The Mathema Gallery – The Story

In August 2023, The Mathema Gallery opened its doors. Proud owners Dr Calvin and Rosemary Irons established the Gallery to share their love of mathematics with others. It was also an opportunity to house and display a raft of mathematical books and artefacts they’ve collected over the years.

Calvin and Rosemary have impressive backgrounds in the mathematical field. Establishing the Mathema Foundation, an educational charity, and the Mathema Publishing Trust, a book publisher which produce original mathematics books, the powerhouse couple are clearly passionate about mathematics.

Calvin and Rosemary are also co-owners of Ocean View Estate, a winery which is also housed on the same property as the Gallery. 

What You Will Find at The Mathema Gallery

Stepping into the Gallery is like entering a peaceful haven. It is bright, clean, well ordered and has a pleasant feel to it.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff greet you (maybe even the owners) and explain the layout of the Gallery and how best to experience it. The kids were offered a clipboard with a Mathema Culture Quiz, which they happily took to enhance their experience while in the Gallery.

It’s suggested you start your visit at the Outer Galleries  – East and West. Working your way round in a clockwise motion you will discover mathematics from early human civilisations and explore mathematical mysteries from the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilisations, among many other things.

Toward the back of the gallery is The Library. As the name suggests this section houses more than 5,000 books. A large portion of the books can be viewed, while the more delicate and historic books are behind glass. The collection of National Geographic Magazines and historic mathematics textbooks is impressive.

The Inner Gallery is broken into two sections like the outer galleries – East and West. It is here kids (and adults) can get hands-on while also learning about binary numbers, calculating methods and more.

Like any good museum or gallery, The Mathema Gallery also features a well-stocked gift shop. You will find everything from books, jewellery, textbooks, toys, clothing and Mathema merchandise. Many of the products are unique, so if you are looking for a gift to wow that person who is hard to impress, try your luck here.

Outside the building, your visit continues with a hedge maze (still in its infancy) and a sculpture of The Hand of Plato. From the balcony, take a moment to smell the fresh country air, soak up the views and maybe even spot the cows grazing in the paddocks.

Who Will Love The Mathema Gallery

While The Mathema Gallery welcomes everyone, we feel the Gallery is best suited to families with children over the age of eight.

Older primary school children and teenagers will particular love The Mathema Gallery as it ties in world history and geography with mathematics.

Adults of all ages will also enjoy a visit to the Gallery, especially given there is a beautiful winery down the end of the driveway!

While the Gallery is centred around mathematics, you do not need to be maths fan to appreciate this gorgeous space and everything contained within its walls.

The Mathema Gallery Features

• Mathematics Gallery/Museum
• Free entry (donations appreciated)
• Accessible toilet facilities
• School visits and groups welcome (contact the Gallery for details)
• Gift shop
• Ocean View Estate Winery nearby (on the same property)
• Off-street parking

The Mathema Gallery is open from 10am – 4pm, Thursday to Sunday’s, however days and hours are generally extended during school holidays. Check the Mathema Gallery website or social media for updates.

Other Places to Visit in the Area

While you are onsite, why not drive a little further down the driveway to discover Ocean View Estate – a stunning winery with delicious food and tranquil surroundings.

Either before or after your visit to The Mathema Gallery, we recommend stopping in at Dayboro just a 10 minute drive down the road. Stroll the streets and be sure to visit the local shops and sample some of the delicious food and drinks the town has to offer. 

Alternatively, continue further up the road to Mount Mee where you can have a picnic and enjoy a bushwalk.

What We Loved About The Mathema Gallery

There is so much to love about The Mathema Gallery whether you are a fully-fledged maths nerd, someone who appreciates a touch of history or a family just looking for a day out.

We adults loved the building, the surrounds and the well-ordered and methodical layout of the gallery.

The children (aged 9 and 11) enjoyed walking around with a clipboard finding the answers to the questions within the displays. This quiz also encouraged them to slow down, pay attention and read the information panels.

The hands-on activities and games also entertained the children (and adults), who were happy to challenge each other to see who could solve the puzzles first.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to The Mathema Gallery and quite happily spent nearly two hours there. We will definitely be back!

How to Get to The Mathema Gallery

The Mathema Gallery is located at 2557 Mt Mee Road, Ocean View, approximately 60km from Brisbane CBD.

It is worth noting the last 5 – 10 minutes of road before the gallery is rather windy, so if you or your family are prone to car sickness we suggest being prepared.

More Photos of The Mathema Gallery

Exploring the Beenleigh Historical Village

Beenleigh Historical Village takes you on a nostalgic journey into the past with 20 heritage buildings filled with original Australian memorabilia dating from the 1860s onward making it an educational experience for everyone.

