That’s the idea behind its planned low-sensory viewing: an hour before the gallery opens to the public, with sound lowered or switched off where possible, higher-sensory areas signposted and quiet zones available. Museum of Brisbane makes its own adjustments during Tuesday Quiet Afternoons, while Everton Park and Grange libraries are running sensory-friendly STEAM sessions for children aged five to nine.
For other outings, a little preparation can remove some of the unknowns. QAGOMA lends earmuffs, fidget toys and emotion cards; Queensland Museum has headphones and sensory kits; and both provide resources families can look through before visiting. Lone Pine’s Sensory Garden offers somewhere to pause, with plants chosen for touch and scent, varied textures, water features and wind chimes.
There’s no prize for making it to closing time. Check the lights, sounds and break spaces that matter to your child, then let the visit be as long — or as short — as works for them. Twenty comfortable minutes spent enjoying one thing can be a perfectly good school holiday outing.
This one’s made for saving — a quick reference you can check without opening the guide again.
Sensory-friendly junior STEAM
Everton Park and Grange libraries host tactile and digital activities designed for children who are neurodivergent or experience sensory sensitivity or overload. Families and friends attend together.
When: Thursday 24 September, 3pm–4pm at Everton Park – Tuesday 29 September, 1:30pm–2:30pm at Grange
Where: Everton Park Library, 573 South Pine Road, Everton Park, and Grange Library, 79 Evelyn Street, Grange
Ages: 5–9
Cost and bookings: Free – Bookings required through the host library. For Everton Park, phone 07 3403 7400.
Before booking: Ask the host branch about room setup, group size and adjustments.
More information: Sensory-friendly junior STEAM
Low-sensory viewing at GOMA
GOMA’s planned low sensory viewing gives visitors an hour in the gallery before it opens to the public. Sound is lowered or switched off where possible, higher-sensory areas are signposted and quiet zones are available.
When: Planned for Friday 25 September, 9am–10am
Where: GOMA, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Ages: Not age-specific – Intended for autistic visitors and people with sensory sensitivity or disability
Cost and bookings: Confirm admission costs, booking requirements and the session date on 07 3840 7255.
More information: QAGOMA accessibility
Quiet Afternoons at Museum of Brisbane
Museum of Brisbane’s Tuesday Quiet Afternoons offer exhibition visits with reduced sensory stimuli. Adjustments address lighting and sound, including looping audio and loud noises, with a low-sensory break-out area available.
When: Tuesday 22 and Tuesday 29 September, 2pm–5pm
Where: Museum of Brisbane, Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, King George Square
Ages: All ages
Cost and bookings: Free – No booking requirement stated. Confirm Quiet Room availability before visiting.
More information: Quiet Afternoons
The Corner at State Library of Queensland
The Corner offers a low-sensory hour with reduced lighting and music, alongside resources children can explore at their own pace. The space caters to young children up to age eight.
When: Daily low-sensory hour, subject to programming – Confirm the time. The Corner’s usual hours are 9:30am–4pm.
Where: The Corner, Level 1, State Library of Queensland, South Bank
Ages: 0–8
Cost and bookings: Free – No booking required for the low-sensory hour. Before-opening visits require a booking. Phone 07 3840 7927
More information: The Corner
Sensory kits and visual guides at South Bank’s galleries and museum
QAGOMA lends earmuffs, fidget toys and emotion cards. Queensland Museum offers headphones and sensory kits at the Level 2 cloakroom and SparkLab entry. Download sensory floorplans and visual stories before visiting; equipment does not make the surrounding galleries quiet.
When: During opening hours
Where: QAGOMA and Queensland Museum Kurilpa, South Bank
Ages: All ages
Cost and bookings: Sensory equipment is free to borrow. Ask staff about availability. Check admission costs separately for your chosen exhibition or experience.
Other resources: Museum of Brisbane also publishes sensory maps and visual stories
More information: QAGOMA accessibility | Queensland Museum accessibility