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 at a Glance#

Address: Museum Drive, South Bank, Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia

Website: https://www.qm.qld.gov.au

Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:00pm, closed Mondays

Admission: General entry free; special exhibitions ticketed (varies)

About Queensland Museum#

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.

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

Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1299 mm/year), wettest in February.

Air Quality: AQI 26 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberNovemberAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 21° - 30° 26° 164 mm partly cloudy 72% 4.0 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.5h
February Very Good 21° - 30° 25° 261 mm partly cloudy 75% 4.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.9h
March Very Good 19° - 29° 24° 151 mm partly cloudy 75% 5.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
April Excellent 17° - 27° 22° 137 mm some cloud 73% 4.0 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
May Excellent 14° - 24° 19° 106 mm some cloud 71% 3.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.6h
June Very Good 10° - 21° 16° 52 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.5 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.3h
July Very Good 9° - 21° 15° 58 mm mostly sunny 71% 4.1 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.5h
August Excellent 9° - 22° 16° 34 mm mostly sunny 67% 3.7 m/s 1.0 high 11.0h
September Ideal 12° - 25° 18° 35 mm mostly sunny 68% 3.2 m/s 1.5 high 11.8h
October Excellent 15° - 27° 21° 85 mm some cloud 68% 4.1 m/s 2.0 very high 12.6h
November Excellent 18° - 28° 23° 97 mm some cloud 69% 4.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.3h
December Excellent 20° - 30° 25° 119 mm partly cloudy 71% 4.2 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.7h

Nearby Attractions to Queensland Museum#