Dark Matter Experience Centre!
A proposed science tourism and education destination inspired by the groundbreaking research taking place at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory.
Australia’s Future Home of Dark Matter Discovery
A proposed science tourism and education destination inspired by the groundbreaking research taking place at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory.
Watch the Vision
The Dark Matter Experience Centre will bring one of humanity’s greatest scientific mysteries to life through immersive experiences, education programs and unique connections to Australia’s deep underground physics laboratory.
Watch the vision for the project.
The Opportunity
The Dark Matter Experience Centre represents a unique opportunity to combine world-leading scientific research, immersive visitor experiences and regional economic development. Building on the presence of Australia’s only deep underground physics laboratory, the project seeks to create a nationally significant science and education destination in regional Victoria.
Building on World-Class Research
The Dark Matter Experience Centre draws inspiration from the internationally significant research taking place at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL), Australia’s only deep underground physics laboratory. Visitors will engage with the science, technology and discoveries shaping our understanding of the Universe.
Inspiring Future Generations
Through immersive experiences, interactive exhibits and education programs, the Centre will create new opportunities for students, educators and lifelong learners to engage with STEM. The project aims to inspire curiosity, scientific literacy and future careers in science and technology.
The Centre will establish a unique science tourism attraction in regional Victoria, creating opportunities for visitation, economic activity and community engagement. By connecting world-leading science with public experience, the project will strengthen Stawell’s position as a destination for innovation and discovery
Why Stawell?
The Dark Matter Experience Centre is uniquely positioned alongside the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL), Australia’s only deep underground physics laboratory.
Located more than one kilometre beneath the surface, SUPL hosts internationally significant research in dark matter physics, low-background science and emerging quantum technologies.
Few science centres globally can draw such a direct connection between public engagement and active frontier research. This relationship creates a distinctive opportunity for visitors to connect with real scientific discovery as it happens.
Economic & Community Benefits
Projected visitor numbers
The Dark Matter Experience Centre is forecast to more than double visitation during its growth phase before stabilising at mature market performance with close to 300K visitors per annum after 20 years of operation. The first year of operation, the centre is expected to attract close to 160K visitors.
Workforce
The Dark Matter Experience Centre provides an excellent opportunity to support the ongoing development of workforce pathways including but not limited to scientific research, innovation and technology development pathways, academic pathways, tourism and related economic development pathways, event management and teaching pathways. The Centre will employ over 40 new full time, part time and casual jobs.
Regional Economic Impact
The Centre is expected to generate significant public economic value. Over a 25-year appraisal period, the centre is forecast to deliver a NPV of $359m and a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 3.0, reflecting a strong return on government and private investment.
Education engagement opportunities
For a science-based attraction to be sustainable, it must serve the education market as well as the broader cultural tourism audience. Aligning programs with the curriculum ensures a steady flow of school groups, while also designing experiences that inspire families, tourists, and lifelong learners broadens the audience base. This balance spreads risk, generates repeat visitation, and builds reputation across sectors. By integrating educational depth with public engagement, the facility can remain financially viable, socially relevant, and impactful over the long term.
Investment & Partnership Opportunities
The Dark Matter Experience Centre has completed feasibility and master planning and is now seeking engagement with prospective funding partners, government stakeholders, philanthropic organisations and strategic investors.
Organisations interested in discussing investment, partnership or project delivery opportunities are invited to contact the project team.
Thank you
The Dark Matter Experience Centre feasibility study was the result of successfully applying for the State Governments Enabling Tourism Fund. We acknowledge the support of our Project Manager, Paul Matthews and the PGG members including the Victorian State Government, Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL), University of Melbourne, Swinburne University of Technology, Northern Grampians Shire Council, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism and Stawell Gold Mines, in addition to the support of Stafford Strategy.
Their contribution has been instrumental in advancing this important initiative