Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre has been named Australia’s Major Tourist Attraction at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, recognising its national impact in delivering hands-on science experiences.
Since opening in 1988, Questacon has become an Australian tourism icon, welcoming up to 500,000 visitors each year to its Canberra centre. With more than 200 interactive exhibits across eight galleries, a visit to Questacon sparks curiosity and inspires an interest in science and technology. In 2024-25, Questacon reached a further 375,000 people across Australia through its national touring and travelling exhibition programs.
The national award celebrates natural or built attractions that draw visitors for pleasure, interest and cultural value. Questacon emerged as the top attraction ahead of major outstanding attractions including the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo.
Questacon Executive Director, Jo White, welcomed the announcement and acknowledged the award as a milestone in Questacon’s long history of inspiring visitors and contributing to Australia’s tourism landscape.
“Thank you to the incredible teams at Questacon for your passion, creativity and commitment to our mission,” Ms White said. “Your work inspires curiosity, creates lasting memories and helps ignite a lifelong love of science and technology.”
“Our visitors are the reason we strive to create an environment where science is not just learned but truly experienced. We’re grateful to every person who has walked through our doors.”
“This award motivates us to keep evolving, sharing the wonder of science and technology, and contributing to the future of tourism in Australia.”
Questacon has secured the Major Tourist Attraction award for the second consecutive year (2024 and 2025), reinforcing its status as a must visit destination for families, schools, interstate travellers and international visitors.
