Scienceworks
Museum Victoria operates four very different museums situated at three separate locations. Australia's largest public museums organisation, Museum Victoria is the State Museum for Victoria, responsible for the care of the state's collections, conducting research, and providing public access. Based in Melbourne, Museum Victoria runs four museums at three separate locations, as well as acting as custodian for the Royal Exhibition Building.Downstairs is a mixture of temporary and permanent exhibitions that appeal to all ages. Upstairs is the Nitty Gritty Super City specific to 3 to 8 year olds. Then there is the outside area (cafe, grassy space, playgrounds), the Planetarium and then the pump station and lightening room both of which we are yet to visit. Every day at Scienceworks is different when you enter at the front door you will be passed a sheet outlining the demonstrations, exhibitions and shows happening on the day.
The Planetarium is a great place to add onto a visit there are a number of different shows during the day, suitable for most ages. Sit back in a comfy chair for 45 minutes and take a journey into space, check out the southern sky for the night ahead and test your knowledge of the local constellations after a visit in the museum the kids are usually pretty happy to kick back for some quiet time.
Scienceworks is located in an old Pumping Station 5 km from Melbourne CBD, Scienceworks is maze of a hands-on interactive displays than make learning about science fun. It includes the Melbourne Planetarium.
The historic Spotswood Pumping Station is open for guided or self-guided tours daily. See the large steam pumping engines powered by compressed air. Experience the true magnificence of the giant pumps, gleaming and dripping with oil as the flywheel turns and the pistons pump.
The Spotswood Pumping Station was built in the late nineteenth century as a key component of Melbourne's first centralised sewerage system. Today it is one of Australia's most important industrial heritage sites. The buildings and their contents were classified by the National Trust of Australia in 1981 and are listed on both the Victorian and National Heritage Registers.
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Location: 2 Booker St, Spotswood.
Getting There: by train to Spotswood station on the Werribee and Williamstown Lines (allow for a 10 minute walk). By ferry, via Southbank - Williamstown Ferries (03) 9682 9555. Contact: 13 11 02 (Victoria only), or (02) 9392 4800
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