The village authenticity reflects Beenleigh’s history allowing visitors to wander through and experience life in times gone by. From a church to family homes, old stores, a school and machinery displays you will need several hours to make your way through all the intriguing treasures.  

Some of the highlights are St. George Anglican Church, the Post Office, family homes in their original state, Willkie’s General Store, the old Dodge fire engines, Loganholme One Teacher School, the Machinery Shed and Hester’s Dairy. 

When it is time to rest and recharge, The Village Cafe has hearty home style food and a lovely deck looking over the gardens. Or pack your own rug and snacks as there is plenty of space to set up a picnic.

There is also an art gallery, “Gallery in the Corridor” exhibiting artworks from local artists that are available for purchase. Both the cafe and gallery are open to the public.

It is easy to see why Beenleigh Historical Village is a popular place for school excursions, families, seniors tours, car and bike clubs and special functions. The Village offers an engaging and valuable way to experience history. 

Things to See and Do at Beenleigh Historical Village 

Heritage Buildings 

• Radke Cottage (1872) 
• Barter’s Cottage (1884) 
• Heck Homestead (1914)
• White House (1920) 
• Schultz House (1900)
• The Loganholme One Teacher School (1873) 
• General Store (1892)
• Lightbody Cottage 
• Council Chambers (1910) 
• Post Office 
• Coomera Lockup 
• Beenleigh Rural School & Theatre 
• St George Church of England (1875) 

Museums 

• George Harch Museum 
• Art Gallery – Saverin House 
• Tin Cup Cafe & Deck – Old Beenleigh Railway Station 1885 

Outside Exhibits 

• Hester’s Dairy 
• Machinery Shed 
• Farm Machinery Park 
• Printing Museum 
• Truck Shed 
• Fire Engines 
• Pre-Colonial Village
• Phone Box 

Suggestions for Interactive Experiences at Beenleigh Historical Village

• Find the Coomera Lockup and estimate the m2 of the floor space? 
• In Hester’s Dairy, how many cows could be milked at one time? 
• Which is the oldest home, Radke Cottage or Barter’s Cottage? Do you have a preference for one? Why? 
• What make are the fire engines? How old are they? 
• Do some sketches of the tools and machinery. Can you name any? 
• Go to The Loganholme One Teacher School. List eight similarities and eight differences between a classroom in the 1800’s and a classroom today. 
• Do an observational drawing of four items you can see in the General Store. 
• Find the Soda Cart. Where were the drinks stored and how were they kept cold? 
• Use your favourite home as a backdrop, pose for fun photos. Add quirky captions to the photos. 

Note – The heritage buildings and equipment are available for private hire and prop hire. 

Accessibility at Beenleigh Historical Museum

Beenleigh Historical Village is set on very flat grounds allowing people of varying abilities to navigate their way around the site.

Please note, some of the historical buildings (for example, Post Office, One Teacher School, Old Railway Station) have ramps but most are stairs.  The Heck Homestead has a stairlift.

Parking is available within the grounds offering easy access to the open exhibit areas and the cafe. Accessible toilet facilities are available onsite. 

Beenleigh Historical Village Details

Opening Hours 

Monday to Saturday 9am – 3pm 

Sunday 9am – 3pm (third Sunday each month) 

NOTE – Closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday and ANZAC Day. Also closed from 24 December and will re-open the first working day in January. 

Contact Details

Phone – (07) 3382 0608 

Email – admin@oldbeenleightown.com.au 

https://beenleighhistoricalvillage.com.au/ 

SINGLE ENTRY PRICES
Adult: $12 18 years old and over
Concession $10 Seniors and University Students with ID Card
Child: $9 6 -17 years old
Toddler: FREE 5 years old and under

How to Get to Beenleigh Historical Village 

205 Main Street, Beenleigh QLD 4207

More Photos of Beenleigh Historical Village

The Nippers Railway playground

It’s big, it’s hands-on, it colourful, it’s educational but most of all it’s FUN! A dedicated children’s adventure playground aptly named ‘Nippers Railway’ (a nipper was the youngest member of a railway gang) features a kids-sized railway network with a port, goods yard, country station, city station and even a signal tower.

Kids can pedal through city stations pretending to be station masters and even don a hardhat for effect. This is one of the most popular sections of the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops and it is indoors, so no need to worry about the weather. 

Train Simulators

Real trains and multimedia exhibitions are packed into the Museum and include a diesel train simulator (can you stop the diesel train without overshooting the station? – it’s harder than you think!), a recreation of a long haul train departure from the 1920s, one of a kind pieces such as the Vice-Regal carriage, and the future of rail with a Tilt Train simulator.

Model Railway Display

The Queensland Museum Rail Workshops features the largest model railway of Queensland anywhere in the world. Kids can discover a micro version of suburban Brisbane, busy ports, coastal landscapes, the cane and coal fields, outback Queensland and the iconic Kuranda Railway in Cairns. Tiny cameras are mounted in the display to see the view from inside this miniature world.

