Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

About Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is a public astronomy education facility located within the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha. Named after the astronomer governor of New South Wales, it serves as a cultural and scientific institution for the metropolitan area. The planetarium offers immersive sky shows and educational programming about celestial phenomena. It operates as part of Brisbane's broader network of public attractions, contributing to the city's reputation for accessible science communication and outdoor recreation combined with learning experiences. Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00; Monday 10:00–16:00 during Queensland school holidays only. Closed on Mondays outside Queensland school holidays.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

The facility contains a cosmic skydome theatre for projected astronomical presentations. Exhibition space houses astronomy-related displays and interpretive materials. A gallery area presents space science content for visitor engagement. The building includes functional spaces supporting educational programming and public events. Visitors should anticipate a compact institutional setting focused on astronomical education rather than extensive museum collections. Closed on Mondays outside Queensland school holidays. General entry to the Planetarium is free. General entry to the Planetarium is free. A general-audience Cosmic Skydome show costs AUD 17.50 for an adult; the shorter children's show costs AUD 11 for an adult.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

How long to spend

A typical visit duration depends on individual interest in astronomy content and scheduled show programming. Visitors combining planetarium attendance with exploration of the surrounding Brisbane Botanic Gardens should allocate additional time. The facility's scale suggests a contained experience rather than a full-day destination. Those attending specific sky shows must factor presentation timing into their planning. Integration with broader Mount Coot-tha precinct activities, including garden walks and summit views, extends typical visit duration substantially beyond the planetarium component alone. General entry to the Planetarium is free. A general-audience Cosmic Skydome show costs AUD 17.50 for an adult; the shorter children's show costs AUD 11 for an adult.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Season and crowds

Seasonal considerations for Brisbane include subtropical summer humidity and afternoon storm probability, potentially affecting comfort during associated outdoor Botanic Gardens exploration. Evening programming may offer different atmospheric conditions for post-show sky observation. Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–16:00; Monday 10:00–16:00 during Queensland school holidays only. The route connects the stop with Brisbane City. Translink bus route 471 serves “Mt Coot-tha Rd at Botanic Gardens, stop 19,” beside the Botanic Gardens and Planetarium. The route connects the stop with Brisbane City. The Planetarium is at 152 Mt Coot-tha Road within Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Tickets

Visitors must verify current admission costs, show pricing structures, and any concession categories directly with official sources. Membership options, group rates, and combination arrangements with other Brisbane attractions may exist without being documented in available pointers. Budget-conscious visitors should anticipate potential show surcharges beyond any base facility access and confirm payment methods accepted before attendance. General entry to the Planetarium is free. A general-audience Cosmic Skydome show costs AUD 17.50 for an adult; the shorter children's show costs AUD 11 for an adult. The Cosmic Skydome is fully wheelchair accessible.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Getting there

The planetarium sits within Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha, approximately seven kilometres west of the central business district. Road access via Mount Coot-tha Road connects to the precinct. The location demands some form of mechanical transport from central Brisbane given its elevated, non-urban fringe position. Translink bus route 471 serves “Mt Coot-tha Rd at Botanic Gardens, stop 19,” beside the Botanic Gardens and Planetarium. The route connects the stop with Brisbane City. The Planetarium is at 152 Mt Coot-tha Road within Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. Accessible entrances and toilets are identified on Brisbane City Council's Botanic Gardens mobility map.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What to watch out for

The Mount Coot-tha location involves winding roads and elevation change, potentially challenging for inexperienced drivers or those prone to motion discomfort. Queensland sun exposure requires appropriate protection even during short outdoor transitions between parking and facility entry. The planetarium's darkened theatre environment presents standard trip hazards during movement. Visitors with photosensitive conditions should note that sky shows involve projected light effects. The Cosmic Skydome is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available in the main car park near the Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre and along the internal Ring Road.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Standard visitor photography policies for comparable institutions typically restrict recording during darkened presentations to prevent audience distraction and protect intellectual property of show content. Exhibition areas may permit non-flash photography subject to specific signage or staff direction. The distinctive building architecture and surrounding Botanic Gardens setting offer alternative photographic subjects. Visitors seeking to capture sky show experiences should verify whether any official photography opportunities or sanctioned content sharing arrangements exist. Yes. A free Companion Card holder's companion ticket is available for Cosmic Skydome shows. Yes. Entry to the Planetarium and its public display areas is free; Cosmic Skydome shows are ticketed separately.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Where it is

• 1 hour

  6 min walk

  Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha

  • Must see
  • Nature site
• 1 hour

  26 min walk

  Mount Coot-tha Lookout

  • Must see
  • Nature site
• 1 hour

  33 min walk

  Orleigh Park

  • Must see
  • Nature site

External links

• View on Wikidata