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About CSIRO

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.

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The new exhibit on human health at CSIRO Discovery Centre in Canberra, ACT.
The new exhibit on human health at CSIRO Discovery Centre at Canberra, ACT.

CSIRO Discovery

CSIRO Discovery is an award-winning public attraction showcasing our science and technology achievements.

CSIRO Discovery offers an interactive journey through CSIRO and Australian science history. It is one of the national capital's major attractions.

Science is presented in an entertaining way to demystify it, and educate people of all ages about the fascinating world of research and innovation.

CSIRO Discovery opened to the public in May 2000. It contains two floors of glass-fronted, working laboratories where scientists and technicians undertake field crop research. Their presence provides visitors to CSIRO Discovery with a view of science research in progress.  
A fabulous place and very worthwhile. Gets the students thinking about Australian research and the importance of public support.

CSIRO Discovery’s main focus is an interactive exhibition showcasing the latest research into:

  • green energy
  • hydrogen as fuel
  • global climate change
  • Australia’s woodland biodiversity
  • new technologies
  • gene technology
  • ‘new age’ sheep.

While CSIRO Discovery aims to capture the imaginations of people over 12 years of age, many younger children are enjoying Discovery because of its health and wellbeing displays, OptIPortal theatre and 3D@Discovery and the hands-on experiments in the Optuslab. New water exhibit coming soon!

The centre also offers:

  • education programs for students
  • free information about CSIRO science (InfoCell)
  • a cafe, meeting and conference space.

Opening hours

  • Monday to Friday (including public holidays) 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
  • Sunday 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
  • Closed Saturday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.

The centre is also available for hire, for details see CSIRO Discovery: a unique venue for event hire. 

Find out more about our Discovery Events.

 

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Fast Facts

  • Open Monday to Friday (including public holidays) 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
  • Open Sunday 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
  • Closed Saturday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday
  • Bookings required for school and group tours
  • After hours tours by arrangement bookings.discovery@csiro.au
  • A$8 adults
  • A$5 children, students and concessions
  • A$20 families

Contact Information

Discovery Reception
CSIRO Discovery
Phone: 61 2 6246 4646 
Fax: 61 2 6246 4600