Free activities once inside

Activities just for your train enthusiast are dotted through the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops such as art and craft activities as well as dress-ups to play the part as a station master, train driver or porter.

Don’t forget to take a tour into the still active Blacksmith Shop and Steam Shop to see Queensland Rail’s skilled tradespeople maintaining and restoring the gems of the heritage fleet, including the oldest operational loco in the country. It’s a real Workshop so you must wear enclosed footwear to participate in the tour.

The Museum is known for their school holiday activities such as Build it!, Circus Train, Toyland Express, The Great Train Robbery and of course the iconic Day out with Thomas event (the biggest Thomas & Friends event in the country) that runs from Boxing Day every year until the end of January.

Check with the Museum to see what coming up. If you want to follow up this excursion then don’t forget about the Tram Museum at Ferny Grove.

Sciencentre at the Workshops

Once you have had fun exploring all of the trains and activities of the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops then make sure you head into the Sciencentre, which opened to the public in April 2019 and can be found just off to the right as you first enter the museum’s main warehouse.

Included in your ticket, visitors can work their way through over 20 interactive exhibits that enable them to explore their curiosity and challenge themselves as they delve into the science behind train travel.

Children and adults can find the answers to a myriad of questions such as how far can an electrical spark jump, how does heat make water flow, which wheel design will stay on the track and why and how can you build a stable arch without nails or glue?

It is also worth checking out the locomotive that resides at the centre of the exhibition too.  Built in 1865, it is the oldest working steam locomotive in Australia and it still gets driven out of the huge custom-made doorway in front of it for certain occasions throughout the year.

Maker Space

Once you have worked your way through each of the exhibits visitors are then invited to spend time in the Sciencentre’s dedicated Maker Space.  Designed to encourage creativity and problem solving skills, in this space visitors have the chance to apply the skills and lessons they have learned into practical creations.  Not only discovering the how and why of science, this creative workshop encourages them to take it one step further, to apply what they have learnt and to find solutions to different scenarios they are presented with.

In one of the maker space workshops visitors can each get a blue ‘river’ strip to place on the table, each of these varying in width (and difficulty).  Then, using different blocks and materials supplied they can attempt to create a bridge that stands alone over the river, hopefully by calling on the knowledge and skills they have learnt from earlier exhibits.

Once they have created a bridge that works they are then invited to make a car or truck at a nearby construction table to see if their bridge can take on the weight of a vehicle. By trial and error, adjustments and re-evaluation, visitors can continue to re-engineer their design until they hopefully find success.

You can read our full review of the Sciencentre here.

Accessibility at Queensland Museum Rail Workshops

The grounds and buildings at Queensland Museum Rail Workshops are mostly accessible, with suitable space and ramps for prams, wheelchairs and other mobility aids. 

There is seating dotted around the museum, and accessible toilets and baby change facilities are available. A ‘quiet room’ is also available. Accessible parking is available. 

When is the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops Open?

Queensland Museum Rail Workshops is open daily 9:30am to 4:00pm (hours vary for special programs). You can find the museum at North Street, North Ipswich.

There is free off-street parking, a café, quiet space and parent’s room onsite. The Museum is also fully pram accessible and mostly indoors and undercover. 

For ticketing and to confirm opening hours head to their website www.museum.qld.gov.au/rail-workshops or call (07) 3432 5100

Mayes Cottage

Enjoy an enriching history lesson from the 1800s when you enter Mayes Cottage. Not only will you be transported back in time, you will marvel at the cottage and the fact it is almost exactly how it was 100 years ago.

In the home you will be able to wander through and enjoy looking at how the Mayes family lived. The beautiful formal dining room includes a table set with fine bone china, the ornate beds and bed linen with mosquito nets, antique furniture, original toys, clothing, the piano in the lounge room and the original kitchen all create a very authentic experience of life in the 1800-1900s.

Mayes Cottage is filled with lots of beauty and nostalgia; it has a very peaceful and calming vibe as you wind back time. 

In 1992 Mayes Cottage was added to the Queensland Heritage register. The property is now managed by Logan City Council as a house museum; it is open to the public three days a week. 

Mayes Cottage is a typical Queensland cottage, it was built in 1887 by the Mayes Family and remained the family home for almost 100 years. They arrived in Brisbane from England in 1871. Initially the Mayes built a two-room slab hut in 1872; the slab hut is still in its original position today. 

