The National Museum of Australia Canberra is one of the remarkable museums in Canberra. It is a hidden treasure of Australian history and culture and offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. With a focus on indigenous heritage and national treasures, this museum is the perfect destination for families looking for things to do in Canberra with kids.
History of the Museum
Although it is one of Australia’s newest cultural institutions, the National Museum of Australia was almost 100 years in the making.. Collecting officially began with significant collections inherited from Australian Government collections, including the Australian Institute of Anatomy. A location was identified at Yarramundi Reach, Canberra.
In December 1996 the building of the Museum was announced as the key Centenary of Federation project, and Acton Peninsula was chosen as the site, with funding confirmed in 1997. The National Museum of Australia opened on 11 March 2001. It is home to the National Historical Collection and is one of the nation’s major cultural institutions.
The Museum’s exhibitions, collections, programs and research focus on three interrelated themes, specified in the National Museum of Australia Act 1980.
Highlights of the Museum
The National Museum of Australia showcases the diverse and fascinating history of Australia, from its indigenous roots to its modern-day society. With its vast collection of artefacts, artworks, and stories from indigenous communities across Australia, the museum provides a valuable learning experience for children. Through interactive exhibits and displays, kids can immerse themselves in the traditional lifestyles, beliefs, and customs of these communities. The museum also hosts events and workshops that showcase indigenous culture and traditions, allowing families to engage with and appreciate the rich heritage of Australia’s First Nations.
Family-Friendly Activities
The National Museum of Australia welcomes kids and encourages exploration of our exhibitions, outdoor spaces and online activities.
Children and their carers can explore a large, inclusive play area with a variety of experiences on offer. There is a soft crawl space for infants and five separate spaces with hands-on activities featuring Australian animal stories.
Children can follow the journey of Chris, the world’s woolliest sheep who was lost in the bush for 5 years. They can wander through the bush maze and squeeze through woolly rollers before sliding down the shearing chute and onto the next adventure.
The Museum’s Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is a fun, immersive play and learn space for children of all abilities from birth to 6 years.
Tours and Experiences
Take a guided tour by trying our virtual reality experiences or join a free host talk across our galleries. The free host talks are available on the hour between 10am and 4pm daily.
You can also take a Building and Architecture tour. Discover the stories and meanings hidden in the Museum building, design and landscapes. Book a tour and receive a free copy of “Building the National Museum of Australia” book.
The Garden of Australian Dreams is a symbolic landscape – large sculptural forms within a body of water, a little grass and a few trees. Encircled by the Museum, it provides an opportunity for visitors to stop and relax as they contemplate an artistic exploration of ‘place’ and ‘home’.
How to Get There
This incredible Canberra museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm. The Museum is closed on Christmas Day.
It is easily accessible for families using public transportation.
If you plan to take a bus, Route 53 visits the Museum 7 days a week. The bus stop is on Lennox Crossing, about 200 metres from our entrance. Taking taxi or ride share can be another option. The pick-up and drop-off at the taxi zone sign under the big orange loop, near our main entrance.
If you plan to take your own car or motorbikes, parking spaces are available for visitors. Parking fees are applied on Weekday from 8:30am to 5pm weekdays ($3.80 per hour or $16.50 per day). Free parking is available on weekends, public holidays and always for limited mobility spaces and motorbikes.
