Overview

Questacon — the National Science and Technology Centre — is a major public science centre located on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, ACT, Australia. It presents interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and public programs designed to engage visitors with physical, biological and technological concepts. The centre aims to make science accessible and enjoyable for children while remaining valuable to adults, teachers and researchers.

Exhibits and experiences

Questacon houses more than 200 hands-on exhibits that invite visitors to touch, experiment and observe cause-and-effect. Typical experiences include sensory displays, physics and engineering challenges, communication and computing demonstrations, and biology-themed interactives. In addition to permanent displays, the centre often stages temporary exhibitions that explore specific topics and travelling shows that tour regionally.

Common types of activities and facilities:

  • Hands-on exhibit galleries that demonstrate core scientific principles
  • Daily live science demonstrations and theatrical science shows
  • Educational programs for school groups and teacher resources
  • Workshops, special events and outreach to regional communities

History and mission

Established to raise public awareness of science and technology, Questacon developed as a national centre for informal science learning and outreach. Its mission emphasises hands-on learning, curiosity-driven exploration and support for science education. Over time it has expanded from local exhibitions to national programs that support school curricula and community engagement.

Education, research and public value

Questacon functions both as an attraction and as an educational resource. It offers school excursions, professional development for teachers, and curriculum-linked activities that reinforce classroom learning. The centre also contributes to science communication by training demonstrators, producing educational materials and partnering with universities, industry and government agencies to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Visiting information and notable facts

Visitors can expect accessible galleries suitable for family groups, special needs services, and onsite amenities such as a café and gift shop. As the country’s principal public science centre, Questacon is notable for its emphasis on interactivity and outreach rather than passive displays. Its exhibits are continually reviewed and updated to reflect current scientific understanding and pedagogical practice.

For more details about current exhibits, program schedules and school bookings, consult the centre’s visitor guides and education pages or contact their enquiry services directly.