Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Why go

Visit for an accessible introduction to the night sky without needing an evening observing session. The displays explain space exploration, while a skydome presentation offers a more immersive view. The surrounding botanic gardens give you an easy outdoor extension nearby.

What to look for

• The Cosmic Skydome is the planetarium’s main presentation space.
• A sundial and astronomy displays extend the visit beyond a show.

The full story

The planetarium takes its name from Sir Thomas Brisbane, a colonial governor and astronomer who established an observatory at Parramatta in the early nineteenth century. Its location inside the Mt Coot-tha botanic gardens creates an appealing change of scale: a garden walk looks closely at plants and landscape, while the planetarium turns attention to the wider sky. The astronomy displays can be visited independently of a Cosmic Skydome presentation, and the Sundial Courtyard gives a tangible outdoor link to the subject. Older accounts describe particular projectors and show totals, but those details change as the venue updates. Focus instead on the enduring contrast between exhibits, dome presentations and the garden setting. Check the program for the experience you want, then leave enough time to explore the surrounding plant collections.

Useful to know

• Check the current program if you want a particular skydome presentation.
• Pair the planetarium with a garden trail, allowing separate time for each.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.