Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country with a rich history. So, if you ever plan to study the cultural, scientific, artistic and historical aspects of Australia, the best thing to do is to visit museums in Australia. Museums will help you gain a proper understanding of Australian culture as well as the achievements of Australia as a whole. This article will give you all the information about the best museums to visit in Australia to enhance your knowledge.
10 best museums in Australia
If you don’t just want to discover Australia’s happening places, the country’s museums will leave you with many stories from its glorious past.
- Melbourne Museum
- National Museum of Australia
- Australian Museum
- Australian National Maritime Museum
- scientific work
- Queensland Museum
- Powerhouse Museum
- Questacon
- Australian War Memorial
1. Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne Museum is one of the largest museums in the Southern Hemisphere. This museum talks about the history of the place from the origin of life in the Victoria region over the past 600 million years. You can explore the sea, see prehistoric creatures and even take a quick look at the ancestral spirit Banjil at the specially designed Banjilaka Tribal Cultural Centre. You can also watch films in the IMAX theater within the museum premises.
Museum opening and closing timings: Mon-Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Place: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC Australia
contact number: +61 03 8341 7777
entrance fees: Adult – $25.50, Child (up to 16 years) – $12, Family (two adults and two children) – $70
2. National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia places special emphasis on three aspects of Australian history i.e. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history, Australia and its environment and Australian society and history 1788. The museum not only talks about history but has special attractions such as the Phar Laps Heart and Square, Captain Cook’s navigational instruments and the arched and round windows from the Play School. This is one of the best Australian museums!
Museum opening and closing timings: Daily 9am to 5pm (Closed Christmas Day)
Place: Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra ACT 2601
contact number: +61 2 6208 5000
entrance fees: Children (0-4 years) – Free, Family (2 adults, 2 children) – $30, Family (1 adult, 2 children) – $15
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3. Australian Museum
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This museum was established in the year 1827 and became the first public museum in the country. The museum is home to an amazing collection of approximately 18 million objects of scientific and cultural importance spread over three floors. One of the best museums in Australia, it is a must see!
Museum opening and closing timings: Daily 9:30am to 5pm (Closed Christmas Day)
Place: 1 William St, Sydney NSW Australia
contact number: +61 2 9320 6000
entrance fees: Adult- $15
4. Australian National Maritime Museum
This museum is special among all the museums in Australia because it is surrounded by the sea on all sides and is a witness to the maritime past. Since 1991, the Museum has played an essential role in building the Australian naval story. The museum’s main galleries emphasize the indigenous connection between Australian people and water, water travel and recreation, the discovery of Australia and its navy. The fun part- you also get a chance to see three ships in this museum.
Museum opening and closing timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm every day, extended to 6:00 pm in January, last boarding time for submarines and tall ships – 4.10 pm, closed Christmas Day 25 December.
Place: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000, AU
contact number: +61 2 9298 3777
entrance fees: In 3D Cinema – Adult: $32, Child (under 4): Free, Child (4-15): $20, Family: $79 (includes 2 adults and up to 3 children ages 4-15), Concession: $20 ( Australian Full-Time Student Card, ISIC – International Student Card, Australian or New Zealand Senior, Australian Pensioner), Member: Free
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5. Science work
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Science is another pillar of human existence, which you can see with the naked eye. Yes, you can do that at Australia’s Scienceworks Museum. Witness the magic of science as you make connections between Melbourne’s industry, its heritage and practical technology. You can watch a journey into deep space in the planetarium area; You can also take a quick tour of a century-old pumping station and learn about the scientific concept behind Spotswood. A bonus for all visitors is an electrifying presentation in the light room. Don’t forget to add this museum to your list of museums in Australia!
Museum opening and closing timings: Daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm. Good Friday and Christmas Day closed
Place: 2 Booker St, Spottswood VIC Australia
contact number: +61 3 9392 4800
entrance fees: Adult ScienceWorks only – $15, Child ScienceWorks only (up to 16 years) – Free.
6. Queensland Museum
The museum is rich with Australian cultural heritage, science as well as natural history of human achievement. The museum hosts the World Science Festival, which is why it is one of the most visited museums in Australia. The Queensland Museum talks about the story of the Sunshine State.
Museum opening and closing timings: Open daily 9.30am to 5pm, closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Open ANZAC Day from 1.30pm.
Place: Queensland Museum, Gray St and Melbourne St South Brisbane 4101, Queensland
contact number: +61 (0)7 3840 7555
entrance fees: without any value
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7. Powerhouse Museum
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It is a converted powerhouse and houses a diverse collection. The museum houses an astonishing collection of approximately 400,000 artefacts ranging from science, design, communications, engineering and space to fashion and contemporary culture. Since its establishment in 1879 IT has built its own unique collection. The most famous artefacts housed here include Locomotive No. 1 and The King’s Cinema.
Museum opening and closing timings: Open daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Place: 500 Harris Street Ultimo NSW Australia,
contact number: +61 2 9217 0111
entrance fees: without any value
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8. Questacon
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Established in 1988, the museum has over 200 interactive exhibits. It seeks to enlighten inquisitive minds about science and technology. The museum has eight themed galleries offering hands-on activities and exhibits. Exhibits range from prehistoric times to meteorology, photography and engineering.
Museum opening and closing timings: Open daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Place: National Portrait Gallery, 35 King Edward Terrace, Parks ACT Australia,
contact number : +61 2 6270 2800
entrance fees: $23 for adults
9. Australian War Memorial
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The purpose of this solemn war memorial is to commemorate those members of the Australian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives in war. A temple, a museum and a research center together make up this Australian war memorial that tells a lot about the sacrifices made by these young soldiers long ago. This museum was established in 1941 and is more than just one of Australia’s history museums that tell stories of the past. At the center of the memorial is the Hall of Memory, which contains the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier and the Roll of Honour, which contains the names of over 102,000 Australians. One can attend various exhibitions at this monument from time to time and visit the outdoor sculpture garden.
Place: Treloar Cres, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia
opening time: 10 am to 5 pm
10. National Sports Museum
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Showcasing Australia’s sporting achievements, the National Sports Museum at the MCG is one of Australia’s most entertaining museums. This massive space houses 3,500 artefacts such as the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, as well as the Australian Football Hall of Fame, as well as the Melbourne Cup trophy and Olympic medals. Visitors also get to enjoy various interactive experiences and holograms of Shane Warne and James Hurd which are some of the most interesting aspects of this museum.
Place: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
opening time: 10 am to 5 pm
entrance fees: INR 675/-
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Australia attracts tourists from all over the world and many backpackers and luxury travelers visit this beautiful country. Let us help you plan your trip to Australia so that you can easily explore the rich history and heritage of this amazing country.
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FAQs About Famous Museums in Australia
What are the best art museums in Australia?
The Museum of Contemporary Art and the University of Queensland Art Museum are some of the best art museums in Australia.
What are the famous museums in Perth, Australia?
The Western Australian Museum and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts are some of the famous museums in Perth, Australia.
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