The Brisbane Planetarium is Super Fun for Kids

The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is a great place to take kids. From toddling terrestrials to young adult astronauts, blast off a great outing for the whole family.

Where is the Brisbane Planetarium?

Plot your rocket’s course towards Mt Coot-tha. The Planetarium is across the road from the Toowong Cemetery and adjacent to the beautiful Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. The planetarium is right at the entrance (you won’t miss the beautiful skydome!) and there is ample parking in front. If public transport is your preferred method of galaxy travel, try to 471 bus from the city or the Great City Circle from the suburbs.

What can I do at the Brisbane Planetarium?

As you enter the Brisbane Planetarium site you’ll see a statue looking upwards towards the heavens. There is plenty of space here or in the surrounds for a picnic to fuel those little bodies before going in for some learning.

Walking in you’ll see well equipped family toilets, a gift shop and a counter where you can buy tickets for the projected shows in the Cosmic Skydome.

Entry to the Planetarium itself is always free but there are costs for the shows.

Due to restrictions at this time, the Planetarium will be open Tuesday to Sunday with the following modified opening hours:

• Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm (phone lines open 9am-3pm)
• Saturday 9am-4pm (Phone lines open 9am-4pm)
• Sunday 9am-3pm (Phone lines open 9am-3pm)

Special reopening prices have been introduced:

• Adults $10 (was $16.40)
• Children $6 (was $9.60) (3-14 years)
• Authorised Companion (accompanying a person with a disability who requires support) free

What shows are on in the Cosmic Skydome?

Current shows suitable for young children: (Please check show times and descriptions here)

• Perfect Little Planet
• Tycho to the Moon
• The Little Star that Could
• Secret of the Cardboard Rocket

Most shows will finish with a “Highlights of Brisbane Night Sky”, an informative presentation from the astronomer where you will learn about planets, stars and constellations.

You will also find the Mini Theatre. Entry to this is free and you will find short features on various topics to do with space exploration and missions.

Circling around the Planetarium is the Display Zone. Here your budding astronauts will race from telescope to solar system as they learn all about asteroids, space travel, star formations, the Big Bang and so much more! There are interactive displays so your kids can get hands-on experience with the history of technology and astronomy.

What else is there at the Brisbane Planetarium?

As mentioned earlier, the toilets are equipped to suit the needs of families. The venue is wheelchair and pram accessible but if you’re going into the Cosmic Skydome you may be asked to fold your pram or leave it with attendants.

You will find the Galaxy Gift Shop has plenty of souvenirs of your time at the Planetarium and the Sundial Courtyard provides a place for quiet reflection and galactical conversation. If you would like to come in the evening to join the astronomers to look closely at the galaxy you can book ahead and come on a Saturday night. These observations are subject to weather conditions and, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible as access is via a steep staircase. Children must be at least 150cm tall to see through the telescope.

Brisbane has a real gift in the Planetarium – it’s something that has been around since the 1970’s that many of us may not have been to before. If your kids love all things ‘Outer Space’, make sure your children visit this one-of-a-kind venue for an experience that really is out of this world!