Things to See and Do at Mayes Cottage 

• Mayes Cottage – with much of the original furniture dating from the 1880s to the 1930s. 
• Outside laundry 
• Slab hut 
• Cow shed and dairy 
• Large block with tables and lots of green space for a picnic 

Interactive Experiences for Brisbane Kids at Mayes Cottage: 

• Grab a free kids activity pack at the front door – while exploring Mayes Cottage work your way through the activities 
• Find the wardrobe and look at some of the old dresses. Which is your favourite? 
• How often was the dining room used? 
• In the males’ room, can you name the various games? 
• Play a song on the piano 
• Use the antique stereophonic to view old photos. What can you see? 
• Look in the slab hut and think about how it would have felt throughout the various seasons (winter, spring, summer, autumn) with a family of 8 living in there? 
• Check out the shed and dairy – cows need to be milked twice each day. What time do you think milking the cows would have happened? 
• Use your favourite part of the kitchen as a backdrop to pose for fun photos. Add a quirky caption to the photo. 
• Find the old laundry and see how washing used to be done in the 1800s. How long do you think a load of laundry took to do? 
• The Mayes family were beekeepers. Explore outside to see if you can find any native bees.
• What words best describe the doll sitting on the bed? What other toys can you find in the house? 
• How do you think the kids spent their day back in the 1800s? Write a diary entry to explain. 
• Find the baby shoes – when and where do you think they were worn? 

Accessibility at Mayes Cottage

Mayes Cottage is set on flat grounds allowing people of varying abilities to navigate their way around. There are accessible toilet facilities.

Parking is available within the grounds offering easy access to the outside of the cottage, the slab hut, dairy and its surrounds. Please note, the inside of Mayes Cottage is not accessible by wheelchair. 

Mayes Cottage Details

Mayes Cottage is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10.30am to 4.00pm (excluding public holidays) with FREE entry. 

If visiting with a larger group 10 to 25 people (which includes adults, children and babies) be sure to make a booking.

Bring some snacks for a picnic outside, the friendly guides are willing to chat and answer questions. There are even picnic mats for loan if needed. 

Contact Details

For more information, or to make a booking: 

https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/mayes-cottage 

Phone: (07) 3412 4147 

Email: mayes@logan.qld.gov.au 

How to Get to Mayes Cottage 

Mayes Cottage is located at 20 Mawarra Street, Kingston QLD 4114. 

More Photos of Mayes Cottage

This small museum is full of vibrant, ever-changing exhibitions which each have a story to tell plus there’s also plenty to keep the mini museum goers entertained on your visit.

A Purpose-built Gallery and Vibrant Exhibitions

The Museum of Brisbane was opened in 2003 to replace the existing Brisbane City Gallery, however it had to temporarily move to Ann Street during the three year renovation of City Hall which commenced in 2010.

It reopened in April 2013 in its flashy, new location on the top level offering up clear views of the building’s most recognisable features – the copper dome roof of the auditorium and the historic clock tower. Since reopening, the museum has welcomed well over one million visitors into the purpose-built gallery where tourists and locals are sure to bring home a renewed appreciation of the river city.

This award-winning space is constantly changing with seasonal exhibitions from local emerging and established artists who’ve contributed to the museum’s collection holdings of over 9,000 unique pieces. These can include paintings of gorgeous Brisbane landmarks and colourful indigenous artwork to thought provoking multimedia presentations and humorous ceramic sculptures.

Although the political and cultural references are likely to be lost on the kids, the eclectic mix of items and creativity on display will hopefully spark their little imaginations and engage the senses.

Museum of Brisbane for Kids

The Museum of Brisbane was created with the whole family in mind right down to the smallest of budding artists with the MoB Kids program and BYO Baby tours.

MoB Kids offers a range of free and low cost activities during the school holidays for kids to flex their artistic muscle and let those creative juices flow. These activities are often relevant to the season and current exhibitions which aims to provide a more immersive experience for young visitors.

Don’t worry if your visit doesn’t coincide with the holidays, as the daily Little Artist’s Eye Spy game is also a fantastic way to get the kids involved. These free activity sheets can be found at the reception desk and are suitable for all ages – just remember to ask the friendly staff upon your arrival.

If you’ve got a bub in tow, then you’ll want to time your visit with the BYO Baby tour which runs every Tuesday from 10:30am – 11:00am. This baby friendly tour allows for adults and carers to enjoy the museum at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for feeding, cuddling (and dare we say tantrum) breaks as required. Visit the website to book your tickets as this popular tour does book out in advance.

Accessibility at Museum of Brisbane

The museum is both wheelchair and pram friendly with lift access to the upper floors and wide, open corridors throughout the space.

Accessible toilets are located on the museum floor and are equipped with baby change facilities. There is free, locker storage for bulky items like backpacks and jackets and you can also safely leave your pram at reception if it is not required during your visit.

Other Kid Friendly Attractions in Brisbane City

While visiting the Museum of Brisbane and the Brisbane City Hall, you can join in on a fantastic, guided hall tour or take a trip up the clock tower and be rewarded with some great views of the bustling city below.

