Archives: Discovery Centres

Botanic gardens have shaped civilisation using the value of plants and provide insights into the natural world. Beginning a place for growing plants for medicinal use, botanic gardens evolved to become scientific and collections based institutions where plants were classified and an understanding of their purpose was discovered. At the Adelaide Botanic Garden, discover the…

The Karijini National Park Visitors Centre provides interpretive galleries of both the natural and cultural history of the park: this ancient two billion year old area shows signs of inhabitation dating back 30 000 years. The Centre’s shape represents a goanna and its untreated metal surfaces match the surrounding iron-rich geology. Karijini is located in the…

Charleville’s Cosmos Centre and Observatory has, if you will pardon the pun, universal appeal. The complex has something for everyone. It’s loved by big kids, little kids, the young at heart and even people who have absolutely no interest in the stars or astronomy. Astronomy at Night – The Cosmos Observatory The sheer beauty of the…

The Astronomy and Space Science Exhibition This modern exhibition takes you on a journey exploring the highlights of the telescope’s rich history. Starting as an idea in the 1950s, see how the Parkes Radio Telescope has matured into a world leading research facility. This exhibition is designed to answer your questions about the telescope and…

The Killer Whale Museum opened in Eden in 1931 to tell the story of Old Tom, a killer whale (Orcinus orca) who along with others in the pod co-operated with local whalers in the 1800s and early 1900s. Tom was more than 70 years old when he died in 1930. The orcas chased migrating baleen whales…

Temora Aviation Museum has the world’s finest collection of flying historic aircraft. On regular flying days you can see a selection of aircraft displayed at their best – in the sky. Working aircraft include a Tiger Moth, Boomerang, Wirraway, Spitfire, Meteor, Vampire, Sabre, Canberra and Dragonfly. Other facilities include: 38 seat theatrette screening historic wartime footage; regularly updated…

Located between the Stuart Highway and the upper reaches of Spencer Gulf, the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens’ collection is sourced from areas including far western NSW, the Nullarbor and Great Victoria Desert. There are more than 12 km of walking tracks through the Gardens, ranging from short easy strolls to a 4.5 km walk to the red…

RiAus has a passion for sharing the wonders of science. Their aim is to inspire scientific interest and curiosity and to encourage public participation in a range of critical science issues that affect our daily lives. From forums, debates and presentations to art exhibitions, theatre, film and literature, RiAus also shares science in the online world…

The Territory Wildlife Park is a truly authentic Top End experience. Situated on 1000 acres of natural bushland, the park is a place of cultural significance to the local Indigenous people. The Kungarakan and Warrai people still maintain a strong connection with the area today as the Park’s custodians, and invite you to experience their…

The WA Shipwrecks Museum is recognised as the foremost maritime archaeology museum in the southern hemisphere. The Museum is housed in 1850s-era Commissariat building and has since been restored to its historic glory. Steeped in history, the galleries house hundreds of relics from ships wrecked along WA’s treacherous coastline, including the original timbers from the…