Few people will ever get the chance to set foot on the Moon, but Luna: A Journey to the Moon at Sydney Olympic Park gets close.
Housed in the Fever Pavilion, this immersive, free-roaming virtual reality exhibition invites visitors to suit up and walk their way through the famous Apollo 11 mission.
Sessions can be booked for up to five people, and going with friends or family is highly recommended, as visitors can interact with one another in the virtual world. That said, it works perfectly well as a solo outing too.
The whole visit takes about an hour, with most of that time spent wearing the headset and the remainder on getting fitted, briefed and settled in.
The experience opens with a training course, giving visitors a feel for life as an astronaut in the lead-up to the mission. From there, the journey heads into space and eventually onto the surface of the Moon itself.
The entire narrative is based on real NASA archives, and the use of authentic astronaut audio and mission control recordings throughout adds a special historical touch.
The standouts, without doubt, are the visuals. They are remarkably realistic, and being able to walk around freely within each environment makes the experience feel far more convincing than simply watching it on a screen.
The attention to detail is impressive, and some of the views, particularly of Earth from above and the vast surface of the Moon, are incredibly memorable. It is the kind of experience that stays with you well after you return to reality.
It is worth knowing that Luna is quite information-heavy, although this is also part of its educational appeal. While some of the space terminology can be a little complex, it is still easy to follow and a great opportunity to pick up something new along the way.
Space lovers may find it especially rewarding, but there is truly something in it for everyone.
Luna: A Journey to the Moon
Fever Pavilion at Sydney Showground, Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park
Duration: 60 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Tickets: lunathemission.com/sydney