Within walking distance, you’ll also find the spectacular Roma Street Parklands which make a perfect picnic backdrop and boasts a couple of very cool, nature inspired playgrounds.

If outdoor fun is on your Brisbane to do list then add South Bank and Kangaroo Point Cliffs to your must visit destinations while a trip to the kid friendly Queensland Museum and GOMA would just about complete your cultural tour of the city.

What We Thought of the Museum of Brisbane

This contemporary museum is a beautifully designed space which does a wonderful job of bringing the story of Brisbane to life. Although its displays are most definitely aimed at an adult audience, there is a few child friendly activities, especially during school holidays, which makes this a welcoming environment for the whole family to enjoy.

Overall it’s a fun, free, interesting and brief pit stop while in Brisbane city that will most likely interest mum, dad, grandparents and the bigger Brisbane Kids.

Award-winning museum in Brisbane

The Museum of Brisbane is highly regarded for its innovation and contemporary international practice and has won a number of major awards during its brief history. The Museum has twice been awarded the top honour at the prestigious Queensland Museum and Gallery Achievement Awards, as well as major National Trust of Queensland Awards.

How to Get to the Museum of Brisbane

The Museum of Brisbane is located on Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, King George Square, Brisbane City.

The Museum of Brisbane is open from 10am to 5pm daily. Admission is free.

To find out more about the Museum of Brisbane, including current exhibitions, please visit www.museumofbrisbane.com.au.

More Photos of the Museum of Brisbane

Children’s Gallery at the Ipswich Art Gallery

The Children’s Gallery at the Ipswich Art Gallery is the country’s first permanent children’s gallery space. This interactive area is designed for kids under twelve and features fun and interesting programmes aimed at children in early childhood, lower primary and upper primary.

The Children’s Gallery is designed specifically for children. It is a space where kids can be creative and learn through exploring the exhibition and the hands-on activities in a safe, stimulating and fun environment. You can find out more about the Children’s Gallery here.

Child-friendly exhibitions and events

The Ipswich Art Gallery offers an extensive programme for children and families to enjoy. The gallery has changing exhibitions and regularly offers events specifically for kids, giving children the opportunity to develop an interest in art in a child-friendly and enjoyable way alongside their peers.

Head to the Ipswich Art Gallery for details on current exhibitions and upcoming events, so you can plan your visit and not miss out on any of the fun!

Ipswich Art Gallery features

• Heritage, 19th & 20th Century and Modern & Contemporary Art collections
• Accessible toilets
• Baby change facilities
• Cloakroom
• Internal lifts
• Art Gallery shop
• Group bookings and school visits accepted
• Metered on street parking (free on weekends)

Tips for a family visit to the Ipswich Art Gallery

The Ipswich Art Gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm, seven days a week (unless stated otherwise). General admission to the gallery is free, although some major exhibitions may incur a small fee.

When visiting the Ipswich Art Gallery with kids, make sure you keep an eye out for the ‘Tips for Adults’ labels on certain exhibits. This will enable you to help children get the most out of each display.

Exploring Ipswich

If you are visiting Ipswich from Brisbane you may as well make a day of it. There is so much to do for kids in the area. Don’t rush off after your visit to the Art Gallery, discover what makes Ipswich an up-and-coming destination for families.

Some of our favourite places to visit in Ipswich include the Ipswich Nature Centre,  where you can see dingoes and bilbies among other animals, and the best part – entry is just a gold coin donation. Train enthusiasts will love the Workshops Rail Museum, while the book worms will 16adore curling up in the Ipswich Children’s Library. And when the kiddos are ready to run and play, choose from any number of the Best Parks in Ipswich for Kids.

How to Get to Ipswich Art Gallery

The Ipswich Art Gallery is located at d’Arcy Doyle Place (Nicholas Street), Ipswich.

There is no dedicated parking at the gallery though there is street parking for a fee (free on weekends). 

Bus stops are nearby and if travelling by train, the Ipswich Station is just a short 4-5min walk. 

Visit ipswichartgallery.qld.gov.au or call 07 3810 7222 for more information.

About the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct

Kingston Butter Factory is a great place for families to share fun times together, and much of it is free. The historic Butter Factory site has been transformed into Logan’s landmark cultural precinct featuring a year-round program of arts, festivals and entertainment.

Located just a short 30-minute drive from the heart of Brisbane or 40-minutes from Southport on the Gold Coast, it’s the perfect spot for a fun day trip! KBF is also situated right next to the Kingston Train Station, so why not treat to kids to a train ride.

Butterbox Theatre

Foster your child’s creativity with a trip to the newly renovated Butterbox Theatre. Their program includes dance, drama, circus and music as well as post-show workshops and activities to extend the experience. Stay on for a picnic on the green or a bite to eat at the on-site café.

