Museum

The National Science and Technology Centre

📍 King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia

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4.7/ 5.0

★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: Australia, Canberra
Category: Museum
Duration: Allow 2-3 hours
Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
Coordinates: -35.2950, 149.1280

Introduction

Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, stands at King Edward Terrace on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra and, founded in 1980, is Australia's largest interactive science and technology centre. It is all about hands-on discovery, with more than 200 interactive exhibits: you can feel an earthquake on a shaking platform, free-fall down a two-storey vertical spiral slide, enjoy explosive science shows and theatre, and browse a mini exhibition space designed for younger children. Temporary special exhibitions rotate throughout the year, making it one of Canberra's most popular destinations for families and school groups.

✨ Highlights

Over 200 interactive exhibits

Interactive installations across physics, earth science, space and robotics invite everyone to join in.

The vertical spiral slide

A signature two-storey vertical slide plunges you in a near-free-fall - a must-try for the daring.

Earthquake simulator and science shows

Feel a simulated quake or catch a live hands-on science demonstration and theatre show.

Mini Q for young children

A purpose-built mini exhibition lets the youngest scientists explore in safety.

Rotating special exhibitions

New themed shows and growing galleries mean there is always something fresh to discover.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere; check local weather and events. For outdoor sites, mornings or late afternoons are often more pleasant.

→Transport：Australia is vast; most attractions suit self-driving or local day tours. For city sites, check public transport timetables in advance.

→Climate & dress：UV is strong; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, and beware of insects. Inland areas may have large diurnal temperature swings.

→On site：Follow on-site signs, do not feed or disturb wildlife, protect nature and heritage, and stay on designated trails in national parks.

→Accessibility：Some natural attractions have uneven paths or steps and may challenge those with limited mobility; check accessibility services in advance.

→Transportation：Walk from central Canberra, or go by bus/car near Lake Burley Griffin (parking on site).

💡 Tips

• Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Usually open daily 9:00-17:00, closed Christmas Day; public-holiday hours may vary. Please check the official site.; admission: Adults about A$23, children (4-17) about A$17.50 and family tickets about A$70. Prices vary, please confirm at the official venue..

• Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

• Respect local culture, wildlife and natural park rules; never feed animals or leave designated trails.

• Plan alongside nearby sights, using self-driving or local day tours to link your route.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting The National Science and Technology Centre?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Usually open daily 9:00-17:00, closed Christmas Day; public-holiday hours may vary. Please check the official site.; admission: Adults about A$23, children (4-17) about A$17.50 and family tickets about A$70. Prices vary, please confirm at the official venue.. Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

How long should I spend at The National Science and Technology Centre?

A typical visit takes Allow 2-3 hours.

This entry is compiled from public Australian and international travel sources. Tickets, opening hours and transport may change; please confirm with official sources on site.