What is it?
The Dark Matter Experience Centre is a proposed worldclass science and tourism attraction that translates the globally significant research undertaken at Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory into an immersive, public visitor experience.
The centre will be a nationally significant science, education and tourism asset with a projected 29% return on investment, a compelling investment opportunity, enabling partners to support world leading science engagement, expanded education access and regional economic transformation, while creating a lasting national legacy.
Why is it needed?
- Victoria’s student population is forecast to grow substantially, increasing demand for immersive, curriculum-aligned STEM education infrastructure that connects students with real-world science and research.
- The project creates a new, year-round regional tourism drawcard, diversifying visitation beyond nature-based tourism and strengthening regional resilience.
- The project has a benefit–cost ratio of approximately 3.0, delivering about $3 in economic benefit for every $1 invested.
- Forecast visitation of ~160,000 visitors in the opening year, growing to ~300,000 annually at maturity, positioning it among Australia’s leading regional science and cultural attractions.
- The centre is projected to generate a $359 million economic net present value over 20 years, with significant flow-on benefits to accommodation, hospitality, retail and regional services.
The ask
That the Victorian and Australian governments, alongside philanthropic partners, commit $57.4 million in capital investment to deliver the Dark Matter Experience Centre.
Specifications
- Location: Stawell, VIC 3380
- State seat: Lowan
- Federal seat: Mallee
- Advocacy type: Support
- Council plan goal: Business buzz: Agriculture, economy and tourism
- What has been done so far:
- Feasibility study completed, confirming technical deliverability and economic viability.
- Capital Investment Concept and costings.
- Site secured: The site at 1 Skene Street, Stawell can be leased or acquired through other tenure. It has a vacant former tertiary education building, previously a Federation University campus.
- Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL)
- University of Melbourne
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism
- Stawell Gold Mine
- Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (2025–29)
- Experience Victoria 2033 – A Plan for a Vibrant Visitor Economy
- Victorian STEM Education priorities (Science Victoria / ATSE / Royal Society of Victoria)
- Australian Research Council (ARC) strategic alignment framework