Visitors Rain on Questacon Over the Long Weekend

15 June 2005

While the much needed rain was a welcome relief to Canberra on Saturday 11 June, it also helped Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre record its busiest Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend since opening in 1988.

The National Science and Technology Centre played host to more than 7300 visitors over the three days. The previous record being close to 6000 visitors in 2003.

“The Queen’s Birthday long weekend has always been one of our busiest times, but this year the visitor numbers have exceeded all expectations,” said Linda Hall, acting Questacon Director.

“It is a testament to the popularity of our newest galleries, Strike a Chord – The Science of Music and Mini Q – fun for 0 to 6 year olds that so many visitors wanted to experience these exhibitions.”

On Saturday 11 June almost 2400 visitors braved the weather, followed by almost 3200 on Sunday and 1760 on Monday.

The numbers for Sunday alone were the highest since 2000 with the lines to enter the Centre stretching outside the building.

While in the Centre visitors enjoyed the more than 200 hands-on exhibits ranging from the floor piano and the earthquake house to the six metre freefall which is a favourite for all our visitors.

The Spectacular Science Shows also proved a crowd favourite with more than 2300 visitors enjoying presentations on topics such as rocket propulsion and the science of music.

“This successful weekend continues to build on the astonishing year that Questacon has already had to date,” said Linda Hall.

“I hope this continues for the remainder of the year as we continue to make science fun and relevant for all of our visitors.”