Stargazing at the Brisbane Planetarium

Overview

Named after the soldier and astronomer who gave our fair city its name, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium has been a favourite school tour spot since 1978. You've been — we all have — and it's definitely worth another visit, even if you're well out of class. But unlike school, here, staring into space is not only acceptable, it's mandatory.

The 12.5-metre-diameter Cosmic Skydome is the main attraction, of course, under which you'll lean back and send your eyes skywards as informative films tell of black holes, the dark universe, moons and cosmic collisions. Once you've toured the stars, return to earth with a walk through the surrounding Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Among the gardens, you'll find another dome (this time dedicated to tropical plants) holding its own must-see wonders of the universe — cacti, succulents and bonsais.

Image: Anwyn Howarth.