Queensland Museum, Brisbane - a large white building with a flag on top of it
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Queensland Museum Brisbane

4.6
·9k reviews·South Brisbane, Australia

Discover Queensland's natural wonders, prehistoric past, and vibrant culture at this expansive, largely free museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow
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Queensland Museum, Brisbane - a large white building with a flag on top of it

Queensland Museum Brisbane

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Queensland's natural wonders, prehistoric past, and vibrant culture at this expansive, largely free museum.

4.6
(9k reviews)

"A fantastic destination for curious minds of all ages, offering a brilliant mix of free and premium experiences."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry for All!

General admission is free, making it a great budget option. Special exhibits may have a fee.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the exhibits.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Skeletons

Dinosaur Skeletons

Queensland Museum

Marvel at impressive dinosaur skeletons and learn about prehistoric life. A must-see for all ages!

Queensland's Natural Wonders

Queensland's Natural Wonders

Queensland Museum

Explore taxidermy of native animals and fascinating marine life displays. Discover the unique biodiversity of Queensland.

Spark Lab

Spark Lab

Queensland Museum

An interactive science center with hands-on activities for kids. Ignite curiosity and encourage learning through play.

Museum of Brisbane

Museum of Brisbane

Brisbane City Hall

Discover Brisbane's stories through unique exhibitions and free clock tower tours. A glimpse into the city's past and present.

Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Big Impact

Most of the Queensland Museum Brisbane offers free general admission, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option. However, special exhibitions and the Spark Lab may have separate ticket prices. Check their website for current offerings and book in advance, especially for popular visiting exhibits or during school holidays. Reddit

South Bank Cultural Hub

Located in Brisbane's vibrant South Bank precinct, the museum is surrounded by other key cultural institutions like the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the State Library of Queensland. Plan to spend a full day exploring this area, as everything is within easy walking distance. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer school groups
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
More relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
During special exhibitions
Why
Unique, limited-time displays
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Free things to do in Brisbane: a series 🕰️🏙️ #brisbane #brisbanecity #thingstodoinbrisbane #brisbanethingstodo #freethingstodoinbrisbane #brisbanemuseum #brisbane_australia
@findyourownhope
18.8K likes • 339.4K views

🎯 Free Entry for All!

General admission is free, making it a great budget option. Special exhibits may have a fee. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the exhibits. Reddit

It’s Cheap Tuesday’s ! Get 15% off all tickets every Tuesday-no strings attached! Our V8 muscle car exhibit has 1 week to go! #hsvw427 #hsv #fordf100 #fordf100custom #mercurycougareliminator #shelbygt500 #shelby #hsv #gto #32fordhotrod #hotrod #hotrodding ##streetmachine #monaro #holden #accobra #shelby #shelbymustang #shelbygt500 #hotrod #musclecars #mercurycougar
brisbanemotormuseum
11 likes • 0 views
reddit.com

Tourist in Brisbane for a day?

📱 Check Exhibition Schedules

Book popular visiting exhibits in advance, especially during school holidays. Reddit

📍 South Bank Cluster

Combine your visit with QAGOMA & State Library for a full cultural day. Reddit

reddit.com

What events/exhibitions etc have you been to lately in Brisbane?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry for All!

General admission is free, making it a great budget option. Special exhibits may have a fee. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the exhibits. Reddit

📱 Check Exhibition Schedules

Book popular visiting exhibits in advance, especially during school holidays. Reddit

📍 South Bank Cluster

Combine your visit with QAGOMA & State Library for a full cultural day. Reddit

🧒 Kid-Friendly Fun

Spark Lab offers interactive science fun for children. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Queensland Museum for its impressive, free-to-access exhibits, particularly the dinosaur displays and natural history collections. The interactive Spark Lab is a hit with families, and the museum's accessibility is noted. While general admission is free, some special exhibitions have a fee, and school groups can sometimes make it crowded.

"The museum facilities were very good. Everything was Wheelchair accessible.
The exhibit was top-notch. They limited how many people could get through at one time, which greatly enhanced the experience. We had a very good time. If you enjoy ancient history, ancient Egypt, pharaohs and mummies, then you’ll really enjoy this."

Joel Callahan

"I happened to stop by this museum, and to my surprise, it was also free of charge🆓✨
Australia is truly generous in this way🇦🇺

The exhibits were so impressive — from taxidermy of koalas and kangaroos to a massive whale model hanging from the ceiling! 🐨🦘🐋
With so many life-sized displays, it really gave me a sense of the scale of nature.

It was an exciting moment of unexpected discovery, and I love how travel brings these little surprises along the way🌿

What’s more, right in front of South Brisbane Station you’ll find a vibrant hub of art and culture.
Art galleries, museums, musical theaters, and libraries line the area, making it feel like the city’s cultural heart.
The moment you step out of the station, you’re greeted with a creative and inspiring atmosphere✨"

Ai Watanabe

"One of the most well-known museums in Brisbane. This is a great place to learn more about the history of Queensland and the past dinosaur era. They provide easy-to-understand information and interactive exhibitions to learn more about them. The exhibitions have a nice display and they have a variety of different exhibitions to see, such as the dinosaurs, and many other animals. Definitely recommend visiting here."

