Planetarium: Forests & Ocean Voyages

Join me for a night under the dome at the Melbourne Planetarium, where we'll catch Fulldome Showcase One as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF). Fulldome films wrap the entire ceiling in imagery, so instead of looking at a screen you're inside it — a genuinely immersive way to watch a film.

We'll meet at the Planetarium gates at 6:30pm to say hi, head in together to scan tickets and grab our seats, and settle in for the films kicking off at 7pm. The showcase runs until around 8:45pm, where the meetup wraps up.

This is a casual social meetup so we can head along together — it isn't run by, affiliated with, or endorsed by MIFF, Melbourne Planetarium, or Scienceworks. Please book your own ticket directly (details below); an RSVP here doesn't include entry or guarantee a seat.

The films
The Heart of the Forest (26 mins, dir. Markku Laine, Finland) — a mesmerising odyssey into the world of trees, narrated by an ancient, all-knowing oak known as the Tree of Life. It reveals the forest as a single living, breathing organism full of connection and resilience, and a poetic call to protect the ancient woods we have left.

Vaka Moana: Ancestors of the Future (48 mins, dir. Tom Murray, Australia) — a 360-degree voyage to Mangaia, the most southerly and remote atoll of the Cook Islands, sailing a recreated ocean-going canoe with Pwo master navigator Peia Patai — one of only ten masters of traditional star-and-swell navigation. Along the way it explores the Polynesian practice of Ra'ui: taking only what's needed so the ecology survives for the future. Made with the Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation, this is its World Premiere.

Who this is for

• Anyone who loves film, space, science, or just something a bit different for a Saturday night
• No experience or knowledge needed — just come curious
• Coming solo? You're very welcome. It's an easy, friendly crowd

Links

• Meetup start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7cdSpfqBdfZRyseS8
• MIFF Fulldome Showcase 2026 (info): https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/miff-fulldome-showcase/
• Tickets: https://miff.com.au/program/film/fulldome-showcase-one
• Trailer – The Heart of the Forest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNfdN9bJwTA

Timeline

• 6:30pm – Meet at the Melbourne Planetarium gates and say hi
• 6:45pm – Head in, scan our tickets and get seated
• 7:00pm – Fulldome films start
• 8:45pm – Films end and the meetup finishes

Tickets / cost

• Tickets are around $33 (+ booking fee) for the Fulldome Showcase, booked directly through MIFF via the link above.
• Please book in advance — sessions like this can sell out, and a Meetup RSVP is not a ticket.

Transport
Scienceworks is in Spotswood. Spotswood Station is a short walk away, or there's parking on site if you're driving.

Bring

• Your ticket
• A jacket — evenings can get cool
• Water

Expect

• Vibe: relaxed, friendly, low-pressure
• Pace: easy — we meet, watch together, and chat
• Group style: social and welcoming, solo-friendly

Important notes

• Please book your own ticket directly with MIFF; an RSVP here doesn't include entry.
• If your plans change, please update your RSVP so numbers stay clear.