Queensland Museum

Museum State museum in Brisbane focusing natural history

Brisbane’s state museum on South Bank with natural history, Aboriginal collections and science exhibits. Visitors browse fossils, marine specimens, cultural displays and rotating educational programs.

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Queensland Museum is the state museum of Queensland located in the Queensland Cultural Centre on South Bank in Brisbane. It was founded in 1862 and houses natural history, cultural heritage and scientific collections relating to the state.

Galleries cover topics such as paleontology, natural sciences, and Queensland cultural history, and the site includes a hands-on science gallery for families. Exhibits range from fossil and wildlife displays to material culture from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The institution has developed as a public museum and research organisation serving Queensland, with outreach, exhibitions and educational programs. Collections and displays are managed on site in the museum complex.

The museum sits on South Bank of the Brisbane River, within walking distance of the Brisbane CBD and connected to public transport and cultural precinct amenities.

  • Established: Founded in 1862, it is the state museum for Queensland and holds natural history, cultural heritage and scientific collections relating to the state.
  • Location: Located in the Queensland Cultural Centre on South Bank in Brisbane, adjacent to the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art.

What to See #

  • Sciencentre: A hands-on gallery aimed at children and families featuring interactive science exhibits and rotating demonstrations.
Queensland Museum
Museum Drive, South Bank, Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
-27.4732, 153.0174
Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:00pm, closed Mondays
General entry free; special exhibitions ticketed (varies)

How to Get to Queensland Museum #

Queensland Museum is at South Bank, adjacent to the Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA. From Brisbane CBD take the CityCat ferry to South Bank or walk across the Goodwill Bridge (about 10-15 minutes). Buses and CityCycle stations serve the area; South Bank Parklands are a 5-10 minute walk from South Bank railway station.

Tips for Visiting Queensland Museum #

  • Check for daily programs - the museum runs rotating temporary exhibits and field trips
  • Allow 2-3 hours for the permanent galleries plus extra for special exhibitions
  • Combine the visit with nearby South Bank cultural attractions (Queensland Art Gallery, GOMA)

Best Time to Visit Queensland Museum #

Indoor museum - visit year-round; avoid school holidays if crowds are a concern.

Winter (Jun-Aug)
Jun-Aug · 10-22°C
Dry, pleasant weather in Brisbane; museum visits are comfortable and outdoors are cooler.
Spring (Sep-Nov)
Sep-Nov · 15-26°C
Good weather for pairing the museum with outdoor walks around South Bank.

Weather & Climate near Queensland Museum #

Climate
Air Quality: AQI 26 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

2.8
UV Index
Extreme
13.5h daylight

February

Weather

2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

March

Weather

2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

Weather

1.4
UV Index
High
11.3h daylight

May

Weather

0.9
UV Index
Moderate
10.6h daylight

June

Weather

0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.3h daylight

July

Weather

0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.5h daylight

August

Weather

1.0
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

September

Weather

1.5
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

October

Weather

2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.6h daylight

November

Weather

2.4
UV Index
Extreme
13.3h daylight

December

Weather

2.6
UV Index
Extreme
13.7h daylight

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