Young scientists are in for a treat, with Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Poo Palace back for National Science Week! The free, interactive exhibit taking children on an unforgettable journey through the human digestive system will return to Newcastle Museum as part of the 2026 Hunter Science Festival.
Created by University of Newcastle’s Gastrointestinal Research Group and HMRI, the Poo Palace has made learning about gut health fun and exciting for thousands of families and is a National Finalist in this year’s Australian Marketing Institute Marketing Excellence Awards, in the Experiential and Event Marketing category.
The adventure begins at the mouth and travels all the way through the stomach, small intestine, and colon, before exiting through a giant inflatable bottom. Along the way, children can explore how the body processes food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste.
Before stepping into the Poo Palace, visitors get hands-on with science experiment led by gastrointestinal researchers. This interactive session demonstrates exactly how food is digested and how poo is made. Kids can ask questions, learn the science behind digestion, and get a real feel for what happens inside their bodies.
After recently taking part in one of these science experiments, Oliver and Isaac, both aged four, said their favourite thing to learn about was “poo!”
Oliver was most interested in the intestine because “that’s where you make your poo,” while Isaac was most excited about the tummy. Both boys said they could not wait to go on an adventure through the Poo Palace itself.
Isaac’s mum, Jess, said her son was learning about the human body at pre-school and would be eager to share everything he learned at the Poo Palace with his friends. She added that a love of science is encouraged at home, with Isaac asking questions like how his voice is produced and watching educational videos about the human body.
Oliver’s mum, Alex, agreed that seeing the boys involved in hands-on experiments was exciting and rewarding. Both mums hope experiences like the Poo Palace will help nurture their curiosity even further. Jess and Alex believe that encouraging children to explore science at a young age is important because it helps them understand the world around them and sparks a lifelong love of learning.
That is exactly what the Poo Palace is designed to do. Children who attend will not only leave with a better understanding of how their digestive system works but also with a new appreciation for science and the human body. Each session combines an interactive experiment with the immersive Poo Palace experience, making it the perfect way for children to learn while having fun.
HMRI is excited to invite families to the next Poo Palace event at Newcastle Museum’s Hunter Science Festival as part of Science Week 2026. Mark your calendars for August 22-23 and get ready to explore the digestive system like never before. Whether your child is a budding scientist or simply curious about how the body works, the Poo Palace promises to be a day of laughter and learning.
For more information on session times and tickets, click here.
