The 10 Best Museums in Australia

Located in the Carlton Gardens, the Melbourne Museum is the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover the origin of life in Victoria in 600 Million Years, explore the seas in the Science and Life Gallery, roam amongst prehistoric creatures, and enter the nest of ancestral spirit Bunjil in the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The museum complex also includes IMAX Melbourne.

Established in 1827 the National Museum of Australia became the countries first public museum, and to this day it remains focused on showcasing the Australian story. With a collection of more than 18 million objects of cultural and scientific importance, the National Museum of Australia holds a ‘beautiful Collection of Australian curiosities’ across three floors.

Surrounded by ocean, Australia’s maritime past is a significant part the country’s history and since 1991 the National Maritime Museum has played a huge role in exhibiting our naval story. The museum’s main galleries focus on the discovery of Australia, the Navy, the relationship Indigenous Australian have with water, and water travel and recreation. Visitors also have the opportunity to explore three vessels.

A museum where inquisitive minds can ask why, discover how Scienceworks links Melbourne’s industry, heritage and applied technology. See an electrifying presentation in the Lighting Room, voyage into deep space at the Planetarium, tour the century-old Pumping Station, and discover the science behind movement in Sportswood.

Self-described as a museum of natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement Queensland Museum tells the story of the sunshine state. Exhibitions include the Discovery Centre; This is my heritage, Body Zone, ENERGEX Playasaurus Place, Wild State and Lost Creatures. Queensland Museum also hosts the World Science Festival.

A major branch of the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, the Powerhouse Museum is located in the old Ultimo Power Station building near Darling Harbour. With a collection of approximately 400,000 artifacts spanning science, design, communication, engineering, fashion, space and contemporary culture, the Powerhouse has acquired a unique collection since it was established in 1879. Highlights include Locomotive No. 1 and The Kings Cinema.

Championing Australian sporting achievement the National Sports Museum is located at the MCG. The museum features the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame and Australian Football Hall of Fame as well as 3,500 artefacts including Melbourne Cup trophies and Olympic medals. There are also interactive experiences and holograms of Shane Warne and James Hird.

With more than 200 interactive exhibits, Questacon: The National Science and Technology Centre strives to enlighten curious minds about science and technology. Opened in September 1988, the museum has eight themed galleries and offers hands-on activities and demonstrations. From meteorology to prehistoric creatures, photography to engineering, Questacon will allow you to flex your mental muscles.