Sadewa 48

What People Like

Free general admission
Impressive dinosaur exhibits
Interactive Spark Lab

What People Dislike

Crowds during school holidays
Fees for special exhibitions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Queensland Museum is conveniently located in the South Bank precinct. You can easily reach it by public transport, including buses and trains to South Brisbane Station. It's also a pleasant walk across the Victoria Bridge from the CBD. Reddit

Yes, there are several paid parking options available at South Bank, including the Cultural Centre Car Park and the Southpoint Car Park. Public transport is often recommended to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum facilities are very good and fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Reddit

Yes, strollers are generally welcome. There are also elevators available to navigate between floors easily. Reddit

The Museum of Brisbane is located in Brisbane City Hall. It's easily accessible by walking from most CBD locations or via public transport to the city centre. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to the Queensland Museum is free! However, special exhibitions and the Spark Lab interactive science center may require a separate ticket purchase. Reddit

The Queensland Museum is typically open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around public holidays. Reddit

For general admission, booking is usually not required. However, for special exhibitions or the Spark Lab, it's highly recommended to book tickets online in advance to secure your spot, particularly during peak times or school holidays. Reddit

General entry is free. Prices for special exhibitions and Spark Lab vary, so check the museum's website for current pricing. Reddit

While general admission is free, keep an eye out for potential discounts on special exhibitions. The Brisbane Motor Museum offers 'Cheap Tuesdays' with 15% off tickets. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the impressive dinosaur displays, the extensive collection of Queensland's natural history (including taxidermy and marine life), and the interactive Spark Lab for hands-on science fun. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's very family-friendly! The dinosaur exhibits and Spark Lab are particularly engaging for children. Many reviewers mention their kids loving the reef, bird, and dinosaur sections. Reddit

The Museum of Brisbane features rotating exhibitions on Brisbane's history and culture. They also offer free tours up the historic City Hall Clock Tower. TikTok

Yes, the Spark Lab is a dedicated interactive science center with many hands-on activities. Some permanent exhibits also incorporate interactive elements. Reddit

You could easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the main exhibits. If you plan to visit special exhibitions or Spark Lab, allow for an additional hour or more. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the museum itself may not have extensive dining options, the South Bank precinct is packed with cafes, restaurants, and food courts offering a wide variety of cuisines. Reddit

Generally, it's best to consume food and drinks outside of the exhibition areas. There are often designated areas or nearby parks where you can enjoy a picnic. Reddit

Brisbane City Hall is in the heart of the CBD, so you'll find numerous cafes and restaurants within easy walking distance. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of the Queensland Museum, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always check for specific signage. TikTok

The large dinosaur skeletons, the whale model hanging from the ceiling, and the diverse taxidermy displays offer great photo opportunities. The view from the Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower is also spectacular. TikTok

Drones are typically not allowed in public indoor spaces like museums. For outdoor photography, be sure to check CASA regulations for flying drones in urban areas. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Queensland Museum is a fantastic destination for families. The free general admission makes it an accessible outing, and the dinosaur exhibits and Spark Lab are huge hits with children. Reviewers consistently mention how much their kids enjoy the reef, bird, and dinosaur sections. Reddit+1

Consider booking special exhibitions in advance, especially during school holidays, to avoid disappointment. The museum's location in South Bank also means you can easily combine a visit with other family-friendly activities in the area, like the Streets Beach or the nearby art galleries. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This museum is a dream for budget travelers as general admission is free! Reddit You can spend hours exploring the vast collections without spending a cent. For those looking for more, special exhibitions and Spark Lab offer excellent value for their ticket price, providing interactive and in-depth experiences. Reddit

Combine your museum visit with exploring the rest of the South Bank precinct, which also offers free attractions like the parklands and Streets Beach. This makes for a full day of entertainment and discovery without breaking the bank. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. The Queensland Museum delves into the natural history of Queensland, showcasing its unique flora and fauna, as well as its prehistoric past with impressive dinosaur displays. Reddit+1

For a more urban historical perspective, the Museum of Brisbane in City Hall offers insights into the city's development and cultural heritage, complete with a free clock tower tour. TikTok Exploring both museums provides a comprehensive understanding of Queensland's past, from ancient times to modern urban life.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Queensland's Natural Heritage

The Queensland Museum is a treasure trove of the state's natural history. Visitors can marvel at impressive dinosaur skeletons, including those of iconic prehistoric creatures. Beyond the giants of the past, the museum showcases the incredible biodiversity of Queensland through extensive taxidermy displays of native animals like koalas and kangaroos, as well as fascinating marine life exhibits. These life-sized displays offer a profound sense of scale and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Reddit+1

The museum's commitment to education is evident in its clear and accessible information. Whether you're learning about the ancient past or the vibrant present of Queensland's ecosystems, the exhibits are designed to be both informative and engaging. It's a fantastic way to connect with the unique environment of this Australian state. Reddit

Interactive Learning at Spark Lab

For families and the perpetually curious, Spark Lab is an absolute must-visit within the Queensland Museum. This dedicated interactive science center is designed to ignite a passion for STEM through hands-on activities and engaging experiments. Kids can get involved in picking stick insect eggs out of dirt, using telescopes, and exploring the fascinating world of spiders and bugs. Reddit

The emphasis here is on learning through play. Spark Lab provides a dynamic environment where children can experiment, discover, and develop a deeper understanding of scientific principles in a fun and accessible way. It's an excellent complement to the museum's more traditional exhibits, offering a chance for active participation and discovery. Reddit

Discovering Brisbane's Stories at Museum of Brisbane

While the Queensland Museum focuses on natural and cultural history, the Museum of Brisbane (MoB) offers a unique perspective on the city itself. Located within the iconic Brisbane City Hall, MoB presents a dynamic range of exhibitions that delve into the stories, people, and culture of Brisbane. These exhibitions are often curated around themes of local collections and the lives of its residents. TikTok

A major drawcard for the Museum of Brisbane is the free tour of the historic City Hall Clock Tower. This offers a nostalgic journey and a chance to see the city from a different vantage point. The museum also frequently hosts family-friendly activities, making it a great addition to a day of exploration in the city centre. TikTok

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