Questacon achieves major milestone with 13 million visitors

Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre located in Canberra - has achieved a major milestone in welcoming 13 million visitors and inspiring generations of Australians through hands-on science engagement.

Since officially opening in 1988 the Questacon Centre has been sparking curiosity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and has become a national icon and must-see destination for families, school groups and tourists.

Seaforth Public School have become the 13 millionth visitors to walk through the doors of the Centre.

In 2024 Questacon hosted 1,608 schools from across Australia, making up 24.5% of the total annual visitors to the Centre. School visits provide hands-on, interactive learning experiences outside the classroom, helping students connect scientific concepts with the real world.

Nearly one in six schools from across the nation visited Questacon last year, including 557 schools from regional and remote Australia. For many young Australians, a school trip to Questacon is a formative moment that shapes their understanding of science and the Nation's capital.

As Australia looks to the future, Questacon continues to play a critical part in the national effort to build a scientifically engaged society and a skilled future STEM workforce.

Questacon Director, Jo White notes "Celebrating 13 million visitors to Questacon is a testament to the Centre's enduring appeal across generations.

"Whether you came here as a child on a school excursion, brought your own kids to explore the exhibits, or are visiting for the first time, Questacon is a place and memory that stays with you.

"At Questacon we bring science to life and we are proud to reach this milestone. We are grateful to the millions of Australians and international visitors who have walked through the doors to experience what Questacon has to offer."

Image. Seaforth Public School became the 13 millionth visitors to walk through the doors of Questacon. They were welcomed by Senator Tim Ayres, and took part in a special science demonstration involving liquid nitrogen - making their visit to Questacon even more memorable.