The Central outside area where kids can run amuk
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National Museum of Australia

4.4
·8k reviews·Acton, Australia

Explore 50,000 years of Australian history and culture in a stunning waterfront building with engaging exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more immersive

CrowdLow
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The Central outside area where kids can run amuk

National Museum of Australia

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more immersive

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore 50,000 years of Australian history and culture in a stunning waterfront building with engaging exhibits.

4.4
(8k reviews)

"A must-visit for its beautiful displays, stunning architecture, and immersive journey through Australia's past. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Grab a Map!

The museum's layout can be tricky. Grab a map at entry to navigate easily.

🚗 Parking Fees Apply

Entry is free, but parking costs money. Factor this into your visit budget.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 8,442 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Australian History Galleries

Australian History Galleries

Journey through 50,000 years of Australia's past, from Indigenous heritage to modern times. Informative and engaging displays.

Architecture & Waterfront Views

Architecture & Waterfront Views

Admire the striking modern architecture and enjoy the scenic waterfront location. A feast for the eyes, inside and out.

Reddit
Mr. Squiggle Exhibition

Mr. Squiggle Exhibition

A nostalgic trip down memory lane, exploring the beloved children's show and its creator. Interactive and delightful for all ages.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Museum

While the National Museum of Australia is a treasure trove of history, some visitors find its layout a bit confusing. Plan your route beforehand or grab a map to make the most of your visit and avoid getting lost amidst the fascinating exhibits. Reddit

Free Entry, Paid Parking

Admission to the National Museum of Australia is free, making it an accessible attraction. However, parking does incur a fee, so factor this into your budget. EV chargers are available if you're driving an electric vehicle. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Cafe is popular, good for families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍National Museum of Australia Check out our previous post for more info.
mexplogram
269 likes • 2.9K views

🗺️ Grab a Map!

The museum's layout can be tricky. Grab a map at entry to navigate easily. Reddit

🚗 Parking Fees Apply

Entry is free, but parking costs money. Factor this into your visit budget. Reddit

📍 National Museum of Australia Not quite a hike, but so much fun. We headed to the brand new Discovery Space at the National Museum of Australia. The space is aimed for kids aged 0-6 and sessions run for 75 minutes. Both boys absolutely adored the new space and I’m told it was Teddy’s “best day yet”. Though that also might have something to do with the hot chips, jam doughnut and fruit salad h...
thehikerrfolk
104 likes • 3.3K views
Step back in time as Pompeii comes to Canberra! 🌋 This summer, the National Museum of Australia invites you to an exclusive and immersive exhibition that will bring the lost city of #Pompeii to life. Experience the city’s final days through stunning artifacts, captivating soundscapes, and awe-inspiring digital projections. Witness the power of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption and the lives of the peop...
visitcanberra
3.4K likes • 131.1K views

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The cafe offers good food and coffee at reasonable prices. A pleasant surprise! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Exhibits

Many interactive elements make it great for younger visitors. Educational and fun! Reddit

📍NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA 📍 Tim & Gina fairfax discovery center. This one was great for babies and toddlers! Lots of things to play on and The Discovery Centre tells five stories from Australian history, each one encouraging different types of play. #canberra #canberraplayspaces #canberramums #canberralocals #playcenter #toddlerlife #mumlife
raisinglittleandloved
16 likes • 309 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Grab a Map!

The museum's layout can be tricky. Grab a map at entry to navigate easily. Reddit

🚗 Parking Fees Apply

Entry is free, but parking costs money. Factor this into your visit budget. Reddit

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The cafe offers good food and coffee at reasonable prices. A pleasant surprise! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Exhibits

Many interactive elements make it great for younger visitors. Educational and fun! Reddit

💡 Digital Info Boards

Use the helpful digital boards to learn more about exhibits. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the National Museum of Australia for its informative and beautifully presented exhibits, particularly its comprehensive look at Australian history. The stunning architecture and waterfront location are also frequently highlighted as major draws. While generally a positive experience, some find the museum's layout a bit confusing to navigate. Reddit

"Great museum, with many informative and historical exhibits. It's time well spent immersing oneself in the exhibits and short films that are played in the screens alongside. There are some interesting automobile exhits too.

