Early Start Discovery Space - Where Curious Minds Play!

Engage in loose parts play, shop in our marketplace, play in an outdoor mud kitchen, build and create with LEGO and blocks, explore a cave – plus so many more hands-on experiences. Perfect for children (birth – 10 years) and parents to enjoy together.

The Discovery Space is the ultimate learn-through-play experience, located on the University of Wollongong's main campus! As the world’s first dedicated children’s museum based on a university campus, it provides interactive experiences, stimulating educational programs and learn-through-play activities for children aged birth to 10 years and their adults.

We are open (nearly!) everyday of the School Holidays from 9am to 3:30pm. See our events page here for more details.

About our Experiences
With 20 creative and interactive experiences and numerous smaller Encounters, you'll be able to explore our two outdoor adventure gardens, construct with small and big blocks, dig for fossils, become an artist, be a train conductor, act on stage, sail a ship, crawl through a cave, play with water, and so much more!

UOW researchers and their findings guide and influence all educational aspects of the Discovery Space, ensuring our play-based experiences are grounded in evidence and beneficial to children’s development. View a full list of our experiences.

BIG NEWS! Early Start Discovery Space is a registered Creative Kids provider, which means you can use your $100 voucher towards a Discovery Space Creative Kids membership and selected workshops! Learn more - CLICK HERE

Backed by Research
Early Start Discovery Space experiences have been designed by University of Wollongong educators and researchers to inspire meaningful play and enhance the value that children gain through play-based experiences.

Opening days
We are open seven days a week (closed some Public Holidays). See our opening hours webpage to see any planned closures!

NSW School term
Weekday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Weekend: 9:00am – 3:30pm

NSW school holidays:
Weekday: 9:00am – 3:30pm
Weekend: 9:00am – 3:30pm

Ticketing Costs

• $15.00 per person
• Under 12 months – free
• 12-month membership options available
• FREE daily programs and activities
• Concession and discounted entry and membership available
• School and group bookings welcome

Buy your tickets online HERE or explore our membership options!

The Early Start Discovery Space is also registered Creative Kids provider, which means you can use your $50 voucher towards a Discovery Space Creative Kids membership! Learn more here!

Getting here
We are located on the University of Wollongong Main Campus on Northfields Avenue. You can find more details about our exact location, public transport and parking here.