Hands-On Science & Discovery: Regional NSW’s Best Interactive Museums

Exploring the world of science and discovery doesn’t have to mean endless hours of reading textbooks. Across regional NSW, there are several interactive museums where kids and families can engage with science, technology, and history in fun, hands-on ways. Whether you’re interested in space exploration, dinosaurs, or the environment, there’s a museum that will ignite curiosity and foster learning. Here’s a list of the best interactive museums in regional NSW for science and discovery lovers!

1. The Questacon Science and Technology Centre – Canberra

• Distance from Sydney: 3-hour drive

• Why It’s Great for Kids: Questacon is Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre, and though it’s technically in Canberra, it’s worth the trip for families from regional NSW. With over 200 hands-on exhibits, kids can experiment with physics, engineering, and biology. From the thrilling Extreme Science exhibition, which includes interactive displays about the weather, to the NanoZone, which lets kids dive into the microscopic world, there’s something for all ages.

• Family Tip: Don’t miss the Q Lab where kids can take part in live science shows, demonstrations, and experiments designed to make science fun and engaging!

2. The Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum – Bathurst

• Distance from Sydney: 3-hour drive

• Why It’s Great for Kids: If your child is fascinated by dinosaurs, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst is a must-visit. The museum features hands-on fossil exhibits, including a Tyrannosaurus rex skull and real dinosaur fossils from around the world. There are interactive displays where kids can learn how fossils are formed and try their hand at excavating dinosaur bones in the museum's fossil dig area.

• Family Tip: Participate in one of the museum's workshops for kids, where they can get creative while learning about the Earth's ancient history.

3. Science Space – Wollongong

• Distance from Sydney: 1.5-hour drive

• Why It’s Great for Kids: Science Space in Wollongong is a hands-on science museum dedicated to STEM learning. The museum features a range of interactive exhibits that engage kids in physics, chemistry, biology, and more. You can explore topics like space exploration, light and sound, and the human body, all through interactive experiments. With a dedicated planetarium and a live science theatre, the museum brings science to life in an exciting way.

• Family Tip: Don’t forget to check out the Laser Maze, where kids can navigate through lasers in a fun and challenging obstacle course!

4. Australian Road Transport Heritage Centre – Gundagai

• Distance from Sydney: 4-hour drive

• Why It’s Great for Kids: For those interested in the history of transportation, the National Transport Museum in Gundagai is a fascinating stop. The museum boasts an impressive collection of trains, cars, buses, and aircraft, and offers interactive displays that show the evolution of transportation throughout history. Kids can sit in a real train driver’s seat, explore the mechanics of vintage vehicles, and learn how transportation shaped Australia.

• Family Tip: Make sure to visit the interactive train simulators that let kids experience what it’s like to be a train conductor!

5. Dubbo Observatory – Dubbo

• Distance from Sydney: 5-hour drive

• Why It’s Great for Kids: Dubbo Observatory is a fantastic spot for families who love space and stargazing. Located just outside Dubbo, this observatory offers interactive night sky tours, where kids and parents can use powerful telescopes to explore the moon, planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies. The guided sessions include fascinating insights about astronomy, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages. Whether your little ones are budding astronauts or just curious about the universe, Dubbo Observatory is a must-visit for an unforgettable night under the stars!

• Family Tip: The night sky viewing sessions at the centre are an exciting way to teach kids about stars, planets, and space exploration, all while looking through telescopes!

6. The Mudgee Observatory – Mudgee

• Distance from Sydney: 3.5-hour drive

• Why It’s Great for Kids: For kids who are fascinated by the cosmos, the Mudgee Observatory offers an incredible hands-on learning experience. Located in the beautiful wine region of Mudgee, this observatory allows kids to interact with powerful telescopes, learn about the solar system, and take part in night sky tours. It’s the perfect spot for families looking to discover the stars and planets in an intimate, interactive setting.

• Family Tip: Book a family stargazing experience where kids can enjoy guided tours of the night sky and learn about constellations, stars, and planets.

7. The Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre – Cowra

• Distance from Sydney: 3.5-hour drive

• Why It’s Great for Kids: The Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre isn’t just a beautiful place for a peaceful stroll—it also offers plenty of interactive learning opportunities for kids. The garden’s design teaches children about Japanese culture, flora, and the principles of Zen. Kids can take part in Japanese arts and crafts workshops, such as origami or calligraphy, and explore the natural world through educational exhibits.

• Family Tip: Take a family stroll through the garden’s wildlife sanctuary and see if you can spot local animals along the way!

8. The Taronga Western Plains Zoo – Dubbo

• Distance from Sydney: 5-hour drive

• Why It’s Great for Kids: Although primarily a zoo, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo has an incredible educational focus that makes it much more than just a fun day out. With hands-on experiences that bring kids face-to-face with some of the world’s most fascinating animals, the zoo is a great place for children to learn about wildlife conservation. There are interactive animal feedings, a Safari Park, and opportunities for kids to engage with wildlife experts.

• Family Tip: Book a behind-the-scenes animal encounter where kids can get up close with exotic animals and learn about their habitats.

9. The Lachlan Valley Railway Museum – Forbes

• Distance from Sydney: 5-hour drive

• Why It’s Great for Kids: The Lachlan Valley Railway Museum in Forbes is a great destination for kids interested in the history of trains and railways in Australia. With a vast collection of historical trains and railway equipment, the museum offers interactive exhibits where kids can learn how trains operated in the past. Children can climb aboard old railway carriages, learn about the inner workings of trains, and experience the magic of steam-powered locomotives.

• Family Tip: Don’t miss the train rides that are sometimes offered on weekends, where kids can enjoy a real railway experience!

10. The Australian Reptile Park – Somersby

• Distance from Sydney: 1.5-hour drive

• Why It’s Great for Kids: The Australian Reptile Park offers kids the chance to interact with snakes, lizards, koalas, and other Australian wildlife. There are daily shows where kids can learn about the animals, touch and hold creatures, and get involved in hands-on experiences like feeding the animals. It's a great place to teach children about the importance of wildlife conservation in an interactive and fun way.

• Family Tip: Don’t miss the chance to hold a baby koala or feed a kangaroo during your visit.