Science has a floor plan in Perth. Scitech is Perth’s go-to, rain-or-shine hands-on science discovery centre, and it’s anchored by Australia’s largest planetarium. I like that it’s built for real interaction with 100+ exhibits, and you’ll also get planetarium time plus Science Theatre and puppet shows included on an all-day ticket. It’s open 363 days a year, so it’s a smart way to keep the day moving even when the weather has other plans.

One thing to keep in mind: your ticket covers the standard planetarium and shows, but special events are not included, so check what’s on before you plan around a particular headline session.

Key things to know before you go

• Australia’s largest planetarium is included with your all-day entry (special events excluded)
• 100+ interactive exhibits across six interactive galleries give you plenty to do
• Science Theatre performances and educational puppet shows are built into the day
• Planetarium films and live night-sky tours are part of the experience
• Free parking for 2 hours or $5 for 5 hours helps if you’re driving

Why Scitech in Perth is a smart all-day science plan

Scitech is one of those places where the day doesn’t feel like a “museum crawl.” You can move at your own pace, touch and test things in the exhibit areas, then switch gears for shows in the theatre and the planetarium. That rhythm matters, especially with kids, because you’re not locked into one long, quiet room.

I also like the size of the offering. Six interactive galleries plus over 100 hands-on exhibits means you can spread your attention out. If you love physics one minute and want something visual the next, Scitech gives you options. And the planetarium component adds a big “wow” factor without turning the day into a one-hour stop.

For adults, the planetarium live tours of the Western Australian night sky can be a real upgrade to casual stargazing. Even if you don’t go deep on astronomy, seeing the sky explained in a dedicated space usually lands better than trying to do it from a dark patch outside.

Getting to Scitech: City West Train Station makes it easy

Scitech is opposite City West Train Station, and it’s just one stop from Perth City. That’s a simple setup: if you’re staying in or near the centre, you can skip parking stress and ride in.

When you arrive, you’ll check in at the Scitech ticketing desk upstairs on Level 1. It’s a quick, practical moment—get your ticket sorted, then head straight into the galleries so the day doesn’t get away from you.

If you are driving, parking is available with free parking for 2 hours, or $5 for 5 hours. That can work well if you plan to come and go with a bit of flexibility. For a full all-day visit, though, I’d treat parking pricing as part of the budget, not an afterthought.

Your ticket includes the big stars: planetarium and Science Theatre

The all-day entry ticket is built around three pillars: the planetarium, Science Theatre performances, and access to the interactive galleries. You’re not paying just to walk through static displays. You’re buying time in multiple formats—hands-on, live performance, and a dedicated immersive astronomy setting.

Planetarium access is included, but special events are excluded. That distinction is important. The planetarium is the big draw, and special events often sell as premium experiences. If you only want the standard sessions, you’re set. If you have your heart set on a specific special event, you’ll need to plan that separately.

In the Science Theatre, you’ll catch lively science shows included with your ticket. There are also educational puppet shows. It’s a great pairing: theatre segments give you energy and context, while puppet shows handle the learning in a more digestible, kid-friendly way.

One practical tip: treat the shows as anchor points for your day. When you’re picking your route through the exhibits, let the shows help you decide when to head to specific spaces instead of trying to do everything randomly.

Six interactive galleries and 100+ hands-on exhibits

Over 100 hands-on exhibits across six interactive galleries is exactly the kind of setup that makes an all-day ticket feel worth it. You’re not stuck trying to look at everything at once. You can choose what grabs you, test things, and circle back without feeling behind.

What’s especially useful is that the galleries are designed around interaction. That means you can spend time at fewer stations and still feel like you’ve gotten a full visit’s value. Kids often like repeat attempts—press the button again, try the setup again, see what changes. Adults tend to enjoy the “how does that work?” moment when an exhibit gives you immediate feedback.

If you’re visiting with a mixed-age group, this is where Scitech shines. You can split attention: one person stays longer at a hands-on activity while another checks out a different gallery. The day stays flexible, and the learning stays active.

I’d plan for a slow start. When you arrive, you may feel like you want to hit the planetarium first. But giving yourself an hour in the exhibits can help everyone warm up. Then, the planetarium feels like the next big chapter instead of the first thing you rush through.

Feature Exhibition gallery: how it adds focus

Your all-day ticket also includes access to the Feature Exhibition gallery. Even without a named theme here, a feature gallery in a place like this usually functions as a “bigger picture” area—often where the centre leans harder into a current topic or a standout display.

For you, that matters because it can turn a scattershot science day into something more coherent. Instead of only bouncing between small interactive stations, you can spend time in the Feature Exhibition to get a sense of what the centre is emphasizing during your visit.

