Scienceworks is your go-to Melbourne destination for curious minds of all ages. Explore our interactive exhibitions and experiences to see how science works.
Don’t miss a thing with this itinerary designed to guide you through the highlights and hidden gems of Scienceworks.
Please be aware that some tours and presentations are scheduled and must be booked if you wish to include them in your day.
Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes to see everything included here.
Open 10am – 4:30pm Daily
Pre-book your tickets online or contact our Booking and Enquiries office 13 11 02, available 9 am to 4:30 pm daily.
Air Playground
Play with air, the amazing invisible elemental force, and experience hands-on the science of aerodynamics.
Whoosh, swirl, gust, squish, flow, float and more at Air Playground!
Float objects in mid-air, place material in fast moving air-jets, squish a giant inflatable tentacled sculpture with your body, launch balls sky-high with compressed air and craft paper planes to soar and more.
At Air Playground, curious kids and their families can learn about the science of aerodynamics through experimentation and play.
Don’t miss this new opportunity to embark on a journey of scientific exploration, discovery and fun. Engage your senses, spark your curiosity and let science blow you away.
Think Ahead
Make your way to Think Ahead, where you can get hands on with technologies of the future. Build a better city, a car, or augment your own body with prosthetics! Learn from technology of the past with intriguing objects like CSIRAC, Australia’s first computer.
Sportsworks
If you’re visiting with a child under five, drop by the Ground Up exhibition, the perfect place for little kids to experiment and play. If not, go straight to Sportsworks, to measure your body and test your skills before warming up for a race against champion sprinter Cathy Freeman.
Planetarium
If you’ve booked a show at the Planetarium, get ready to lie back and explore the universe in this cutting edge full dome theatre experience. A wide variety of shows for all ages and interests are available.
Beyond Perception
Head upstairs to Beyond Perception and explore the invisible fields and forces that surround us. If you’re keen for a rest, this is a great spot to chill out on the couches and be immersed in the constantly evolving soundscape.
Pumping Station
It’s time to get outside where you’ll find the playgrounds and cafe. If you’ve booked a show at the Lightning Theatre, you can head over for some high-voltage fun with lightning.
Then, cross to the Pumping Station to explore 19th Century technologies in this awesome heritage building. Don’t miss the free behind the scenes tours for a chance to see the steam engines in action and visit the WWII air raid shelter.
Great Melbourne Telescope
Before you finish for the day, look out for the ongoing restoration of the Great Melbourne Telescope. Shipped to Melbourne in the 1860s, it was the first ever large, fully steerable telescope designed to see beyond our galaxy. It’s now on display in the South Pumping Station.
Bonus tip: If you’re a history buff, book a behind the scenes Collection Tour at the front desk. An expert tour guide will take you through Scienceworks collection of early robots, cars, aeroplanes and engines.
