8 Of The Best Canberra Museums To Visit

Add these landmark Canberra museums to the top of your cultural hit list in the nation’s capital.

Canberra museums are some of the most boundary-pushing in the country. If you know anything about Australia’s capital, it’s probably that it’s the epicentre of Australian history, culture and politics. With the Australian War Memorial and National Library making up just two of 12 major culture centres in Canberra, it’s considered a hub of both history and leadership.

The landmark attractions offer everything from insights into the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth to a war memorial that honours Australia’s battle for our freedom. Drop those pins on Google Maps and pinball between the following A-list institutions during your next trip to Kamberri/Canberra.

1. National Dinosaur Museum

There are a lot of great reasons to visit the ACT. The National Dinosaur Museum is one of them. It’s considered one of Canberra’s best museums with one of the largest permanent collections of interactive dinosaurs in Australia, 23 complete skeletons and more than 300 displays of individual fossils.

the front entrance of the National Dinosaur Museum, Canberra — The museum is for dinosaur lovers and anyone curious about the history of life on Earth. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Enhance your children’s appreciation of reptiles from the Mesozoic era when you take them to the National Dinosaur Museum. But the museum is not just about dinosaurs: it is aimed at anyone curious about the history of life on Earth. Budding palaeontologists will appreciate the trove of skulls, skeletons, replica models, fossils and interactive animatronic dinosaurs in the collection.

dino statues at National Dinosaur Museum, Canberra — The National Dinosaur Museum has an enormous collection of interactive dinosaurs. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 6 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls

2. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Old Parliament House is like a film set from the 1980s. This Canberra museum does a fine job as a set piece because it did play a leading role in Australian politics as the home of the Federal Parliament between 1927 and 1988. The Museum of Australian Democracy now occupies the Old Parliament House, and it’s worth taking a 45-minute tour to understand the historical and social value of the building.

flag poles in front of the Museum of Australian Democracy, Canberra — Enter the portals of our political past at the Museum of Australian Democracy. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Expect amusing anecdotes from experienced officers who touch on the inspiring speeches that took place at this Canberra museum. And steer you toward rooms that present like portals into our political past. Stay and play as part of The Chifley Experience at Hotel Kurrajong, which includes a MoAD tour and is one of the best places to stay in Canberra.

the Old Parliament House at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Canberra — The Museum of Australian Democracy now occupies the Old Parliament House. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 18 King George Terrace, Parkes

3. Canberra Railway Museum

Canberra Railway Museum celebrates the golden age of rail travel. The national capital has a long history with the railways that were built to connect Canberra to the rest of the country.

a train on display at Canberra Railway Museum — Step back in time to Canberra’s railway history. (Image: E Rohling)

Learn all about the locomotives and carriages that were the preferred mode of transport for politicians who were toing and froing from parliament.

the dining inside a train at Canberra Railway Museum — Hop aboard a steam locomotive at Canberra Railway Museum. (Image: A Trappes)

Forget Thomas the Tank Engine. Head here to teach your kids about the passage of time onboard a steam locomotive that brought the first train to Canberra in 1914. Or gauge how the style of the sleeping car evolved from a lavish 1901 Pullman to the stylish Art Deco Southern Aurora.

an old train carriage at Canberra Railway Museum — See old locomotives and carriages at the Canberra Railway Museum. (Image: E Rohling)

Address: 2 Geijera Place, Fyshwick, ACT

4. Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial (AWM) is a shrine, archive and museum where visitors can explore and reflect on Australia’s experience in war. The sweeping, poppy-strewn Roll of Honour is a profound example of this: it bears the names of more than 103,000 fallen members of the Australian armed forces, showcasing the consequences of war all too clearly.

the front facade of Australian War Memorial, Canberra — Visit the newly reimagined Australian War Memorial Museum. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The Memorial is rolling out staged improvements designed to broaden its impact on visitors keen to learn about the how, where and why behind Australia’s involvement in the conflict and its enduring impact on our society.

visitors exploring the Australian War Memorial, Canberra — Explore and reflect on Australia’s experience in war. (Image: VisitCanberra)

This blending of military history and personal stories is what the AWM does so well. Expect more exhibitions, objects and artefacts as well as narratives of war and peacekeeping at the newly reimagined museum.

a look inside the Australian War Memorial, Canberra — Visitors can explore and reflect on Australia’s experience in war. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: Treloar Cres, Campbell, ACT

5. National Film and Sound Archive

Canberra’s National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) is dedicated to the preservation and documentation of both motion pictures and recorded sounds. The NFSA contains archival footage, recordings from some of the country’s most prodigious talents as well as memorabilia that celebrates the rich history of Australian cinema.

the entrance of the National Film and Sound Archive, Canberra — NFSA is dedicated to Australian cinema. (Image: National Film and Sound Archive)