We visited on a weekday and the museum was fairly empty. A visit is recommended, especially for the young ones."

Helen Thomas

"Our family had a very positive experience here. The displays were beautiful and the building is stunning and extravagant, no expense spared in any way. Very welcoming environment, we entered without booking and just walked straight in and wandered around admiring the displays. There are many interactive elements to the displays with educational snippets everywhere you look. Many fascinating things, would definitely recommend to any age.
The Cafe was a pleasant suprise also, food and coffee were all good and reasonably priced."

Jordi I

"This is a really nice Mueseum! The exhibits are very professional looking and beautifully presented. A lot to learn and see, with helpful digital information boards to find each item from the display and read about them.

The staff at entry were also very friendly, and the gift shop is nice. Everything is well thought out and I highly recommend a visit! It’s free to visit apart from parking, but it’s worth the cost for the time you spend here."

Sharnie Dwyer

What People Like

Informative historical exhibits
Stunning architecture
Interactive displays

What People Dislike

Confusing layout at times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The National Museum of Australia is located on Acton Peninsula in Canberra. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available (fees apply). Public transport options include bus routes that stop nearby. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the museum. Please note that parking fees apply. The museum also offers two free 7KW EV chargers, but you need to bring your own cable. Reddit

The museum is situated on Acton Peninsula, which is accessible by walking and cycling paths. It's a pleasant walk or ride from the city centre, offering scenic views along the way.

Several ACTION bus routes service the area around the National Museum of Australia. Check the Transport Canberra website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules.

Yes, the museum is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and prams, with ramps and lifts available throughout the building.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general admission to the National Museum of Australia is free! You can wander through the main galleries and explore many of the exhibits without purchasing a ticket. Reddit

For general admission, booking in advance is not usually required, especially on weekdays. However, for special exhibitions or guided tours, it's advisable to check the museum's website for booking information. Reddit

The National Museum of Australia is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any changes to opening hours or public holidays.

Yes, sometimes the museum hosts temporary special exhibitions that may require a separate ticket purchase. Check the museum's 'What's On' section on their website for current exhibition details and pricing.

Group bookings are welcome. It's recommended to contact the museum's group bookings department in advance to arrange your visit and ensure a smooth experience.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the Australian History Galleries for a comprehensive overview of the continent's past. The Mr. Squiggle exhibition is a nostalgic hit, and the architecture itself is a highlight. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum features many interactive elements and engaging displays that are perfect for children. The Mr. Squiggle exhibition is particularly popular with younger visitors. Reddit

You could easily spend a full day exploring the museum, especially if you want to delve deep into the exhibits and enjoy the cafe and grounds. A minimum of 2-3 hours is recommended for a good overview. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are often available, offering deeper insights into the collections and exhibitions. Check the museum's schedule upon arrival or their website for tour times and topics. Reddit

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the museum's public areas, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain galleries. Always check for signage in specific exhibition spaces.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum has a popular cafe that offers good food and coffee at reasonable prices. It's a pleasant spot to refuel during your visit. Reddit

The cafe typically offers a range of light meals, snacks, sandwiches, cakes, and coffee. It's a good option for a casual lunch or a coffee break. Reddit

While there are no strict rules against bringing your own food, it's generally expected that you consume it in designated outdoor areas rather than inside the galleries. The cafe is the primary dining facility.

Most museum cafes offer a selection of vegetarian options. Vegan choices may vary, so it's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff about their current menu.

Yes, the cafe is generally family-friendly and a good place to take a break with children. High chairs are usually available.

📸 📸 Photography

The museum's modern architecture, especially its waterfront facade, offers stunning photographic opportunities. The interior spaces with unique exhibits also make for great shots. Reddit

Tripods are often not permitted inside the museum galleries to avoid obstructing other visitors and damaging exhibits. Always check the museum's photography policy for specific restrictions. Reddit

Flash photography is usually prohibited inside the museum galleries to protect the artifacts and artworks from light damage. Look for signage indicating where flash is not allowed. Reddit

A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, will work well. Focus on capturing the details of the exhibits and the unique architectural features. Reddit

Commercial photography or videography typically requires prior permission from the museum. Contact their media or marketing department for inquiries.

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