Queensland is a state of contrasts, where ancient rainforests, coral reefs, and deserts coexist with modern cities, vibrant beaches, and diverse communities. If you want to explore the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable region, there is no better place to start than the Queensland Museum.
The Queensland Museum is one of the oldest and most visited museums in Australia, with over 1.3 million visitors annually. Founded in 1862, the museum has been collecting, preserving, and displaying the stories and specimens of Queensland for over 150 years. The museum is located in the heart of Brisbane, at the South Bank cultural precinct, along with other attractions such as the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the State Library of Queensland.
The museum has four levels of exhibits, covering topics such as biodiversity, geology, archaeology, anthropology, and technology. You can see fossils of dinosaurs and megafauna, skeletons of whales and crocodiles, artifacts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and inventions of Queenslanders. You can also interact with hands-on displays, watch live demonstrations, and join guided tours and workshops.
Whether you are a history buff, a science enthusiast, or a curious traveller, you will find something to interest and inspire you at the Queensland Museum. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit to this incredible attraction.
How to Get to Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum is easily accessible by public transport, car, or bike. The museum is located at the corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane, QLD 4101.
By public transport:
You can take a train, bus, or ferry to the South Bank station, which is a short walk from the museum. You can also take the CityCat ferry to the South Bank terminal, which is near the museum. You can use the TransLink website or app to plan your journey and check the timetables and fares.
By car:
You can drive to the museum and park at the South Bank Parklands car park, which is open 24 hours a day and charges $5 per hour or $16 per day. You can also park at the Queensland Art Gallery car park, which is open from 7 am to midnight and charges $17 per day. You can use the Secure Parking website or app to book your parking spot and get a discount.
By bike:
You can cycle to the museum and use the bike racks at the entrance or at the nearby South Bank Parklands. You can also hire a CityCycle bike from one of the stations around the city and return it at the South Bank station. You can use the CityCycle website or app to register and pay for your bike hire.
The museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Good Friday. The admission to the museum is free, except for some special exhibitions and events, which may require a ticket. You can check the museum’s website for the latest information on what’s on and how to book.
The museum is wheelchair accessible and has lifts, ramps, and accessible toilets. The museum also offers wheelchairs and strollers for loan, audio guides and transcripts for hearing-impaired visitors, and tactile and sensory tours for vision-impaired visitors. You can contact the museum staff for any assistance or special requests.
What to See and Do at Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum has four levels of exhibits, each with a different theme and focus. Here are some of the highlights of each level:
Level 0: Wild State. This level showcases the diverse and unique wildlife of Queensland, from the rainforest to the reef, and from the outback to the urban areas. You can see live animals, such as snakes, spiders, frogs, and fish, as well as preserved specimens, such as birds, mammals, insects, and plants. You can also learn about the threats and challenges facing Queensland’s biodiversity, and how you can help protect it.
Level 1: Lost Creatures. This level features the fossils and skeletons of ancient animals that once roamed Queensland, such as dinosaurs, megafauna, and marine reptiles. You can see the life-sized models of a tyrannosaurus rex, a muttaburrasaurus, and a kronosaurus, as well as the real bones of a mammoth, a diprotodon, and a plesiosaur. You can also touch and feel some of the fossils, and watch videos and animations that bring the past to life.
Level 2: Discovery Centre. This level is a hands-on and interactive space where you can explore and experiment with various aspects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You can play with puzzles, games, and gadgets, observe live insects and spiders, and use microscopes and telescopes. You can also ask questions and chat with the museum staff and volunteers, who are experts in different fields and topics.
Level 3: Anzac Legacy Gallery. This level tells the stories and experiences of Queenslanders who served in the First World War, and how the war shaped the state and the nation. You can see artifacts, documents, and photographs that reveal the personal and collective impacts of the war, such as medals, uniforms, letters, and diaries. You can also listen to audio recordings and watch video interviews that capture the voices and memories of the war.
