Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre is an interactive science museum located on King Edward Terrace in the Parliamentary Triangle of Canberra. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips for planning a trip to the centre.
Updated in March 2026, this guide reflects current pricing. Other guides may contain outdated information.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Ticket prices | Adult: $23; Child (4–17): $17.50; Family: $70 |
| Address | King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600 |
| Nearest transport | Bus Route 2, 6, or 58 (National Library stop) |
| Time needed | 3 to 4 hours |
Questacon opening hours
The centre is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Questacon is closed only on Christmas Day.
Questacon ticket prices
Standard admission for adults is $23, while children aged 4 to 17 and concession card holders pay $17.50. A family ticket (covering 2 adults and up to 3 children) is available for $70. Children under the age of 4 receive free entry.
Questacon is included in the Canberra Mega Pass scheme. This pass also provides entry to the Australian Institute of Sport and the National Zoo & Aquarium. Another available option is the 3infun Pass, which includes Questacon alongside the Australian Institute of Sport and Cockington Green Gardens.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
How to get to Questacon
Questacon is situated within the Parliamentary Zone and is served by several Transport Canberra bus routes. Routes 2, 6, and 58 stop at the nearby National Library, which is a 5-minute walk from the museum entrance. For those coming from the city centre, the museum is approximately a 30-minute walk across the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.
Parking at Questacon
Paid parking is available in the Parkes Place West car park managed by the National Capital Authority. Short-stay parking is limited to 4 hours at a rate of $4.20 per hour, while long-stay all-day parking is available for $17.50. Parking is free for Australian Disability Parking Permit holders in designated accessible bays.
How long to spend at Questacon
Visitors typically require 3 to 4 hours to explore the eight themed galleries. Families with younger children may spend longer due to the interactive nature of the exhibits and scheduled live science demonstrations.
Accessibility at Questacon
The building is fully accessible with ramp access and automatic doors at both entrances. All galleries are connected by a lift and a continuous internal ramp system.
Manual wheelchairs and prams are available for hire from the front desk free of charge, with photo identification required as a deposit. The Japan Theatre is equipped with a hearing loop in the first four rows. Sensory-friendly sessions are held periodically; visitors should check the March 2026 calendar for specific dates.
Inside Questacon
Questacon contains over 200 interactive exhibits across several galleries. The Excite@Q gallery focuses on high-energy science, featuring the Free Fall six-metre slide and a robotic air-hockey table.
The Mini Q gallery is a dedicated space for children aged 0 to 6, offering play-based learning environments such as a construction zone and a water play area. Awesome Earth explores natural phenomena, including an earthquake simulator and a Tesla coil that demonstrates lightning strikes.
In The Shed, visitors can participate in maker-space activities and design challenges. The Japan Theatre hosts the “Spectacular Science Shows” throughout the day, which are 30-minute live demonstrations covering topics like liquid nitrogen, rockets, and electricity.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Advice for visitors |
| Timing | Arrive at 09:00 to experience the more popular exhibits before school groups arrive. |
| Shows | Check the daily show schedule at the Information Desk immediately upon arrival. |
| Booking | Pre-purchase tickets online to guarantee entry. |
| Lockers | Use the $2 refundable coin lockers on the ground floor for heavy bags and coats. |
| Food | The Atomic Café serves hot meals and snacks; outdoor picnic tables are also available. |
Frequently asked questions about Questacon
| Question | Answer |
| Is Questacon suitable for children? | Yes, it is designed for all ages, with specific galleries like Mini Q for toddlers. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Questacon? | It is highly recommended during weekends and public holidays to avoid sell-outs. |
| Is Questacon open on Sundays? | Yes, the centre is open from 09:00 to 17:00 every Sunday. |
| Are bags allowed at Questacon? | Small bags are allowed, but large items should be placed in the ground-floor lockers. |
Things to do near Questacon
Questacon’s location in the Parliamentary Triangle provides easy access to other major attractions:
- National Library of Australia: Located directly adjacent to Questacon.
- National Portrait Gallery: A 5-minute walk away, featuring portraits of prominent Australians.
- National Gallery of Australia: The nation’s best showcase for Australian art.
- High Court of Australia: A 10-minute walk towards the lake.
- Old Parliament House (Museum of Australian Democracy): Located within a 10-minute walk through the rose gardens.
