at Maker Space

Media Credit: qldmuseum

Current Theme Duration (Flight): July 18, 2024 to February 12, 2025

This is the stuff! Maker Space is where you can unleash your creativity and resourcefulness without the fetters of worries and expectations! Well, it’s still safe, of course, especially for children. 

The challenges have themes and goals, and right now, the idea is to create a flying machine whether it’s an airplane or a helicopter. The invention doesn’t have to be elegant– it just has to work!

Maker Space challenges then last anywhere from 6-8 months before they’re replaced with a new theme or goal. So be prepared to see some mad inventions that look like they defy the laws of physics and thermodynamics.

All about the discovery at the Science Bar

Media Credit: qldmuseum

Of course, if applied science is a little too chaotic for you and theoretical science is more your speed, there’s also the Science Bar. There’s more math involved with the Science Bar along with physics.

A member of the audience gets to ask questions and everyone else gets to predict outcomes and hypothesize. 

Like Maker Space, however, they have different subjects or programs ranging from gravity, mass, chemistry, sound, and general physics. These programs change every now and then so you have more reasons to revisit SparkLab.

Worldly wonders in Science on a Sphere

Media Credit: qldmuseum

Outer Space isn’t left out since Science on a Sphere is all about astronomy. The exhibit has plenty of special images of celestial bodies compiled by NASA itself and even spherical models that change depending on the spherical space object you want.

There are also interactive screens in the area that allow you to simulate an exploration or a trip to Mars, Venus, or even an orbit around the Sun. 

You can then ask questions from the curators, which is great if you bring kids along as they never run out of questions.

Even outside the exhibit, you can still choose to immerse yourself in the Science on a Sphere exhibit as it has its own companion app, the SOS Explorer App. The app lets you continue where you left off from the exhibit.

Shock and roll at the Tesla Coil in Electric Sparks

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Exhibit Hours: Twice per day, 11:45 AM and 2:45 PM

And there we have it! Something to live true to SparkLab’s namesake! Electric Sparks’ main attraction is the Tesla Coil. The exhibit is essentially an electrifying light show with giant electric sparks and lightning forks that won’t blow up the whole exhibit.

The Tesla Coil is loud, however, and that combined with the light flashes is not exactly friendly for people with certain heart conditions, epilepsy, or sensitivity to light. So be mindful of whom you bring along.

This part of SparkLab is an exploration of electricity– one of the most crucial components of modern life, and something we take for granted every single day. 

Now, thanks to SparkLab, you get to know electricity’s further importance and perhaps even appreciate it as Nikola Tesla did.

Where to Eat in SparkLab

Media credit: sipping.brisbane

Address: Queensland Art Gallery, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Pricing: $$
Website

You don’t have to go far from SparkLab if you get snackish or low on sugar. QAG Cafe is within the Queensland Museum complex. It’s a little pricey but it’s the best cafe in the Queensland Museum area.

The cafe not only has your usual hearty cappuccino and latte, but they also offer food. I recommend the pumpkin or eggplant dishes. You’d be surprised at how much they can do with simple vegetables.

Don’t worry, the cafe also has plenty of meat dishes. Do try out the char siu and the tempura. The meals are filling enough to fuel the grey matter for more thinking in the museum.

Julius Pizzeria

Media credit: juliuspizzeria

Address: 77 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3844 2655
Pricing: $$
Website

Pizza after a museum trip also never fails to hit the spot. Julius Pizzeria is located just across the street from the Queensland Museum and should sate your craving for dishes with deep cultural histories.

That’s right, Julius Pizzeria has authentic Italian pizzas and other dishes straight from the Mediterranean. Even the restaurant motif is traditional, with brick walls and warehouse-style spaces.

The pizzas are cooked in wood-fire and often come in different variations and with toppings including duck, prawn, truffle, and different kinds of rare cheese. Beyond the pizza, you can also order some pasta meals. I recommend the duck pasta and risotto.

Southside Restaurant

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Address: 63 Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3067 7269
Pricing: $$
Website

You probably guessed wrong, didn’t you? Southside Restaurant is actually Chinese but with a tinge of fine dining. 

The place is teeming with fanciness but mixes modernity with traditional dishes such as stir-fried noodles, spring rolls, and dumplings. Southside Restaurant does feature some of the more refined palate dishes that come with caviar.

All the oriental goodies on the food menu are then contrasted by the more contemporary cocktails and beverages. Southside is also famous for its tasty liquor mixes, fruit drinks, and shakes.

El Planta

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Address: 58 Hope St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 412 728 047
Pricing: $$$
Website

Since we have a fancy Chinese restaurant, it’s only fair to also feature a fancy Mexican restaurant called El Planta. The dishes in El Planta range from pricey to outright expensive but every single bit you take will make it worth it.

Trust me when I say you’ve never seen or tasted Mexican dishes like the ones they serve at El Planta. Of course, you can start from the standard authentic taco and taquito, but I urge you to move quickly to the more bizarre meals.

I’m talking about the mushroom skewers, tuna ceviche, authentic guacamole, and even the tuna tartare (if you can). Don’t forget to wash it down with some margaritas or if you’re feeling bolder, jalapeño margaritas.

GOMA Restaurant

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Address: Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3842 9916
Pricing: $$
Website

Turns out the Queensland Art Gallery building just beside the Queensland Museum is home to a rare treat and a hidden gem in the form of GOMA Restaurant. 

GOMA serves a mix of different cuisines from various cultures and continents. There are some recognizable dishes in the restaurant, however, such as oysters, duck, and short ribs.

