Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Residents and visitors looking for something a little different on a Friday night should drop into Brisbane City Council’s Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium at Mt Coot-tha to enjoy some intergalactic entertainment.

With 14 shows to enjoy in the venue’s Cosmic Skydome, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to leisure opportunities.

General audience shows

•    Back to the Moon for Good
•    Bella Gaia
•    Black Holes: Journey into the Unknown
•    Capturing the Cosmos
•    Cosmic Collisions
•    Dark Universe
•    Moons: Worlds of Mystery
•    Saturday Night ‘Live’
•    Starlight
•    We Are Aliens!

School holiday shows perfect for children

•    Perfect Little Planet
•    Tycho to the Moon
•    Secret of the Cardboard Rocket
•    Secret of the Dragon

Planetarium attractions

As well as the Cosmic Skydome, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium has many other attractions to engage, entertain and educate visitors, including:

•    Display Zone
•    Mini Theatre
•    Observatory (not available during summer)
•    Galaxy Gift Shop
•    Sundial Courtyard

Display Zone

The Display Zone includes two fascinating exhibit areas in the foyer and the gallery.

The foyer features artefacts and displays including fragments of asteroids, spacecraft models and an exact replica of Neil Armstrong’s Apollo spacesuit. You can also check out the old Zeiss star projector, retired from the Skydome in 2010.

The gallery leads you through the Solar System, past star formations in the Milky Way, to other galaxies and the Big Bang. Images from the Hubble Space Telescope and major observatories provide detailed views of many wonders of the Universe.

A section on the history of astronomy compares modern telescopes with ancient instruments such as stone circles and astrolabes.

The gallery also includes an interactive display, allowing you to explore the Milky Way and the Moon’s cratered surface, and learn about astronomical history and technology.

Mini Theatre

The Mini Theatre provides short feature shows on various astronomical topics and space missions. Screenings are updated frequently and admission is free.

Galaxy Gift Shop

The Planetarium’s Galaxy Gift Shop stocks a wide range of astronomy and general science merchandise including star charts, project kits, books, spacecraft models, fossils, souvenirs and novelty items. Teacher discounts apply to educational items.

Sundial Courtyard

Located on the eastern side of the Planetarium, the Sundial Courtyard features a giant concrete, steel and glass sundial, which is used to tell the time when the Sun is shining and is accurate to within 10 minutes. The Sundial Courtyard is a great spot to sit, relax and take in the surrounds.

History

The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium was established in 1978 by Brisbane City Council. Located within the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha, the Planetarium is home of the Cosmic Skydome, a 12.5-metre-diameter projection dome. Make sure you keep an eye out for activities in 2018 to celebrate the Planetarium turning 40!

Visitors

The Planetarium is definitely a ‘must do’ in Brisbane, with more than 140,000 people visiting annually and 22,730 visiting during the last summer holidays school holidays.

Admission

Single admission prices:
•    Adults $15.80
•    Children (3-14 years) $9.60
•    Concession card holders $13

Group admission prices:
•    Family (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) $43 per family
•    Groups of adults (10 or more) $13.30 each*
•    Group of children (10 or more 3-14 years) $8.80 each*
*single payment is required for whole group

Three-show pass prices:
•    adults: $36
•    children (3-14 years): $22.
Three-show pass tickets are transferable and valid for one year, but can only be used to admit one individual per show. Bookings are required.

Secret of the Dragon prices (showing during Queensland school holidays only):
•    Adults/children: $8.00
•    Group: $7.00

Bookings

Bookings are recommended for all shows so be sure to get in early and call the Booking Office on (07) 3403 2578.

Need to know -  For more information about what’s on at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium  visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

Brisbane City Council is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com