Astronomy enthusiasts will be able to see the International Space Station for six minutes as it flies over Queensland tonight.

The space station will travel over Australia from the Gulf of Carpentaria and track south-east from just after 8:00pm (AEST).

The station is the third-brightest object in the sky behind the sun and moon and will appear as a bright spot in the sky.

Australasian Science Magazine spokesman Dave Reneke says it is best observed with the naked eye, as it will be too quick for a telescope or binoculars.

He says while it is not a rare event, it is an under-appreciated experience.

"It won't be shooting across the sky, it'll be moving as fast as a normal satellite would be," he said.

"When you look at it just consider two things - it's moving at 28,000 kilometres-an-hour and there are people on board there and they're looking at 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every day - it's a great job."

Mr Reneke says the station has been very bright recently because of its newly-installed solar panels.

"This is going to be a beautiful sight - it's free, doesn't cost you anything, the whole family can get out there and do it," he said.

"Now out of all the passes I've seen of the International Space Station around Australia, this is going to be one of the best ones because it's going to be in view for about six minutes.

"Now that's about as long as you get."