However, if you’re craving something more exotic, then do know that GOMA Restaurant also serves kangaroo meat dishes. I’d wager nothing else can top kangaroo when it comes to the bizarre food you’ll find within Brisbane.

Where to Stay Near SparkLab

Ivy & Eve Apartments by CLLIX

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Address: 22/28 Merivale St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3844 4555
Pricing: $$$
Website

One of the closest and fanciest apartments you can avail near SparkLab would be Ivy & Eve and the higher price tag is worth it. Ivy & Eve Apartments have rooftop views complete with balcony pools (or infinity pools).

By far, the place is one of the most luxurious spots you can stay in while in Brisbane and after visiting SparkLab or the Queensland Museum. 

Apart from the fancy rooftop or balcony pools, the rooms or apartments also come with wide windows for that awe-inspiring view.

Rydges South Bank Brisbane

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Address: 9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3364 0800
Pricing: $$
Website

For a good balance of luxury and affordability, Rydges South Bank, which is along the main road, is my recommended pick. Rydges offers rooms and not just apartments, so your selection is more varied here.

At the same time, the hotel also has pools in its courtyard so you’re not exactly missing out on anything from other more expensive hotels. More importantly, Rydges comes with a restaurant if you can’t be bothered by making long walking trips for food.

The Capitol Apartments

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Address: 35 Peel St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3844 5800
Pricing: $$
Website

The Capitol Apartments is even nearer to Queensland and comes with a light price tag. However, the reviews are not as stellar as those of other accommodations.

Common small complaints revolve around dated furniture and service malfunctions in certain rooms. However, The Capitol is still more convenient compared to hotel rooms since it comes with a full kitchen.

You also have to consider that The Capitol is one of the nearest options if you want the shortest walking or travel distance from SparkLab or Queensland Museum.

Austin Apartments

Address: 77-79 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3180 1000
Pricing: $$
Website

Austin Apartments is relatively new and sits just right across the street from the Queensland Museum. Even though it’s somewhat of a newcomer to the accommodations business, Austin Apartments is already highly regarded.

For one, the building has a rooftop pool for those fancy influencer-esque photos. The same rooftop will also give you a clear view of the whole Queensland Museum. 

As for the rooms and accommodations themselves, the monochromatic contrast in the fixtures and the walls is something any artsy person who just came from a science museum will surely appreciate.

Morgan Suites Hotel Apartments

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Address: 14 Merivale St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3018 9404
Pricing: $
Website

As for the most affordable option that I can recommend, Morgan Suites Hotel Apartments would be my top pick. The prices are surprisingly low when you consider the hotel’s location and amenities.

The hotel still comes with a pool– albeit a smaller one at the courtyard and some of the rooms have a dining area balcony for those special nights. As usual, since it’s an apartment hotel, Morgan Suites comes with a full kitchen.

You don’t need to spend much on food if you’re wise and know where to shop, something we’ll detail in the next segment.

Where to Shop in SparkLab

Queensland Museum Shop

Media credit: qldmuseum

Address: Level 2, Queensland Museum Kurilpa Grey Street &, Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3153 4415
Pricing: $
Website

Queensland Museum has a shop; all you need to do to get there is walk outside of SparkLab and walk a bit. As for what you can purchase in the shop, they have a wide range of souvenirs such as keychains and coasters.

Books are also available among the shop items and if you want something more delectable, they also sell ruby chocolates and other dried goods. Consider leaving with a gift or souvenir to support the museum.

QAGOMA Store

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Address: Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3840 7290
Pricing: $
Website

QAGOMA Store, short for Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, is right next to the Queensland Museum. Likewise, the place also comes with its own art and souvenir store.

You might find the stuff they sell in this store more imaginative or creative since art is part of their major initiative and goal. You’ll be able to find artsy mugs, tote bags, beautiful gifts, and novels with lovely cover art.

SLQ Library Shop

Media credit: statelibraryqld

Address: Cultural Precinct, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3840 7576
Pricing: $
Website

On the right side of the QAGOMA and left of Sparklab/Queensland Museum, you will also find the State Library of Queensland. The library then sells even more books, along with other merchandise. 

I was able to find a decently-sized collection of books ranging from novels to non-fiction titles. With any luck, you might even find some rare books with coveted cover art or even some creative bookmarks.

Uptown

Media credit: uptownbrisbane

Address: 91 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3223 6900
Pricing: $$
Website

Uptown is the nearest big mall you can find within the vicinity. There’s no better location than the Uptown Shopping Mall if you’re after a one-stop shop for just about anything you need from vacation provisions to creature comforts.

All in all the mall has several floors so be prepared for a lot of walking if you want to see what’s in store. Thankfully, the mall is considerate enough to have seating areas and wide, open spaces for resting.

Queen Street Mall

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Address: Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Phone: +61 7 3403 8888
Pricing: $$
Website

On the off-chance that you don’t find what you need in Uptown Shopping Mall or if you find it too big and tiring, you can always go to Queen Street Mall. The building is considerably smaller and easier to navigate.

Depending on the occasion, you might also catch some festive decorations worthy of storage space on your phone. Queen Street Mall also comes with an open shopping area for that modern bazaar feel.

Additionally, if you’re into nightlife shopping centers, then Queen Street Mall is open 24/7, making it more accessible than Uptown.

Apps to download before going to SparkLab

Before you begin your journey to the Hologram Zoo, remember to download the following apps to assist you.

Uber – For more versatility with your commute options.

Cellopark Australia – To help you pay for parking lots and spaces more conveniently in case you run out of vacancies at Queensland Museum.

SOS Explorer – A companion app for one of the exhibits (explained below)

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.

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