Outdoors, there’s a large modern stage where big events take place. From lively market days and delightful children’s festivals, to free music concerts, family movie nights, and enchanting Christmas carols. There’s always something happening to entertain and inspire your children!

The Living Museum of Logan

During the week, you can explore the Living Museum of Logan. This contemporary social history museum is a place where you can see, hear, and experience the stories of the people who have made the City of Logan what it is today.

Here, Logan’s diverse communities tell their own stories in their own words with changing displays that include the foods, and fashions of the city. Browse the First Nations space and hear digital stories from Logan’s elders. If you want to dive deeper into the exhibitions, you can even book a special tour led by one of the Museum’s enthusiastic team members.

The Living Museum of Logan is free to visit. It is open from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. You can also browse the Museum when there are events or performances on at the Kingston Butter Factory.

Logan City Historical Museum

If you’re interested in Logan’s pioneering past, be sure to visit the Logan City Historical Museum located in the Heritage Centre. For a gold coin entry, you can learn about the stories and artifacts from the region’s European settlement. Discover the development of the City of Logan from 1826 to the present day. Themes include farming, mining, timber, small industry, railway, schools and involvement in both world wars.

Devon Pixies Teahouse

While you’re exploring the precinct, make sure to stop by the Devon Pixies Teahouse café located within the Precinct. You can choose from their delicious daily menu, including a special children’s menu. Enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea on the verandah while the kids have a great time playing in the insect-themed playground. Or bring a picnic lunch and let the kids enjoy the open green space. It’s so much fun for everyone!

Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct Accessibility

There’s no need to worry about accessibility when you visit the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct! The venue is fully accessible, with free parking, special rooms for parents, and bathrooms that everyone can use comfortably. There’s even a changing places facility for those who need it.

Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct Location

Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct is located at 270 Jacaranda Avenue, Kingston QLD 4114.

It’s an easy day trek from Brisbane or the Gold Coast.

If you’re driving, consider a visit to nearby attractions such as Mayes Cottage, or the Logan Art Gallery.

To find out more, please visit the Logan Arts website, or call (07) 2803 4700.

The Children’s ImagiNation Festival

The Children’s ImagiNation Festival happens in April every year at the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct. 

Things to See and Do at Samford Museum

Since the Samford Museum opened in 1986, its members have been collecting objects from the district’s rural, domestic, educational, railway, timber, transport and local village history.

The museum houses an array of fascinating antiques (including an old school toy collection) within old-fashioned, purpose built buildings that provide visitors with a real sense of what life was like in the 19th and 20th centuries. 

You can step inside the Grovely Train Station building and the Albany Creek State School headmaster’s residence. The museum is also the starting point for the Samford Village Heritage Trail.

On the first Sunday of each month, a blacksmith is at work, demonstrating his craft. Passionate volunteers run the museum and are always available to explain or demonstrate how things work. As you wander the exhibits, you may see a volunteer working away. The volunteers also have a thorough understanding of the Samford regions history. 

Educational programs for school groups are available. During a school visit, volunteers dress in clothing of the era and undertake everyday tasks. Hands-on experiences involve students by writing on slate while sitting at the desks in the replica school, putting some hand washing through a washing copper and seeing milk churned into butter the old fashioned way. Bookings are essential and further information about the program is available on the website.

Family Events at Samford Museum

Annually, Samford Museum opens its doors to celebrate Australia Day on the 26th of January and ANZAC Day on the 25th of April. Each year the celebrations will feature different experiences, so to find out more, contact the Museum.

Research your Family History

If you are interested in researching family members who lived in the Samford District, there are photo albums, a collection of maps dating from 1864, Samford Reminiscences publications and other published local history books to view.

Accessibility at Samford Museum

Samford Museum is mostly wheelchair accessible due to the flat footpaths. Some exhibits are located in old-fashioned buildings with front steps. 

Accessible parking is located outside on Station Street and the toilet facilities are wheelchair friendly.

Samford Museum features

• Accessible toilet facilities
• Original Grovely train station building
• Farm machinery display
• Replica 1872 school building
• Horse and cart display
• War memories exhibit
• Blacksmith at work (first Sunday of the month)
• Family history research resources
• Special events held annually
• Small shop selling publications and other resource material
• Group and school bookings available
• Accessible parking

What We Thought of Samford Museum

We think Samford Museum is a great location for Brisbane Kids to take their parents and grandparents for a visit. It will take you back in time and open many opportunities for discussion (and realisation) about how life and technologies have evolved.

Planning your Visit to Samford Museum

The museum is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from 10am until 4pm and at other times by special arrangement. A small admission fee is required for entry to the Samford Museum. 

Visit the Samford Museum website for more information.

