Atomic Catering

Atomic Catering is a locally owned and operated cafe and catering service situated within one of Canberra's most iconic institutions, Questacon — the National Science and Technology Centre. Positioned at 35 King Edward Terrace in Parkes, Australian Capital Territory, this family-friendly venue offers a refreshing break from the interactive exhibits upstairs, providing a seasonal menu that focuses on fresh produce and handcrafted, science-themed treats. Whether you are a local visitor, a tourist exploring the Parliamentary Zone, or a school group touring the national capital, Atomic Catering provides a convenient and high-quality food and beverage experience right inside the museum.

The business operates seven days a week from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with its kitchen closing daily at 3:00 pm. This schedule aligns perfectly with a day of exploration at Questacon, allowing guests to enjoy everything from a premium barista-made coffee to a satisfying lunch before the last experiments are finished. Known for its commitment to fresh, innovative food and exceptional service in a fun environment, Atomic Catering has earned a solid reputation among park visitors and locals alike, reflected in its 4.3-star rating on Google Maps from 67 reviews.

Menu Highlights at Atomic Catering

The cafe's menu is designed to be approachable and satisfying for all ages, featuring a range of family-friendly options. While the full selection varies with the seasons, customer feedback and the business's own descriptions highlight several standout items that keep patrons returning. The menu balances comforting classics with lighter, contemporary fare, ensuring there is something for every appetite after a morning of scientific discovery.

• Locally Roasted Coffee: Barista-made coffee is a cornerstone of the Atomic Cafe experience, with the team emphasizing their use of high-quality, locally roasted beans.
• Mediterranean Lamb Bowl: A frequently mentioned and popular dish, recognized in multiple Google Maps reviews as a hearty and flavorful choice.
• Fresh Sushi: Notably impressive for a cafe setting, the sushi is praised by customers like reviewer Thien Vuong for its quality, comparing favorably to dedicated sushi takeaway outlets.
• Fish and Chips: A classic, well-executed option that reviewer Dean Huang noted as being particularly fresh and delicious.
• Delectable Sweets and Science-Themed Treats: Unique, handcrafted desserts and snacks tie into the playful, educational atmosphere of Questacon, making them a hit with children and adults alike.
• Handcrafted Milkshakes: Another highlight mentioned in reviews, these are described as impressive in quality and a perfect treat for the setting.

The Dining Experience at Questacon

Dining at Atomic Catering is an experience shaped entirely by its unique location. The cafe does not operate as a standalone street-front restaurant but as an integrated amenity within the Questacon building. This means the atmosphere is naturally lively and filled with the energy of families and school groups exploring science.

The venue offers dine-in and takeaway options, with the panel data confirming both "Speisen vor Ort" (dine-in) and "Zum Mitnehmen" (takeaway) are available. Seating is casual, designed to accommodate a flow of visitors. While the cafe can get busy, particularly on weekends and during school holidays, reviewers note that during off-peak times, such as shortly after the lunch rush, it can be a very relaxed and uncrowded place to eat. Queensland Reviewer commented that it was "not crowded at all" during their visit after the midday peak, highlighting a pleasant and efficient service experience.

Customer Reviews & Ratings for Atomic Catering

Atomic Catering holds a 4.3-star rating on Google Maps, based on 67 customer reviews. This rating reflects a consistent pattern of positive feedback, with many reviewers expressing pleasant surprise at the high quality of food available within a museum setting. The general sentiment is that the cafe punches well above its weight for a venue of its type.

Google Maps reviewers consistently mention the impressive quality and freshness of the food. Thien Vuong (fooderarri), a Local Guide, captured this sentiment perfectly, describing the food quality as genuinely impressive for a cafe inside Questacon. Specific praise was directed toward the milkshakes, sushi, and chips. Dean Huang, another Local Guide, noted that everything they tried, specifically sushi and fish and chips, was "fresh and delicious." In addition to food quality, good value for money and attentive service are recurring positive themes, with patrons feeling the pricing is fair for the location and quality received.

Side-Room School Groups & Catering Services

Beyond the main cafe counter, Atomic Catering has developed a significant side business catering to the educational tourism market. Questacon hosts a large number of school excursion groups from across Australia, and Atomic offers specialized packages for breakfast, lunch, and light refreshments. The service is comprehensive, handling everything from setup and serving to cleaning, which provides a seamless experience for teachers and students. Additionally, exclusive dinner packages are available for groups attending Questacon's "Q by Night" sessions, solidifying Atomic's role as the exclusive on-site catering partner for after-hours museum events.

Atomic Catering in Parkes, Australian Capital Territory

Atomic Catering is located inside Questacon at the National Science and Technology Centre, 35 King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600. The cafe is situated within Tourist Facility - Amusement Park, Theme Park area, right in the heart of Canberra's Parliamentary Zone, a short walk from other national attractions like the National Gallery of Australia and the High Court of Australia. The area is well-serviced by public transport, which is specifically noted in the Maps attributes, and is accessible by car, bicycle, and on foot.

For visitors driving to Questacon, paid parking is available nearby, though it is always advisable to check current parking conditions, especially during peak tourist periods or when major events are scheduled in the Parliamentary Triangle. The location is fully accessible, consistent with the standards of a major national institution, though specific accessibility attributes beyond the general location should be confirmed directly with Questacon or Atomic Catering for specific needs.

Hours, Reservations & Contact Information

The core operating hours for the cafe are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, seven days a week, with the kitchen closing for orders at 3:00 pm. This makes it an ideal spot for breakfast, morning tea, or a late lunch during a museum visit.

• Phone: +61 2 6152 1301
• Email: info@atomiccatering.com.au
• Address: Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600

For catering inquiries, school group bookings, or event planning, the business encourages customers to get in touch via their website or phone. The website has dedicated pages for "Catering & Events," "School Groups," and "Partner with Atomic," each with a contact form to streamline the booking process.

Common Questions About Atomic Catering

What are the opening hours for Atomic Catering?

Atomic Catering is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The kitchen closes at 3:00 pm, so hot food orders should be placed before then.

Where exactly is the cafe located?

The cafe is located inside the Questacon building at 35 King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600. You do not need a separate Questacon entry ticket to access the cafe, but it is primarily designed for museum patrons.

Does Atomic Catering cater for events outside of Questacon?

Yes, the Catering and Events team handles external events of all sizes, including business lunches, cocktail parties, and more. Contact them through their website to start planning.

Is the cafe suitable for children and families?

Absolutely. The menu is specifically designed to be family-friendly, and the cafe is located inside Questacon, making it the perfect lunch spot for families visiting the science centre.

What kind of food does the cafe serve?

The menu is seasonal and focuses on fresh produce, with popular items including barista-made coffee, Mediterranean lamb bowls, sushi, fish and chips, and handcrafted science-themed sweets.

Does Atomic Catering accommodate dietary requirements?

Specific dietary options are not listed, but the seasonal menu and professional catering background suggest they can likely accommodate common requests. Contact the cafe directly to discuss any specific dietary needs before your visit.

Can I book a table or a large group for lunch?

While the main cafe area operates largely on a walk-in basis, Atomic Catering offers specialized packages for school groups and can manage bookings for large parties through their catering and events team. It is best to contact them in advance for group arrangements.