Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre

The Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the many geological and natural wonders of Victoria.

Conveniently located right at the foot of Mount Rouse, right smack in the middle of the 3^rd biggest volcanic plain on earth, the museum takes you back thousands of years, to a time when active volcanoes dominated the landscape of Western Victoria.

Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre Address, Hours & Prices, VIC

The museum provides an insightful look into how volcanoes are formed, and the role that they played in shaping the current landscape. Both kids and adults will enjoy being able to hold a volcanic bomb while learning where valuable bluestones, which were used to build the Victorian Houses of Parliament, occurred.

Some of the major highlights include a video simulation of the famous Mount Rouse eruption, and the interactive display of the Koorie people with the volcanoes, and a breathtaking 6-minute high fidelity computer modelling of the volcanoes, accompanied by incredible sound and images. There is also a special area dedicated to school kids. From posters to videos and so much more, learning about Australia’s volcanoes is much more fun at the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre.

For your business needs, the centre also rents out a well-equipped conference room. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon or sunset, as you’ll have a better chance of spotting kangaroos and wallabies across the crater.

A tour of the Centre would be incomplete without climbing Mount Rouse, an extinct volcano located just 5kms from the centre. The view at the top of the mountain can best be described in one word: breathtaking. You can get to Mount Rouse by taking the grassy track to the crater. Climb up the steps to the summit, and there are other short walks located nearby. Picnic tables and toilets are located near the car park. The trail is only 1km each way and is an easy grade.

The Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre is located at 23 Martin Street in Penshurst, Victoria. The centre is open on Wednesdays & Thursdays from 11am to 3pm, Fridays through Sundays from 10am to 4pm, and school holidays from 11am to 3pm. The centre is also open during Victorian School Holidays, and public holidays (excluding Good Friday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day).