More Family Fun in Samford Village

Today, visitors can enjoy the modern facilities of Samford Village which grew around the historic Samford Railway Station, now the site of the John Scott Park. If you want to make a day of it, pack a picnic or enjoy a meal at one of Samford’s family-friendly restaurants.

How to Get to Samford Museum

Samford Museum is located at 21 Station Street, Samford Village. 

More Photos of Samford Museum 

Dinosaurs Unearthed Highlights

• Queensland’s famous Muttaburrasaurus is back on display
• More than 50 life-sized reconstructions of prehistoric species, including 3D printed creatures
• Microscopy
• Over 100 fossils and meteorites on display
• Interactive touchscreens
• High-quality projections and animations

Discovering Dinosaurs Unearthed

The Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibition is housed on Level 2 at the popular Queensland Museum. Entering through the main foyer, head past the shop and temporary exhibitions to discover the dinosaurs and megafuna that roamed the earth millions of years ago.

Children will be keen to explore the gallery, broken into sections according to time periods. Although most exhibits are behind glass (the precious fossils need to be protected) little eyes can still find plenty to look at and discover.

For those who like to be a little more hands-on, head to the Palaeo Lab where you can look inside fossil poo and spew. You can then use the microscope to see magnified versions of fossils.

Perhaps the star of the exhibit, and certainly the biggest creature on display in the gallery is Queensland’s own Muttaburrasaurus. Towering over everyone who enters, this old favourite from Lost Creatures is still just as magnificent as ever.

As you work your way around the exhibit don’t forget to look up – there is plenty to see at eye-level and up above. You can also score a great overview of the entire gallery by heading up to Level 3 and peering out over the balcony. What dinos can you spy?

If little (or big) legs get tired, take a moment to rest and view the high-quality media display, utilising cutting-edge scanning technology to bring fascinating prehistoric creatures to the big screen.

Time Periods on Display at Dinosaurs Unearthed

• Triassic Period (252 MYA – 201 MYA)
• Jurassic Period (201 MYA – 145 MYA)
• Cretaceous Period (145 MYA – 66 MYA)
• Paleogene (66 MYA – 23 MYA)
• Neogene (23 MYA – 2.38 MYA)
• Quarternary (2.3 MYA – TODAY)

What We Loved About Dinosaurs Unearthed

As soon as we entered Dinosaurs Unearthed Miss 8 headed straight for the microscope to check out the fossils and other fascinating items under the glass (including her magnified finger!). Whizzing around the displays and pointing out interesting items, she then enjoyed measuring her height against the leg bone of a rhoetosaurus brownei which was much taller than she was.

We were both fascinated with the detailed animations on the big screen, trying to work out which creature would appear on the screen next and where they would come from. After we finished, we headed up to the next level to look down on the display from above, which is equally impressive. 

Dinosaurs Unearthed features

• Dinosaurs Unearthed can be found on Level 2 at the Queensland Museum
• Entry is FREE
• Dinosaurs Unearthed is a permanent exhibition
• The Queensland Museum is open daily 9.30am – 5pm
• Toilet facilities are located throughout the museum including baby change facilities and accessible toilets
• Lifts, stairs and escalators are available
• A cloak room can be found in the foyer
• An onsite museum shop and Café Muse is available
• The museum can be accessed via public transport, walking and car. Parking is available for a fee.

To plan your visit check out this detailed map of the Queensland Museum and make sure you check out Wild State for the best of Queensland flora and fauna before you leave.

Where to Find Dinosaurs Unearthed

Dinosaurs Unearthed can be found at the Queensland Museum, Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane.

If you have a dinosaur fan in the house, be sure to check out Where to Find Dinosaurs in Brisbane for more awesome places to discover these prehistoric creatures. 

Photos of Dinosaurs Unearthed

What is HOTA?

Home Of The Arts (aka HOTA) is a cultural precinct located in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, close to Chevron Island. It’s slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of Surfers, making it a lot more accessible for families, whilst also being close enough to visit some of the other tourist attractions, cafes and restaurants, and beaches of the Gold Coast easily in the one day.

HOTA includes several precincts that appeal to visitors of all ages, with the main aim being to bring arts, entertainment, culture and lifestyle together in one massive venue:

HOTA Central

The first building you will come to from the carpark on the HOTA grounds, HOTA Central contains the HOTA Café and a cinema.

Open daily for breakfast and lunch (dinner too on Fridays and Saturdays), at the HOTA Café you can pause for a coffee, slice of café, or a more substantial snack and prepare your action plan for the day, or refuel before moving on to the next precinct on the HOTA grounds.

The HOTA cinema screens a variety of current films, as well as a selection of special screenings of art films. The cinema also hosts regular film festivals and even the Gold Coast Music Awards annually.