In practice, I like using a feature area as my midday reset. Go through it after lunch, then return to the exhibits refreshed. If you’re travelling with kids, this also helps prevent the classic late-afternoon energy drop—because it gives them something new to look forward to.

Planetarium films and live tours of the Western Australian night sky

Scitech’s planetarium is where the day earns its headline. You get access included on the all-day ticket, and that planetarium programming includes both planetarium films and live tours of the Western Australian night sky.

Why this is valuable: a night-sky talk inside a planetarium can make the sky feel practical instead of mysterious. Outside, you need perfect conditions and a clear view. Inside, you’re guided through what you’re seeing and why it matters.

I also like that the live tours connect to the Western Australian sky. Even if you’ve seen astronomy content online, it can feel different when it’s oriented to your location. It helps you connect abstract diagrams to a real sky you could look up at later.

A smart move is to check availability for starting times. The activity mentions starting times are tied to availability, so plan your day around what sessions are scheduled rather than assuming you’ll be able to choose any time you want.

Science Theatre performances and puppet shows that actually work

Included shows are a big part of how Scitech keeps visitors engaged without relying on screens alone. You get lively Science Theatre performances, plus educational puppet shows. That combination is a practical win because it supports different learning styles.

Science Theatre tends to work for adults and older kids because it brings structured explanations into a fun setting. Puppet shows can be the right bridge for younger kids—shorter attention spans need shorter segments, and puppets handle that job with less pressure than a lecture.

I’d treat these shows like time slots in your day, not extra add-ons. If you’re planning for an all-day visit, you’ll get more value by timing your exhibit exploration around show times. That also helps you avoid the common problem of rushing exhibits because you forgot the next show was coming up.

Even if you think you’ll skip shows because you’re there for hands-on stuff, don’t. The exhibits teach through touch and play; the theatre and puppets teach through story and explanation. Together, it’s a stronger package.

Food rules at Scitech: plan a lunch break

Here’s the deal with food: 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 located within the City West building.

This is one of those small details that affects comfort. If you plan to spend the whole day, a packed lunch keeps you from having to scramble when everyone gets hungry. And if you prefer buying food, plan to step into the City West cafes instead of expecting options inside Scitech.

My advice: treat lunch as a scheduled reset. After you eat, do one more gallery, then return for the later shows or planetarium session. That keeps the energy level steady, especially with families.

Price and value: $18 for an all-day science hit

At about $18 per person for an all-day ticket, Scitech is priced like an activity that you can actually justify without shopping for discounts. The value comes from what’s included: over 100 interactive exhibits, access to the Feature Exhibition gallery, Science Theatre performances, puppet shows, and planetarium access (with special events excluded).

If you were paying for these elements separately elsewhere, the total can add up fast. Here, the ticket bundles multiple formats into one admission cost. That reduces decision fatigue too. You don’t have to figure out whether to choose exhibits or a show. You get both.

The only value trade-off is the special events exclusion. If there’s a special planetarium event or a premium session happening during your visit, your $18 ticket won’t automatically cover it. Still, for a regular all-day experience, the included standard planetarium and theatre content is exactly where the day gets its punch.

Who should book Scitech, and who might want to rethink

This works best for families who want a full day that mixes hands-on play with guided explanations. Kids typically enjoy the interactive exhibits, and the puppet shows help keep attention from drifting. Adults get something too, especially with planetarium films and live tours that connect astronomy to the Western Australian night sky.

It’s also a solid choice if your trip has one day with uncertain weather. Scitech is open 363 days a year, so you’re not rolling the dice with the sky outside.

You might rethink if you’re the type who only wants a short, single highlight. Because it’s built as an all-day ticket, you’ll likely get more value by planning to stick around longer than a quick check-in. If your schedule is very tight, you could find yourself wishing you had chosen a shorter option.

Should you book this all-day Scitech ticket?

If you want one admission price that buys you hands-on science, theatre shows, and planetarium time in Perth, I think Scitech is a strong yes. The included planetarium access and the real interaction in the galleries make the day feel full without needing a complicated itinerary.

Book it if:

• You’re travelling with kids and want a day that keeps them moving.
• You want more than a basic museum visit—shows and planetarium are part of the deal.
• You want something reliable for rain or shine.

Consider a different plan if:

• You’re specifically aiming for special events not covered by standard entry.
• You only have a half day and don’t want to pace yourself across exhibits, theatre, and planetarium sessions.

FAQ

Is the Scitech Planetarium included in the all-day ticket?

Yes. All-day entry includes access to the Scitech Planetarium, and it excludes special events.

What shows are included with the ticket?

Your ticket includes lively science shows in the Science Theatre and educational puppet shows.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day.

Can I bring food to Scitech?

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

Where do I check in when I arrive?

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

Is there parking available?

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

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