Early Start Discovery Space

Welcome to the Early Start Discovery Space, a one-of-a-kind institution located at the University of Wollongong Main Campus in Wollongong, Australia. Situated on Northfields Avenue, this establishment is not your typical museum, but rather a point of interest that will ignite the creativity and curiosity of children and adults alike.

As you step into the Discovery Space, you will be transported to a world of imagination and innovation. Skip, jump, and hop through climbing structures, secret gardens, and sand pits to create, innovate, and imagine. The Pod, a unique space within the museum, encourages children to design their own environment and explore endless possibilities with digital connections and loose parts.

Stimulate your senses in our sensory room, where touch, sight, smell, and other senses are heightened. Experience the thrill of being a hero as you take on the roles of police officers, firefighters, ambulance drivers, and SES workers. Climb aboard a research vessel bound for Antarctica and take the helm, or embark on a camping trip in the Australian bush, complete with a model campfire.

For those who love building and creating, our LEGO® brick area is the perfect spot. Build your own mini world and even make a stop-motion movie using thousands of LEGO® bricks. Younger children will find a safe haven of sensory discovery in our specially designed area for children two and under, complete with its own jetty.

Grab a torch and explore the tunnels and nooks, where you might just spot some of the cave's inhabitants. Gear up with a hi-vis vest and tool belt and help construct our tiny home. Take a trolley for a spin and collect your shopping before cooking up a storm in our Critter Café. The kitchen is prepped and ready for young and old chefs to showcase their skills and serve up a Michelin star meal.

Unleash your creativity with daily art activities, where you can paint, draw, write, and sculpt to your heart's content. The stage is yours to express yourself with costumes, backdrops, and lighting. Step outside and immerse yourself in our natural wonderland, an oasis that will excite all your senses.

All aboard the Critter Express! Shovel coal to fuel the engine or control a model train around its miniature world. Enter a room filled with big blue blocks, where you can build, create, and innovate to your heart's desire.

The Early Start Discovery Space is Australia's first dedicated hands-on children's museum, designed for children from birth to 10 years old. It is also a place where adults can join in on the fun and enjoy quality time with their little ones.

Become a member and enjoy unlimited access to this incredible space. Our memberships can be used by anyone, making it a perfect option for families, grandparents, and caregivers. If you're passionate about the power of play, consider becoming a volunteer or participating in our research studies to help spread the joy even further.

Stay up to date with the latest news and events from the Discovery Space by subscribing to our newsletter. Be the first to know about new experiences and opportunities for learning and play.

Visit the Early Start Discovery Space and let your imagination run wild. It's a place where learning is hands-on, curiosity is sparked, and memories are made.