Museums in Brisbane

The Sciencentre offers hours of interactive, hands-on, minds-on, science-based fun. Almost 100 interactive exhibits have been divided into three galleries: Body Zone, Earth Space and Action Stations.

Investigate the human body, understand the events that shape our world and beyond, and explore the marvels of science and technology in everything we do and use. There are no 'visitors' at the Sciencentre - everyone is a 'participant'. Get your hands dirty and let the kids show you how the exhibits work. The Sciencentre offers great entertainment for everyone, 'big kids' included!

Housing a significant collection of items celebrating the culture, arts and crafts of the indigenous people of Oceania, the Anthropology Museum contains a fascinating variety of photographs, artifacts and archaeological remains.

The collection pertains to everyday life including trade, body adornment, recreation, ceremonies, hunting and the collection of food, and is complemented with collections from Africa and South-East Asia.

The Redland Museum houses a fascinating collection of artifacts that are displayed as a record of the Redland Shire's social and natural history.

Browse, read about and touch these treasures from collections of equipment used in everyday life by the pioneers of the Redlands. View diverse collections and displays encompassing the military and maritime, machinery and transport.

Enjoy the blacksmith exhibit, art exhibitions and regular concerts that stimulate and enrich the community.

Some believe that the MacArthur Museum Brisbane is as significant to Australia as London's Cabinet War Rooms are to Britain. The Museum includes the actual office that was occupied by General Douglas MacArthur when he directed the Allied Forces World War II Pacific campaign.

Experience Brisbane during the dark years of World War II, when the streets were lined with air-raid shelters, and military vessels crowded the banks of the Brisbane River. Imagine a time of censorship, rationing and blackouts, and meet the family man, General Douglas MacArthur, through fascinating themed displays.

The Queensland Military Memorial Museum displays items of interest relating the history of Queenslanders' service in the defence forces from the early 1800s to the modern era.

Visitors can see fascinating items such as medals from the Maori Wars, photographs from pre-Federation Queensland, and weapons including an 1800 'Brown Bess' musket, swords and modern firearms.

Admire historical flags such as the regimental flag of the 2/26th Battalion of the Eight Division, proudly carried after the Fall of Singapore, and hidden from the Japanese through Changi and the Burma-Thai Railway.

The 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment Museum holds a large and valuable collection of relics indigenous to the WWI Light Horse era, including unique leather accoutrements, sabres and saddlery.

Serving as a memorial to those who fought for their country during the Boer War, the days of the militia, both World Wars and through until the present, the museum also boasts a comprehensive variety of uniforms pertaining to all eras. A wonderful collection of medals and badges are also on display, complemented by an extensive array of old photographs.

Displaying a comprehensive collection of weapons and a fascinating display of medals, the Victoria Barracks Museum represents a history of Australian servicemen and women from the Boer War through until 1980. The range of medals allows easy identification of medals and awards for service and gallantry.

Dating from 1864, the barracks themselves are heritage listed, and contain reminders of the Commonwealth's early days. Because the site is still in use today, public access is restricted to the weekends.

Take a voyage of discovery from the days of the early navigators to the present. See a map pinpointing 200 of the 1500 shipwrecks that lie along the Queensland coast, and discover how the first recorded shipwreck arose from the notorious mutiny on the Bounty. Learn and admire the skills of the Maritime Industry.

Find out how a flame in a kerosene lamp can be seen by mariners many kilometres away. Marvel at the craftsmen exhibited models of ships from the days of the ancient Egyptians, through Medieval times to the Golden Age of sea travel, when elegant liners plied the oceans of the world. Don't miss climbing aboard and exploring the decommissioned Navy frigate.

Ride on Brisbane's preserved trams in a delightful bushland setting, and visit the museum where you can admire restored trams and other reminders of Brisbane's tramway era. Admission includes unlimited tram rides, and picnic tables are available for a nice and enjoyable day.

Plan a full day of fun at The Workshops Rail Museum, a world-class rail museum in the birthplace of Queensland's extensive rail system.

'The Workshops', as it is affectionately known, is the site from which the very first train to run in Queensland steamed to 'Bigges Camp', now Grandchester, more than 140 years ago.

For decades the site was the centre of rail construction, maintenance and technology, also housing thousands of workers.

The Workshops is once again an icon, housing an impressive, wholly interactive rail museum, featuring the oldest continually operating railway workshops in Australia.

Unfortunately you won't be able to visit Queensland's oldest surviving prison and the gaol museum before early 2011. The Boggo Road Goal is currently under renovations to restore it to its former glory.

Since opening to the public in 1992, the prison provided a historical and educational account of Queensland correctional facilities, both past and present. The guided tour offered by ex-prison officers was always a popular attraction, with visitors encouraged to ask lots of questions and learn about its dark past. It also provided a unique venue for various events, as well as a chance for the brave to sleep over and experience prison life first hand. Boggo Road Gaol Museum is a heritage listed site, and remains one of the state's most significant cultural heritage landmarks..

Boggo Road Gaol Museum will reopen in late 2009 as part of a new development that will encompass residential, retail and recreational facilities.

Located at Police Headquarters, the Queensland Police Museum details some of the city's most notorious crimes. There are 25 displays describing police heritage, Queensland crimes, police investigative techniques, the Dog Squad, the history of policewomen, operational equipment, and more.

Try your hand at solving crime on the simulated murder scene and conduct real research in the library. The research library is home to a monograph collection and archival material and images that date back to 1864 (access by appointment).