Science feels different when you can touch it. Scitech Discovery Centre is Perth’s only hands-on science hub, plus Australia’s largest planetarium for when the rain shows up. It runs 363 days a year, so it’s a dependable day plan.

I really like two parts of Scitech right away: first, you get over 100 interactive exhibits across six galleries, so you’re not stuck passively watching. Second, the included shows give you variety fast, including Science Theatre performances and educational puppet shows.

One thing to consider: food and drink aren’t sold inside Scitech, so if you want to snack during your visit, you’ll need to bring a packed lunch or plan to use the nearby cafes in the City West building.

Key things to know before you go to Scitech (Perth)

• Australia’s largest planetarium is included with standard access, plus planetarium films and Western Australian night-sky live tours.
• Science Theatre and puppet shows are built into the all-day ticket, so the day doesn’t feel like one long walk.
• 100+ hands-on exhibits in six galleries means lots of choices for different ages and attention spans.
• All-day entry helps you slow down, repeat favorite stations, and fit planetarium showings around your pace.
• Free parking for 2 hours or $5 for 5 hours makes it easier if you’re driving in from elsewhere in Perth.
• Bring a packed lunch for the City Views seating area, with two cafes in the City West building if you want more options.

Scitech Discovery Centre: the easiest science stop near Perth City

Scitech is in Western Australia, and it’s a smart pick when you want a science day without complicated logistics. It’s opposite City West Train Station, and it’s just one stop from Perth City, which makes it easy to tack onto a broader itinerary.

If you’re walking in, you’ll still want to know where to start: the ticket desk is upstairs on Level 1. That’s where you present your all-day ticket and get moving into the galleries.

Price and value: is the $18 all-day ticket worth it?

At about $18 per person, the value here comes from the mix of things you can do in one place. You’re not only paying for exhibits—you’re also getting included show access and planetarium entry as part of the all-day pass.

Here’s the practical math: Scitech is built around multiple “modes” of learning. You can spend time hands-on, then shift to seated programming in the Science Theatre, and then move into planetarium films or live night-sky tours. That means you can keep a group interested without forcing everyone to do the same activity for hours.

One more value detail: parking is handled simply. You get free parking for 2 hours or $5 for 5 hours, which helps if you’re coming by car and not just by train.

Entering Scitech and mapping your day fast

Once you arrive and check in at the Level 1 ticketing desk, your biggest “win” is not trying to do everything in a rush. With all-day entry, you can go in rounds: exhibits first, shows second, planetarium last (or at least planned into the afternoon).

Scitech is set up across six interactive galleries, plus a Feature Exhibition gallery included in your ticket. That variety matters because the exhibits are hands-on, so you’ll naturally spend more time at stations that genuinely grab you.

A quick planning tip: the planetarium films and live night-sky experiences run at starting times, so you’ll want to check availability for those show start moments. The ticket is valid for one day, so treating your visit like a flexible schedule beats treating it like a checklist.

The hands-on galleries: how to spend time without getting lost

The heart of Scitech is the hands-on exhibit experience: 100+ interactive exhibits across six galleries. In plain terms, this is the part that works best when you have mixed ages or mixed interests, because people can gravitate to what feels fun right now.

I like thinking of the exhibits as different “stations of curiosity.” Some activities are better for short bursts and quick experiments; others reward longer attention. Since you have all day, you can do both without stress.

If you’re bringing kids, plan for repeat attempts. Hands-on science spaces tend to invite try-again energy. That’s not a bad thing—you’re essentially buying time to learn by doing, not time to “see” something once.

Feature Exhibition Gallery: why this included area matters

Your ticket also includes access to the Feature Exhibition gallery. Even if you don’t know what’s inside before you go, feature spaces are usually where the centre highlights current themes and standout experiences.

The practical benefit is simple: you get an extra layer beyond the general exhibit areas. It can also break up your day if you’re starting to feel like you’ve already seen “the standard stations.”

If you’re short on time, you don’t have to do every corner in the same order—just make sure you carve out time for the Feature Exhibition and then return to the exhibits that genuinely hook your group.

Science Theatre shows and puppet programming

Scitech includes Science Theatre performances and educational puppet shows in the all-day ticket. This is a big deal because it adds a seated, story-driven pace to the hands-on learning.

Science Theatre is where you can expect lively science-style presentations that keep attention focused. Puppet shows add another layer—often more approachable for younger kids—so the day doesn’t depend entirely on whether a child wants to tinker at every exhibit.