HOTA Gallery

The HOTA Gallery building is a stunning piece of art in itself. The iconic colours and design of the exterior of this building have led it to become a well-known Gold Coast landmark. On the inside, the building is just as awe-inspiring, housing 6 floors of gallery and studio spaces, the HOTA Shop, Palette Restaurant and even the roof-top Exhibitionist Bar. With its winding staircases offering breathtaking views of the HOTA grounds and beyond from the many angular windows, the HOTA Gallery building is a place where you could while away several hours.

The short- and long-term art exhibitions at HOTA Gallery are always exciting, with everything from world-famous pop art and photography being big drawcards.

HOTA Children’s Gallery

Found within the HOTA Gallery building, the HOTA Children’s Gallery is a bright and colourful space for the youngest of gallery visitors to explore their own artistic abilities and to get active. Free to access, and with tables set up for little artists to get creative, benches to climb over and plenty of engaging murals to ponder and learn from, the HOTA Children’s Gallery changes regularly and is a wonderful place for families to take some time out from the ‘serious’ art and relax in a space designed especially for kids.

TIP: Take a walk a little further down the vibrant hallway from the HOTA Children’s Gallery (past Gallery 1) and you’ll find a huge window overlooking the gallery storage space—jam-packed with more awe-inspiring artworks not currently on display in the gallery, and a great talking point.

HOTA Shop

Also located in the HOTA Gallery building, the HOTA Shop is open daily as a great accompaniment to the exhibitions in the gallery spaces. Here, you will find prints of original artworks from current and past exhibitions, as well as all manner of goodies to inspire creativity and jog memories from your visit.

HOTA Outdoor Stage

Set amongst the lush green landscape of the HOTA grounds, the HOTA Outdoor Stage is a grassy amphitheatre that plays host to dozens of events each year. From family-friendly evening music events and performances to stand-up comedy and festivals that are more for grown-ups, the HOTA Outdoor Stage event calendar is absolutely bursting with popular acts all year ‘round.

HOTA Sculpture Walk

Dotted around the grounds of HOTA, you will find numerous sculptures and art pieces to marvel at. A map for the HOTA Sculpture Walk can be downloaded from the HOTA website, giving insight into the works on display and where to find them.

Evandale Lake

With an unbeatable view of the Surfers Paradise skyline and a great place for the kids to burn off some steam, Evandale Lake on the grounds of HOTA is not to be missed. Take a dip in the lake, enjoy the fully fenced kids’ playground, or stroll the 677m walking path that circles the lake and soak up this nature-filled space. Adjacent to the lake, you will also find state of the art change and showering facilities and toilets.

The Adventure Trail

The public HOTA Adventure Trail is a themed landscape that takes adventurers up and across the ‘living roof’ of the Outdoor Stage. This peaceful space offers spectacular views in every direction across the HOTA grounds and out to Surfers Paradise beyond.

Other things to do at HOTA

HOTA Markets

Held every Sunday from 6am to 11:30am, the HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets offers farm-fresh produce and artisan foods, as well as boutique fashion and handcrafted wears. A Sunday morning stroll around the HOTA Markets in the sunshine is the perfect way to start your day.

School Holidays at HOTA

With circus and dance classes, hands-on creative workshops and more, you can extend your HOTA visit in the school holidays by adding on an organised activity for the kids to get involved in. Be sure to check out the line-up of kid’s workshops and events throughout each school holidays period – bookings are required.

High Tea at HOTA

For a truly special experience, book in for high tea at Palette restaurant at HOTA. Available every Sunday from 11am to 4pm, the HOTA high tea features a variety of freshly-made sweet and savoury treats, as well as high quality Tavalon tea or a glass of Veuve Clicquot.

How to get to Home Of The Arts, Gold Coast

HOTA is located at 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217. Heading south, the entrance to HOTA is located on your left, just after the bridge to Chevron Island.

Parking is ample in the HOTA carpark within the grounds, but there are several other ways you can reach HOTA that add to your adventure:

Via the HOTA Bridge

Linking Chevron Island’s retail and foodie precincts with the HOTA grounds, the HOTA Bridge provides easy access to pedestrians. Park your car on Chevron Island, then walk across the 130m bridge that spans the Nerang River, passing by Evandale Lake and the HOTA Outdoor Stage to approach the Home Of The Arts from a different angle.

Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Ferry (HOPO)

Catch the HOPO Ferry to HOTA from any one of the other four destinations on the route and see some sights along the way! This is perfect if you are staying on the Gold Coast or if you are wanting to visit some other places on your day trip to HOTA. The 5 stops on the HOPO Ferry include:

• Appel Park, Surfers Paradise,
• Home Of The Arts,
• Marina Mirage,
• Broadwater Parklands at Southport, and
• Sea World

For more information about Home Of The Arts Gold Coast, please visit the HOTA website.