The heritage-listed building in Acton is a national institution. Movie buffs will love wandering through the grand old building to see rare memorabilia, props, and footage and audio-visual collections.

a group tour at the National Film and Sound Archive, Canberra — Wander through the National Film and Sound Archive for some serious movie history. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The vast collection includes news film footage of the first Mardi Gras in Sydney, costumes from Australian films and more than 4 million items indexed in curated collections.

rare film memorabilia at the National Film and Sound Archive, Canberra — See rare memorabilia, props, and footage and audio-visual collections. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: McCoy Cct, Acton, ACT (just a 10-minute walk from the city)

6. National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia (NMA) building forms its own landscape of themes and colours. Located on its own peninsula, it is out there and polarising in that utterly Australian, love-it-or-hate-it Vegemite sort of way.

the colourful exterior of National Museum of Australia, Canberra — NMA forms its own landscape of themes and colours. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Don’t miss the extensive First Australians gallery which lays bare the spectrum of multiple, evolving views about Aboriginal Australia.

the exterior of National Museum of Australia, Canberra — Be in awe of NMA’s stunning architecture. (Image: VisitCanberra)

You’ll want to exit via the gift shop here, too. It’s one of the best around for finding idiosyncratic pressies, from vintage balms to a Yoda-in-a-top-hat dinnerware set.

a dinosaur fossil display at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra — See dino fossils on display at the National Museum of Australia. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: Lawson Cres, Acton

7. National Library of Australia

Reflecting on an interesting book, glass of Canberra Riesling in hand, is not what you’d expect to be doing in a library. But then, the National Library of Australia (NLA) does quite a few ‘un-library’ things. There is an eclectic range of great cafes for breakfast and brunch in Canberra. But not all of them have literary leanings. Bookmark Bookplate Cafe for that reason.

people wandering the bookshelves inside the National Library of Australia, Canberra — The Treasures Gallery houses endless quirky bits and pieces to unearth. (Image: VisitCanberra)

This Canberra institution is one of the few genuine destination libraries in the world: part book temple, part gallery and part architectural curiosity. The Treasures Gallery houses endless quirky bits and pieces to unearth, from Olympic torches to ancient maps, furniture and Beethoven’s life mask. You can check-in for at least a couple of hours here without even picking up a book.

visitors looking at the displays inside the National Library of Australia, Canberra — The National Library of Australia is a book temple and gallery in one. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: Parkes Pl W, Canberra

8. Questacon

Questacon is one of Canberra’s No. 1 family attractions. The National Science and Technology Centre has mastered the art of creating interactive exhibitions. The quest for Questacon is to create a brighter future by engaging young minds to think about science, technology and innovation.

guests in colourful costumes blowing up steam at Questacon — Questacon is one of Canberra’s No. 1 family attractions. (Image: VisitCanberra)

There is a special learn and play centre that helps to spark curiosity in kids. Here, children listen to inspired stories about science and innovation, make a stethoscope, put a fridge magnet to test and learn all about heat and insulation. The Spectacular Science Shows uses humour to present the magic of science and technology.

guests entering an interactive exhibit at Questacon — Let the interactive exhibits spark your curiosity. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: Questacon, Ngunawal Country, King Edward Terrace, Canberra, ACT

9. The Royal Australian Mint

The multi-award-winning Royal Australian Mint has reopened after extensive renovations. The cultural attraction is both a working factory and Commonwealth Heritage site. Visitors can mint their own coin, and explore interactive exhibitions.

a mother and son heading to The Royal Australian Mint, Canberra — Visit the multi-award-winning Royal Australian Mint. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Collectors take note: the stunning commemorative 50^th Anniversary of Countdown coin is now available to purchase.

a family watching an interactive video at The Royal Australian Mint, Canberra — The Royal Australian Mint is both a working factory and a Commonwealth Heritage site. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The National Coin Collection is not just for collectors. But the RAM might just inspire a new generation of numismatists to start squirrelling away their Australian coins. Learn about the history of coin collecting, see commemorative coins made of gold and silver and antique coins that nod to nostalgia.

visitors sitting down inside The Royal Australian Mint, Canberra — Explore interactive exhibitions at The Royal Australian Mint. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: Denison Street, Deakin

10. National Archives of Australia

There’s plenty to see and do at the National Archives of Australia . It’s like flicking through memories banked by the nation over centuries. Highlights within the heritage-listed space include the interactive digital wall, and exhibitions that trace decisions that have helped to shape the nation.

Don’t miss the large gallery of photographs gleaned from the collection of past and present prime ministers. Research geeks can get help with their projects by booking ahead to view archives in the Research Centre. The collection includes records from the Australian government as well as information about immigration, the environment and the arts.

Address: Kings Avenue, Parkes

Discover the best restaurants in Canberra.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

8 Canberra museums with important stories to tell