Eighteen students from Menindee Central School travelled more than 1000 kilometres to become the first school group to stay overnight at the new Powerhouse Parramatta.

The students from years 6 to 10 arrived last Friday 6 November, ahead of the museum opening to the public on Saturday.

They spent two nights at the museum in purpose-built dorms, a short journey by lift from the exhibitions.

Year 10 student Israel Halls told the Sydney Morning Herald the museum was “massive” and “pretty flash”.

“I’ve seen a bit of the Powerhouse on the news, but I hadn’t heard much before we rocked up,” he said.

Year 9 student Jaz Fusi said she was amazed her school was picked to be first through the door.

“Out of all these city schools and all, that’s just like crazy to me,” she said.

Menindee Central School Executive Principal Fiona Kelly said the opportunity was a significant moment for the students and community.

“Being the first school to stay at the new Powerhouse Parramatta is something our students will remember for a long time. Living in a remote community, trips to Sydney don’t come around often, so it means a lot that they can learn in a place like this,” Ms Kelly said

“The students have been curious and excited from the moment they walked in. Experiences like this broaden what they think is possible, and they’ll bring those ideas back to the classroom.”

The two school dorms at Powerhouse Parramatta hold up to 60 students and teachers across two floors, including accessible spaces.

During their stay, the Menindee students learned about astronomy, harvested and cooked vegetables from the museum's rooftop garden, and investigated the health of the nearby Parramatta River. They also had special access to explore parts of the museum before doors opened each morning.

On Monday, the school joined 3000 Parramatta students at the museum’s first Schools Summit.