The 2017 Geoscience Australia Open Day was once again a huge success, with approximately 5000 visitors coming along to learn about our exciting and valuable work and to experience the wonderful world of geoscience.

The 2017 Geoscience Australia Open Day was once again a huge success, with approximately 5000 visitors coming along to learn about our exciting and valuable work and to experience the wonderful world of geoscience.

Geoscience Australia's annual Open Day is a family-focused event held during National Science Week, providing a great opportunity for members of the public, young and old alike, to learn more about the importance of the geosciences to everyday life, now and into the future.

Our enthusiastic scientists shared their knowledge in creative ways via a multitude of interactive activities, displays and short talks. Using an array of real-life equipment, visitors were able to learn what it's like to work as a geoscientist in outback Australia and even Antarctica. Children were engaged in many hands-on activities and were intrigued watching flood and wind demonstrations whilst learning the dangers of Australia's natural hazards.

Real world applications featured throughout the displays including technologies that underpin global positioning, and many other fascinating applications of the geosciences to our everyday lives.

A roving dinosaur named Banjo thrilled the audience with its life-like sound and movements gathering crowds and leading to Geoscience Australia's Geological TimeWalk, a 1.1 kilometre journey outlining the Earth's 4600 million year history. Judging by the number of highly engaged kids, there is a strong chance that we have switched some of them on to a love of science and possibly a future career in science.

Our large mineral and fossil collection was once again a main attraction allowing visitors to view over 800 specimens including rare and valuable minerals, diamonds and gold.

The National Mineral and Fossil collection is on show all year round and can be viewed via a self-guided experience, open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm with the exception of public holidays.

Whilst visiting, you can also explore some of the architectural and geoscience design features of the building and our various foyer displays. Free admission and free parking is available onsite. More details about visiting Geoscience Australia throughout the year are available via our website.

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