Here’s how I’d use this section of your day: if your group starts to get tired from walking and experimenting, the theatre shows can reset energy. If you time it right, you’ll go back to the exhibits feeling fresh instead of grumpy.

The planetarium: Australia’s biggest, plus included night-sky experiences

If you only pick one “anchor” activity at Scitech, make it the planetarium. Your ticket includes access to the Scitech Planetarium, and it’s described as the largest in Australia.

You’ll also get included planetarium options such as planetarium films and live tours of the Western Australian night sky. That’s a strong combination because films are great for building an overview, while live night-sky tours tend to feel more immediate and interactive.

Important note: special events are excluded. So if you’re hoping for a specific named event, you’ll need to check what’s considered part of regular planetarium access versus a special-ticket add-on.

When to go for the planetarium: I’d plan it after you’ve done enough exhibits to feel like you’ve earned a seated break. Also, since show start times are a thing you can check, it’s smart to look ahead so you don’t miss the one you care about most.

Packed lunch at City Views: the practical food plan

Scitech lets you bring a packed lunch, and there’s City Views seating area for eating. That’s helpful because the centre itself doesn’t sell food and drink inside.

What this means for your day: if you forget lunch, you won’t be stuck with no option—you can head to the two cafes located within the City West building. But you’ll want to plan for that walk-time so you don’t lose your place in whatever show schedule you’re working around.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of those underrated details that keeps the visit smooth. Eat on your terms, then get back into the exhibits.

Parking, getting there, and staying flexible all day

Location is a big part of the Scitech experience. You’re opposite City West Train Station, and transit to Perth City is simple: one stop. That makes it easy even if your day has other stops around the city.

If driving is your plan, parking is straightforward: free for 2 hours or $5 for 5 hours. For a typical science centre visit, that’s usually enough to cover your day without turning parking into the deciding factor.

One more “stay flexible” note: Scitech is open 363 days of the year, so it’s built for weather-proof plans. When it’s raining, you won’t feel like you chose a backup activity—you’re doing the main event.

How long you’ll realistically spend there

You bought an all-day entry ticket, so the best approach is to let the day expand based on interest. Some people will move quickly through many exhibits; others will get stuck for longer on interactive stations and return to favorites.

A good way to pace it:

• Start with a broad sweep of exhibits across the galleries.
• Use a Science Theatre or puppet show to reset energy.
• Save your planetarium slot for when you’re ready to sit back and focus.

Since valid entry is for one day, you don’t need to rush to make it “worth it.” But you do want to check planetarium show start times so you’re not waiting around at the centre wondering when the next film or live tour begins.

Who should book the Scitech all-day ticket?

This ticket is a strong match if you want science learning without homework vibes. The hands-on exhibits work well for families because different people can enjoy different stations.

It’s also a good fit for:

• Adults who like “try it yourself” science, not just watching demos.
• Anyone traveling with mixed-age kids who might not all want the same activities at the same pace.
• Rain-day planners who want an indoor experience that still feels active.

If you’re the kind of visitor who only likes formal guided tours all the time, you might find the open exhibit format more self-directed than you expect. But the included Science Theatre and planetarium shows add enough structure to balance that out.

Should you book Scitech Discovery Centre in Perth?

I’d book it if you want a practical, family-friendly day with real variety. The combination of 100+ hands-on exhibits, included science shows, and planetarium access makes this feel like a full program, not a quick stop.

Skip this only if your priority is a specific special event tied to the planetarium, because standard planetarium access excludes special events. Otherwise, for an all-day science outing that’s easy to reach (train nearby, straightforward parking), Scitech is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the Scitech Discovery Centre ticket valid?

The all-day entry ticket is valid for one day.

What’s included with the ticket?

Your ticket includes all-day entry, access to the Scitech Planetarium (special events excluded), Science Theatre shows, educational puppet shows, access to the Feature Exhibition gallery, and entry to 100+ hands-on exhibits.

Where do I pick up or present my ticket when I arrive?

Present your ticket at the Scitech ticketing desk upstairs on Level 1.

Can I bring food into Scitech?

Yes, you can bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the City Views seating area. Food and drink aren’t available to purchase inside Scitech, but there are two cafes in the City West building.

Is parking available?

Yes. Parking is free for 2 hours or $5 for 5 hours.

Is Scitech wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Scitech is wheelchair accessible.