The Best Brisbane Museums To Visit | Australian Traveller

Let curiosity lead the way at every extraordinary Brisbane museum on our tried-and-tested list.

Whether you’re a fully-fledged history buff, enthralled by envelope-pushing thinking or just looking for something new to explore, a Brisbane museum can provide the ultimate remedy. Shining a light on vintage relics, budding genius and just about every curiosity in between, the city’s most beautifully curated odes to history endlessly inspire. We round up our absolute favourites for guaranteed great learning.

1. Queensland Museum Kurilpa

the sparklab at Queensland Museum Kurilpa — Let your imagination run wild in SparkLab.

The big daddy in the Brisbane museum scene has it all. Queensland Museum Kurilpa , located in South Bank’s culture precinct, reflects on the moments in time that shaped Queensland—and they don’t miss a beat.

Covering prehistoric giants, Aboriginal cultures, the First World War, native flora and fauna, science and space, and more, 15 million artefacts provide an unparalleled education.

The temporary exhibitions are additionally thrilling, venturing into international civilisations.

Address: Corner Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Bank

2. Museum of Brisbane

guests looking at paintings inside the Museum of Brisbane — See for yourself why the Museum of Brisbane is acclaimed for its art. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

While the Museum of Brisbane is acclaimed for its art, it also tracks the social history of the city, gathering artefacts to reveal local storytelling.

Exploring Brisbane’s First Nations roots and culture before taking visitors through how daily life has evolved over time, it’s a wonderful space located on the heritage-listed Brisbane City Hall’s top floor. While you’re up there, don’t miss the views out to the Clock Tower and copper dome.

Address: Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, King George Square, Brisbane

3. Queensland Art Gallery

Brisbane museums — Discover the latest exhibitions at QAGOMA. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

An incredible museum to rival the majesty of those found in international cities, the Queensland Art Gallery is a must.

Operating in conjunction with the Gallery of Modern Art (more on that soon) to form QAGOMA, the city’s leading cultural conglomerate, this Brisbane museum opened its South Bank doors in 1982.

Exhibiting both historical and contemporary pieces from around the world, its collections come together to chart how Australian and international cultures have evolved.

Additionally, the structure itself is mind-blowing, built with a ground floor Water Mall dotted with sculptures and fountains. It’s one of the city’s most beautiful and calming indoor structures.

Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane

4. Gallery of Modern Art

a look inside the Gallery of Modern Art — Step into the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The other half of QAGOMA, the Gallery of Modern Art , is a Brisbane museum filled with contemporary works from right around the globe.

Painting a beautiful, ever-revolving picture of the creativity currently unfolding internationally, it’s home to mixed media exhibitions spanning drawing, digital imagery, sculpture, costume and painting.

Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane

5. Brisbane Powerhouse

an aerial view of the Brisbane Powerhouse — Brisbane Powerhouse majestically stands on the Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Renowned as the city’s preeminent performing arts and cultural centre, Brisbane Powerhouse also attracts a string of touring exhibitions that illustrate Australia’s creative evolution.

A colossal power station from the 1920s, lovingly transformed into a stellar Brisbane museum, the cultural hub’s events roster soars past 1,250 individual exhibitions and performances each year. Check the website to see what’s currently enchanting.

Address: 119 Lamington Street, New Farm

6. MacArthur Museum Brisbane

a cap display at MacArthur Museum Brisbane — This Brisbane museum offers a glimpse into MacArthur’s headquarters.

Reflect on the events of the Second World War at the MacArthur Museum Brisbane , part of the heritage-listed MacArthur Chambers in the middle of town.

Shining a light on the achievements of American General Douglas MacArthur, who served as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in the South-West Pacific Area (SWPA), the absorbing Brisbane museum offers a glimpse into his headquarters and daily activities, which were stationed in this very spot between 1942 and 1944.

Address: Level 8, MacArthur Chambers, 201 Edwards Street, Brisbane

7. Commissariat Store Museum

a look inside the Commissariat Store Museum, Brisbane — The Commissariat Store Museum will transport you back in time.

While it’s often what’s inside that counts, everything you see on the outside of the Commissariat Store Museum also impresses. Queensland’s oldest habitable structure was built in part by convicts from 1828 to 1829, and its sandstone, brick, and iron-guarded windowed facade transports you back in time.

