Sensory friendly days

Family program

Young boy with short, dark hair, wearing a yellow shirt and sunflower lanyard touching a coral reef sculpture made of nets

Relax in a welcoming space designed for kids and adults with diverse sensory needs.

On Sensory-Friendly Days, our new exhibitions and activity areas open early or late for a quieter, more accessible experience, tailored for autistic visitors and those with diverse abilities.

Our trained staff and volunteers will be available to support access and guide creative activities.

For our August and September sessions, we're offering access to the museum galleries including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, Ultimate Depth: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea exhibition, exclusive access to a vessel (HMAS Vampire or tall ship Duyfken), and activity areas will be open extra early or extra late for a quieter experience and modified to suit people on the autism spectrum and with a range of differing abilities.

Young boy with short, dark hair, wearing a yellow check shirt standing in front of a large projection of a coastline

Young boy with short, dark hair, wearing a grey shirt with colourful print and sunflower lanyard playing with large blue blocks.

Young boy with short, dark hair, wearing a yellow shirt and sunflower lanyard touching a sculpture on the gallery wall, with a young girl out of focus behind.

Boy touching a wooden pole, with a glowing orange projection on the pole and in the background.

Children in a dark space looking through glass at a museum display.

1 - 5

Upcoming dates

Sunday early access, 8.30am – 11.30am

Sunday 17 August
Sunday 28 September

Friday late access, 3.30-6.30pm

Friday 12 September

Proud to support the sunflower

The museum supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
You are encouraged to bring and wear your sunflower lanyard if you have one, or pick one up for free on arrival to the museum
Staff who have had training to support visitors with Hidden Disabilities will also be wearing a sunflower badge or sticker.

Download Social Story

Accessibility at the museum

The museum is an experience for everyone to enjoy. We’re committed to being an inclusive museum that's accessible to all and offer tailored programs and services to assist.

Learn more