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Canberra museums: the best places to explore Australia’s history, culture and ideas

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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. When I lived in the nation’s capital, I spent a lot of time moving through them, sometimes with a plan, but often on impulse. What strikes me every time is how personal they feel. These are not dusty repositories. They’re places where national stories and big ideas collide.

From headline institutions to quieter museums locals return to again and again, Canberra museums offer a depth you don’t always expect from a weekend visit. This guide shares the museums I recommend along with practical tips on when to go, what to prioritise and how to build a day around them.

In short

If you only visit one museum in Canberra, make it the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. This Canberra museum feels like a film set because of the fact it played a leading role in the theatre of Australian politics. Book The Chifley Experience at Hotel Kurrajong, which includes a MoAD tour and is one of the best places to stay in Canberra.

1. National Museum of Australia

the National Museum of Australia on Lake Burley Griffin
NMA forms its own landscape of themes and colours. (Image: Grant O’Loughlan / VisitCanberra)

The National Museum of Australia (NMA) is stitched together into the terrain – all colour, form and symbolism. Set on its own peninsula, it announces itself in its sharp angles and clashing ideas. I keep coming back to the museum to visit the extensive First Australians gallery which lays bare the spectrum of multiple, evolving views about Aboriginal Australia. And I always exit via the gift shop to fossick for idiosyncratic pressies such as a resin vase from Dinosaur Designs and First Nations jewellery.

Address: Lawson Cres, Acton

2. Australian War Memorial

the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
Reflect on Australia’s experience in war. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The Australian War Memorial is a shrine, archive and museum where visitors can reflect on Australia’s experience in war. The poppy-strewn Roll of Honour has a profound effect on me: it bears the names of more than 103,000 fallen members of the Australian armed forces.  The memorial is designed to broaden its impact on visitors keen to learn about Australia’s involvement in conflict and its enduring impact on our society. This blending of military history and personal stories is what the AWM does so well.

Address: Treloar Cres, Campbell, ACT

3. National Library of Australia

the National Library of Australia in Canberra
The National Library of Australia is a book temple and gallery in one. (Image: VisitCanberra)

I visit the National Library of Australia as much for the opportunity to press pause as the material. Part book temple, part gallery, part architectural statement, the library rewards slow wandering. The Treasures Gallery is a highlight, with everything from Olympic torches to ancient maps and Beethoven’s life mask. Even without opening a book, you can easily lose a couple of hours. There is an eclectic range of great cafes for brunch in Canberra. But not all of them have literary leanings. Bookmark Bookplate Cafe for that reason.

Address: Parkes Pl W, Canberra

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4. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

the House of Representatives Chamber at Old Parliament House in Canberra
The Museum of Australian Democracy now occupies the Old Parliament House. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Old Parliament House is like a film set from the 1980s, which makes sense because it did play a leading role in Australian politics as the home of Federal Parliament between 1927 and 1988. I always recommend taking the guided tour of The Museum of Australian Democracy; it’s the fastest way to understand how much of Australia’s political theatre played out inside these walls.  Expect amusing anecdotes from experienced officers who steer you toward rooms that present like portals into our political past.

Address: 18 King George Terrace, Parkes

5. Canberra Railway Museum

a heritage railway carriage at Canberra Railway Museum
See old locomotives and carriages at the Canberra Railway Museum. (Image: E Rohling)

Canberra Railway Museum celebrates the golden age of rail travel. Learn all about the locomotives and carriages that were the preferred mode of transport for politicians who were toing and froing from parliament. 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.

Address: 2 Geijera Place, Fyshwick, ACT

6. National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

a vintage television at National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
The NFSA is dedicated to the preservation and documentation of motion pictures. (Image: VisitCanberra)

I love to visit Canberra’s lesser-known institutions such as the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia . The NFSA is dedicated to the preservation and documentation of motion pictures and recorded sounds. It 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. More than 4 million items are indexed within curated collections in the heritage-listed building in Acton.

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

7. Questacon

a liquid nitrogen show at Questacon
Spark your curiosity at the spectacular liquid nitrogen show. (Image: Questacon)

Questacon is one of Canberra’s No. 1 family attractions. And, when my boys were in primary school, I would bring them to Questacon to engage their young minds to think about science, technology and innovation. There is a special learn and play centre at the national science and technology centre that helps to spark curiosity in kids. Here, children listen to inspired stories about science and innovation, make a stethoscope, put a magnet to the test and learn how Indigenous Australians make fire using friction.

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

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8. The Royal Australian Mint

an interactive exhibition space at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra
Kids can explore interactive exhibitions inside. (Image: 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. The National Coin Collection is not just for collectors; visitors can mint their own coin and explore interactive exhibitions, too.  A visit to the RAM might just inspire the next 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.

Address: Denison Street, Deakin

9. National Archives of Australia

Visiting the National Archives of Australia is 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 photos 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 information about immigration, the environment and the arts.

Address: Kings Avenue, Parkes

10. National Dinosaur Museum

dinosaur replicas outside The National Dinosaur Museum, Canberra
The National Dinosaur Museum has an enormous collection of interactive dinosaurs. (Image: VisitCanberra)

There are a lot of great reasons to visit the ACT. The National Dinosaur Museum is one of them. The museum has one of the largest permanent collections of interactive dinosaurs in Australia, 23 complete skeletons and more than 300 displays of individual fossils. Yes, you will enhance your children’s appreciation of reptiles from the Mesozoic era. 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, fossils and interactive animatronic dinosaurs on display.

Address: 6 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.