There is so much for visitors to see and do when visiting Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Certainly there is never time to ever feel bored; this city is a mine of interesting information. One of the sights to definitely pay a visit to is the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, which offers informative and delightful programs for both children and adults. It really offers you the opportunity to learn so much about the universe that you may not be aware of. The Planetarium that opened in 1978 is located in the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, at Mount Coot-tha, Toowong, that is another interesting place to visit.
Among the facilities at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium are the Display Zone, a Mini Theatre, the Observatory, and Cosmic Skydome. Of course, you will also not leave without stopping at the Galaxy Gift Shop and buying a memento or something small as gifts for friends and family back in your home town.
Among the highlights to see is the optical star projector which is used to recreate a sky at night time and is so realistic. This is found on the projection dome that is 12.5 metre in diameter. When visiting the display area you go on an astronomical journey through time and see a life-size replica featuring Neil Armstrong’s space suit worn when he landed on the moon’s surface. There are many other items and displays for you to see as well.
Visiting the Planetarium is an experience that is most realistic through the state of art technology that is installed there. In particular the Cosmic Sky, the centre’s huge dome-shape theatre that seats 128 people, creates a spectacular 360-degree seamless digital show with sharp bright imagery on its massive resolution screen. New surround sound has been installed as well as wireless listening devices for people with impaired hearing. Although it is not in 3D, you still feel completely enrapt in the show as you are sitting far below the screened dome.
The latest technological advanced system is part of a $750,000 upgrade the planetarium is undergoing. The booking office area and the Galaxy shop are part of the upgrade as well.
Shows to see for Adults
- Cosmic Collisions
- Dark Universe
- Black Holes- Journey into the Unknown
- Moons: Worlds of Mystery ( the trailer of this one can be seen on You Tube)
- Saturday Night “Live”
- Stars of the Pharaohs
- The Search for Life: Are We Alone?
Shows to see for Children
- Secret of the Cardboard Rocket
- Secret of the Dragon
- Perfect Little Planet ( the trailer can be seen on You Tube)
- Tycho to the Moon
Planetarium opening times
- The planetarium is open daily from Tuesday until Sunday
- Tuesday to Friday – from 10am until 4pm
- Saturday – 11am until 8.15pm (the doors close at 7.30)
- Sunday – 11am until 4pm
- Monday, the planetarium is closed, as well as Christmas Day, Boxing Day,
New Years Day, the Easter weekend and Anzac Day.
