Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre

Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre
National Museum of Australia
Lawson Cres, Acton ACT 2601

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A Great educational and playful experience for kids and enjoyable for parents.

✅ Children must be supervised by their adult carers at all times.
✅ Parents room is available with change tables, microwave and a children’s toilet. Breastfeeding is welcome in the space and all areas of the Museum.
✅ Lockers are available at no charge.
❌ Food and drinks can be consumed in the Cafe, Garden of Australian Dreams and the Discovery Centre foyer. To protect the collection of objects, food and drinks are not permitted within the galleries or in the play space.
❌ Children’s shoes must be taken off before entering the designated play space. Socks can remain on.
✅ 75 minute play sessions with 10 minute and 4 minute announcements at end of play time.
❤ Free Community Days throughout the year check the website for the next event.
✅ Discovery Centre workshop
❤ Quiet Hour Days.
❌ Parking At National Museum of Australia approx $15-16 for 4 hours.

Daily sessions (75 minutes)
9.15am, 10.45am, 12.15pm, 2pm, 3.30pm
Bookings essential

$10 per child
$5 per adult
$30 for a family ticket (2 adults and 3 children or one adult and 4 children)

Entry is free for all adults and children with Friends memberships.
1 year membership – $50 per adult, $20 per additional adult or child
+ more membership options

The Museum’s Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is a fun, immersive play and learn space for children of all abilities from birth to 6 years.

The Discovery Centre tells five stories from Australian history, each one encouraging different types of play.

⭐ Chris the sheep was the world’s woolliest sheep. Join him on an adventure then make your way to the shearing shed and slide down the chute. National Museum of Australia

⭐ Discover sea creatures and coral on the ocean floor or build your own fish trap. National Museum of Australia

⭐ Dress up and create your own bunyip story in the billabong space. National Museum of Australia

⭐ Sail the high seas with Matthew Flinders’ cat, Trim. National Museum of Australia

⭐ Snuggle up in a soft, warm joey pouch and listen to the story of Wambuwuny the grey kangaroo. National Museum of Australia

❤Discovery Centre quiet hours
Time: 3.30pm–4.45pm
Ticket information: Costs apply

First Tuesday of the month
Explore the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre in a quiet hours session for visitors who prefer a quieter experience. These sessions offer reduced noise and sensory experiences.

Would highly recommend

Indoor children's playground, located on the lower ground floor of the Australian National Museum, ACT-Canberra. Children can play while learning about the world around them. Helps children's motor and activity. 1 hour session costs AUD 15 for kids and for companions. $5 for additional adult

$10- for kids to get in and play. $5- adult entry.

Worth the entry and during the week, you pretty much have the place to yourself. We loved it.

Love it here. We've been here a few times already. I'm happy to pay for my child to run around in a clean and safe environment.

Located in the Australian museum, the discovery area is awesome for young children. Lots of physical activity coupled with learning experiences. Incredibly well managed with attentive supervisors.

Great place to bring young kids on a rainy day. Free for friends of the museum. Sessions start on the hour.

A great experience for the grand kids. They loved it.

Gorgeous space to spend time with little people

Lots kids kids to do

Fantastic centre for the grandchildren

A wonferful space