Museum

Questacon

4.5 · 3,106 reviews Travelers Choice
QuestaconShkuru Afshar · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, is Canberra's superb interactive science museum and one of the best family attractions in Australia. Spread across galleries in a distinctive circular building by Lake Burley Griffin, it's packed with hands-on exhibits that make science genuinely fun: earthquake simulators, a free-fall slide, lightning and physics demonstrations, optical illusions, and a much-loved area for younger children. Live science shows and demonstrations run throughout the day.

It's designed for curiosity and play across all ages, and a perfect rainy-day or family stop in the national capital, close to the other big Canberra institutions (the National Gallery, Library, and Parliament House). Check the daily show schedule when you arrive to catch the explosive demonstrations.

Don't miss

  • Hands-on science across multiple galleries
  • The free-fall vertical slide
  • Earthquake and physics demonstrations
  • Live science shows throughout the day
  • A dedicated area for young children

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Questacon

You can visit on your own (Paid entry (family tickets available); book online to save). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.

Good for

BusinessCouplesSolo travelFamilyFriends getaway

How travelers rate it

5 star
1,987
4 star
836
3 star
219
2 star
35
1 star
29

Know before you go

  • Check the daily timetable for the live science shows and demonstrations.
  • It's hands-on for all ages, with a dedicated zone for little kids.
  • A great rainy-day or family option in Canberra.
  • It's near the National Gallery, Library, and Parliament House, easy to combine.

A bit of history

Questacon opened in its purpose-built lakeside home in 1988 as Australia's national science and technology centre, with a mission to make science accessible and engaging. It has become one of the country's most popular educational attractions.

Common questions

Is Questacon just for kids?

It's brilliant for children but designed to engage all ages with hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and the famous free-fall slide.

What are the highlights?

The vertical free-fall slide, earthquake and physics demonstrations, optical illusions, and the daily live science shows.

How long should I spend?

About half a day, timed around the live demonstrations on the daily schedule.

Where is it?

On the lakeside in central Canberra, close to the National Gallery, National Library, and Parliament House.

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