In the mood for a dose of fascinating history and culture? Australia’s world-class museums certainly deliver immersive exhibits and celebrations of our diverse cultures, rich histories and unique stories. From the earliest Indigenous artefacts to the scientific wonders that shape our future, these institutions offer a deep dive into the complex Australian spirit. Here’s a guide to some of the best museums to visit to explore the history and culture of Australia.
Australian War Memorial, Canberra
Visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Image from Tourism Australia.
Not only is the Australian War Memorial one of the top war museums to visit, it’s also one of Australia’s most significant cultural sites. Opened in 1941 during World War II, the museum, shrine and extensive archive commemorates the sacrifices of Australian men and women who have served in times of conflict.
Visit the Hall of Memory and the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, and attend the daily Last Post Ceremony, held in the Commemorative Area. Travel through history in the First World War, Second World War and Cold War galleries, and explore the planes and tanks in the Aircraft Hall, including a Lancaster Bomber.
Questacon, Canberra
Questacon has many interactive activities for the family! Image from Tourism Australia.
Canberra is also home to one of Australia’s top science museums and one of the best museums for kids. Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre, is a hands-on science museum that aims to inspire and engage people of all ages with the wonders of science and technology.
Feel the thrill of a 6m drop in the Free Fall Slide, a popular exhibit about gravity, and experience the power of natural phenomena like earthquakes and lightning in interactive exhibits. Conduct experiments and see live science demonstrations in the interactive Q Lab, while Mini Q is perfect for younger children to explore science through play.
Where to stay
The Quality Hotel Dickson offers modern, well-appointed accommodation in the heart of Canberra, providing the perfect base for exploring Canberra’s museums.
Australian Museum, Sydney
Australia’s first museum, established in 1827, also happens to be one of the best museums in Sydney. The Australian Museum is dedicated to natural history and anthropology, with a vast collection of wildlife specimens and cultural objects, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artefacts, fossils and minerals.
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through their art and stories in the Indigenous Australia Exhibition. See thrilling life-sized models and fossils in the Dinosaur Exhibit, offering a glimpse into Australia’s prehistoric past, and follow in the footsteps of early explorers in an immersive virtual reality experience.
Where to stay
Book your stay at the heritage-listed Art Deco Castlereagh Boutique Hotel in the heart of Sydney, and make the most of the museums and galleries within easy reach.
WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle
Check out the mondern naval ships at the WA Maritime Museum. Image from Tourism Australia.
Over on the west coast in the historic port city of Fremantle, the WA Maritime Museum celebrates Western Australia’s maritime history. The museum explores the state's enduring connection to the sea with unique galleries and special exhibitions. Discover fascinating historic objects and vessels from Aboriginal watercraft to commercial pearl luggers and modern naval ships.
Step aboard a Cold War-era submarine, and learn about Fremantle’s secret wartime history on a guided tour of the HMAS Ovens. See the famous Australia II yacht that won the America’s Cup in 1983, a significant moment in Australian sporting history. Explore the traditional boats and tools used by Indigenous Australians, while in the Shipwreck Galleries, you’ll find relics from historic shipwrecks found off the coast.
Where to stay
Enjoy modern, comfortable rooms at the Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth within walking distance of the Swan River and the city centre.
Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne Musuem has so much to offer. Image from Tourism Australia.
Taking up stately residence in the city’s Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Museum offers insight into the natural environment, cultures and history of Victoria. It’s part of the largest museum complex in the Southern Hemisphere. Walk through a living rainforest, complete with birds, reptiles, and plants indigenous to Victoria in the tranquil Forest Gallery in the heart of the museum.
Celebrate the culture and history of Indigenous Australia through performance, art and storytelling at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Dive into the natural history of Victoria with exhibits on dinosaurs, insects, and marine life. Experience 3D documentaries on a massive screen at the IMAX Theatre, providing an immersive way to learn about science and nature.
National Sports Museum, Melbourne
Calling all sport fanatics, this museum is for you! Image from Tourism Australia.
Located inside the hallowed grounds of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the National Sports Museum is all about Australia’s sporting achievements. Relive the glories of the green and gold and discover the history of Australian cricket through memorabilia, interactive displays, and video footage in the Cricket Hall of Fame.
Learn about Australia’s Olympic feats and accomplishments, with medals, uniforms, and equipment on display. You can test your own sporting skills in the Interactive Sports Zone or take a guided tour of the famed MCG stadium itself, visiting areas like the player’s dressing rooms and the media centre.
Where to stay
You’ll find stylish and full-service accommodation in Melbourne’s CBD at the Clarion Suites Gateway. Stay close to the action at the Comfort Apartments Royal Gardens in inner-city Fitzroy.
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin
The number one cultural organisation of the Northern Territory is without doubt Darwin’s Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT). Founded in 1966, on Larrakia Land at Bullocky Point, the museum is internationally renowned for its cultural and scientific collections research and exhibition programs.
Learn about Cyclone Tracy, the devastating 1974 storm that almost completely destroyed Darwin, through a chilling audio-visual experience. See the preserved remains of Sweetheart, a famous 5-metre saltwater crocodile that became a local legend, and view one of the most significant collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the country.
Where to stay
After a big day exploring the history of Darwin, relax in comfort at Quality Hotel Darwin Airport. Just 5 minutes from the airport and 12 minutes from the city centre, enjoy the outdoor resort-style pool and a free airport shuttle pickup.
Museum of Brisbane
Take the family to the Museum of Brisbane for a fun day out. Image from Tourism Australia.
Housed in the historic City Hall, the Museum of Brisbane tells the story of the evolving life, histories and contemporary cultures of the Queensland capital. Opened in 2003, the museum provides insights into the city’s development from a colonial outpost to a vibrant and sunny metropolis.
Explore exhibitions that showcase the lives of Brisbane residents, past and present, and take a tour of the heritage-listed Clock Tower for a unique perspective on the city, including a ride in one of Brisbane’s oldest working cage lifts. Learn about the role of the Brisbane River in shaping the city’s history and culture.
Where to stay
After ticking off your list of Queensland Museums to visit, Quality Hotel Robertson Gardens set in 10 acres of landscaped gardens, offers the perfect respite with easy access to all of Brisbane’s highlights.
South Australian Museum, Adelaide
Head down to the South Australian Museum in Adelaide. Image from South Australian Tourism Commission.
Founded in 1856, the South Australian Museum in Adelaide is one of Australia’s most important natural history museum and research institutions. It houses a vast collection of natural history specimens and cultural artefacts, including one of the largest collections of Aboriginal artefacts in the world.
Discover the state’s famous opal fossils, including those from ancient marine reptiles. Explore artefacts from the Pacific Islands, reflecting the cultural diversity of the region. See the world’s largest collection of fossils from the Ediacaran Period, offering a glimpse into some of the earliest life forms on Earth.
Where to stay
Base your stay at the popular city beach Glenelg, just minutes from the city centre and ideal for exploring the museums in South Australia. You’ll find comfortable accommodation with picturesque waterfront views at the Econo Lodge Glenelg Dockside in the heart of Glenelg.