Inside, you’ll find extraordinary artefacts to illustrate the military department’s daily life as well as pieces that tell the unique history of Brisbane over the centuries.

Address: 115 William Street, Brisbane

8. Queensland Maritime Museum

Ever intrigued by life out at sea? At the Queensland Maritime Museum , you can dive a little deeper. One of the largest maritime museums in the country, this Brisbane museum is committed to sharing the state’s unique offshore history. Navigating the origins of various lighthouses, sailing expeditions and practices, naval activity, vessel construction, radio operations and more, the team leaves no stone unturned.

Address: Corner Stanley and Sidon Streets, South Brisbane

9. QUT Art Museum

two women admiring paintings at the QUT Art Museum in Brisbane — QUT Art Museum houses more than 3,000 objects.

Showcasing the state’s finest visual arts, the QUT Art Museum , spearheaded by the Queensland University of Technology, houses more than 3,000 objects.

Passionate about contemporary works, especially, this Brisbane museum offers a diverse collection of paintings, ceramics, sculptures, drawings, prints and further works on paper. Rotating exhibitions provide further food for thought while celebrating Australia’s most exciting creative minds.

Address: 2 George Street, Brisbane

10. Queensland Holocaust Museum

A powerful Brisbane museum led by a team of committed peacemakers, the Queensland Holocaust Museum provides a deep perspective into the horrific events that transpired between 1933 and 1945. As the team strives to preserve the memories and stories of lives lost, while educating younger generations who aren’t familiar with what occurred in Europe and the widespread aftermath, this collection provides deeply moving insight.

Address: 168 Charlotte Street, Brisbane

11. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

the exterior of Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium — Swing by Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium for all things astronomy. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Pretty as a picture inside the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha , the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is a spectacular tribute to all things beyond our planet.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Cosmic Skydome, which offers astronomer talks on the solar system and constellations, but don’t miss the Display Zone filled with models and interactive exhibits, including a replica of Neil Armstrong’s Apollo spacesuit.

Address: Mount Coot-Tha Road, Mount Coot-Tha

12. Brisbane Tramway Museum

A family-friendly Brisbane museum adored by little ones, the Brisbane Tramway Museum is devoted to preserving the city’s historic trams. The team of volunteers also run trams from the museum, though electrical maintenance was being undertaken last time we checked, so visit the website to confirm it’s back up and running. Regardless, vintage trams take centre stage here and you’re invited to jump on board and partake in tours when the museum opens its doors each Sunday.

Address: 20 Tramway Street, Ferny Grove

13. Queensland Police Museum

law enforcement relics at Queensland Police Museum — Head to the Queensland Police Museum for some serious law enforcement history.

Chart the state’s ultra-colourful history of law enforcement at the Queensland Police Museum , a Brisbane museum erected within the Queensland Police headquarters.

25 displays take visitors through the ins and outs of things like forensics and prisoner housing, leaving you in awe of just how far our coppers and police innovation have come over the centuries.

Address: Ground floor, QPS HQ, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane

14. Brisbane Motor Museum

luxury cars displayed inside Brisbane Motor Museum — Brisbane Motor Museum showcases luxurious sports cars.

A 25-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, the Brisbane Motor Museum is a must for rev heads. Heads will spin as a rotating mix of artworks, motoring gear and, of course, sensational automotives themselves, instil awe with every visit.

From luxurious sports cars and vintage Rolls-Royces to itty-bitty people movers, there’s a set of wheels to fall in love with wherever you look.

Address: 959 Nudgee Road, Banyo

15. Army Museum South Queensland

Located within the Victoria Barracks, the state’s oldest existing military barracks, the Army Museum South Queensland gathers a wide collection of artefacts from army life across the years. From taxidermy carrier pigeons to surveyor memorabilia and recreations of where army officers set up digs while on duty, the Brisbane museum provides a profound perspective into the Australian Defence Force’s unwavering heroism.

Address: 80-86 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane

Check out the best art galleries in Brisbane.

Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp — Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent — Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts — Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom — Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.

15 fascinating Brisbane museums to lose yourself in