In addition to these permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts temporary and travelling exhibits that cover a range of subjects and themes, such as art, culture, history, and science. Some of the past and upcoming exhibits include:
SparkLab. This is a science centre for children and families, where you can discover and learn about science through fun and creative activities, such as making music, launching rockets, and creating art. SparkLab is located on level 1 and requires a ticket, which costs $15.50 for adults, $12.50 for children, and $46 for families.
NASA – A Human Adventure. This is an exhibition that celebrates the achievements and innovations of NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the United States. You can see over 250 objects and replicas from the space program, such as rockets, satellites, spacesuits, and rovers. You can also experience what it’s like to be an astronaut, a mission controller, or a rocket engineer. NASA – A Human Adventure is on until April 18, 2024, and requires a ticket, which costs $21 for adults, $12 for children, and $58 for families.
Queensland Museum Network: Torres Strait Islander Masks. This is an exhibition that showcases the masks and headdresses of the Torres Strait Islanders, the indigenous people of the islands between Australia and Papua New Guinea. You can see over 40 masks and headdresses that represent the culture, identity, and spirituality of the Torres Strait Islanders, as well as learn about their history, traditions, and ceremonies. Queensland Museum Network: Torres Strait Islander Masks is on until June 30, 2024, and is free to enter.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Queensland Museum
To help you plan and enjoy your visit to the Queensland Museum, here are some tips and advice:
Book your tickets online
If you want to visit any of the ticketed exhibits or events, such as SparkLab or NASA – A Human Adventure, it is recommended that you book your tickets online in advance, as they may sell out or have limited availability. You can book your tickets on the museum’s website or at the ticket desk on level 2.
Check the website for updates
The museum’s website has the most up-to-date information on what’s on, what’s new, and what’s coming soon. You can also find out about the opening hours, admission fees, accessibility options, and visitor guidelines. You can also download the museum’s app, which has interactive maps, audio guides, and quizzes.
Join a guided tour or workshop
The museum offers a variety of guided tours and workshops for different ages and interests, such as the dinosaur tour, the fossil workshop, the Aboriginal culture tour, and the science show. You can join these tours and workshops for free or for a small fee, depending on the availability and demand. You can check the museum’s website or the information desk on level 2 for the schedule and booking details.
Visit the museum shop and cafe
The museum has a shop and a cafe on level 2, where you can buy souvenirs, gifts, books, and snacks. The shop has a range of products that relate to the museum’s exhibits and themes, such as toys, games, jewellery, and clothing. The cafe has a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, salads, and cakes. You can also bring your own food and drink and use the picnic areas at the nearby South Bank Parklands.
Explore the surrounding attractions
The museum is located in the South Bank cultural precinct, which has many other attractions and activities to offer, such as the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and the Queensland Maritime Museum. You can also enjoy the South Bank Parklands, which has a man-made beach, a lagoon, a ferris wheel, a playground, and a rainforest walk.
The Queensland Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to learn more about the natural and cultural heritage of Queensland. It is a place where you can discover, explore, and enjoy the stories and specimens of Queensland for over 150 years. It is a place where you can discover, explore, and enjoy the stories and specimens of Queensland, and learn how they connect to the world.
The Queensland Museum is more than just a museum. It is also a research institution, a cultural hub, and a community partner. The museum conducts scientific and historical research on various topics and issues related to Queensland, such as climate change, biodiversity, archaeology, and social justice. The museum also hosts cultural and educational events and programs, such as festivals, lectures, workshops, and school visits. The museum also collaborates with other organizations and groups, such as universities, government agencies, indigenous communities, and local businesses.
The Queensland Museum is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders, and a destination that you should not miss when you visit Brisbane. Whether you are interested in dinosaurs, space, art, or culture, you will find something to spark your curiosity and imagination at the Queensland Museum.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets online, check the website for updates, and plan your visit to the Queensland Museum today. You will be amazed by what you will see and learn at this amazing attraction.
And don’t forget to share your feedback and experience with us on social media, using the hashtag #QueenslandMuseum. We would love to hear from you.
