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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.

CSIRO's core areas of impact
Contact Enquiries: Phone - 1300 363 400 | Email - Enquiries@csiro.au | Contact Us

Overview

 
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You enter the Discovery exhibition through the 3-screen CSIROvision room that is a sound and image show of CSIRO’s early years with highlights of today’s research.
Students attending an exhibition at CSIRO Discovery.

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 August 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, including the Haptic workbench; a three-dimensional, touch sensitive computer for medical research
  • 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 'little live creatures' displays and the hands-on experiments in the Optuslab.

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. 

 

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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$6 adults
    A$3 children, students and concessions
    A$15 families

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Ms Christine Cansfield-Smith
Phone: 61 2 6246 4601 
Fax: 61 2 6246 4600