Free Museums in Australia

Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove River in Sydney Harbour , New South Wales , Australia. Cockatoo Island is the largest of several islands that were originally heavily timbered sandstone knolls . Originally the Island rose to 18 metres (

Situated in the heart of the historical district of Sydney, this gallery houses a nice selection of contemporary art that is presented in an engaging way. A special section is dedicated to Australian Aboriginal art. Don't forget to check the events section on the official website to see the temporar

The City Botanic Gardens, located in Brisbane, Australia, is one of the city's primary green spaces. It spans an impressive area of nearly 18 hectares, providing a lush, green oasis amidst the towering skyscrapers of the city's business district. The gardens are a testament to the city's commitment to preserving and promoting its natural environment.

The Museum of Sydney is a historical collection and exhibition, built on the ruins of the house of the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip. This location gives the museum a unique historical significance, as it stands on the site of the first Government House of Australia, constructed in 1788. The original house was later abandoned, and its foundations were uncovered by archaeologists in 1983. The new museum building was designed by architects from Denton Corker Marshall and is part of the Governor Phillip Tower development.

Three floors packed with history of the most magical district in Sydney. Learn about the development of the area, from pre-European era to the present. The exhibitions are interactive and highly engaging, kids will love it. Explore various archaeological artefacts and hear stories about events and p

The Gallery of Modern Art ( GOMA ) is an art museum located within the Queensland Cultural Centre in the South Bank precinct of Brisbane , Queensland , Australia. The gallery is part of QAGOMA . GOMA, which opened on 2 December 2006, is the largest gallery of modern and contemporary art in Australia

The National Museum of Australia provides a comprehensive overview of the country's history. It traces the history of 50,000 years of Aboriginal presence, the arrival of Europeans since 1788, and key events such as the creation of the Australian federation and the Sydney 2000 Olympics. This makes it a valuable destination for those interested in understanding Australia's past.

The Queensland Museum, located in Brisbane, is the state museum of Queensland. It is dedicated to showcasing natural history, cultural heritage, science, and human achievement. Visitors can expect to explore a wide range of exhibits that delve into these diverse areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of Queensland's rich history and culture.

The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, located in Coffs Harbour, is a 20-hectare oasis that offers a blend of natural coastal forests, beautifully planted gardens, discovery walks, and picnic areas. This makes it an ideal location for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day in a beautiful setting.

The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is a significant art museum located in Canberra, the capital of Australia. The museum specializes in 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures. It is a great place for art enthusiasts and tourists who are interested in exploring the rich history of Australian and international art.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales, situated in Sydney, Australia, holds the distinction of being the most significant public gallery in Sydney and the fourth largest in the country. This makes it a notable destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a wide range of exhibits and collections to explore.

The White Rabbit Gallery is a contemporary art museum situated in the heart of Sydney, specifically in the inner-city suburb of Chippendale, New South Wales, Australia. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city.

The Old Treasury Building, a significant historical site in Melbourne, was constructed between 1858 and 1862. It was initially designed to serve as the home for the Treasury Department of the Government of Victoria and the Governor In Council. This Renaissance Revival building, built during the Victorian Gold Rush, is a testament to the wealth accumulated during that period.

The National Library of Australia ( NLA ), formerly the Commonwealth National Library and Commonwealth Parliament Library , is the largest reference library in Australia, responsible under the terms of the National Library Act 1960 for "maintaining and developing a national collection of library mat

The Australian Museum in Sydney, established in 1827, is the oldest museum in Australia. It primarily focuses on natural history and anthropology, housing extensive collections in zoology (vertebrates and invertebrates), mineralogy, paleontology, and anthropology. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore Australia's rich natural and cultural heritage.

The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney is recognized as Australia's largest and most renowned museum. It is home to a vast array of exhibits that showcase numerous discoveries and inventions of the human mind. This museum is a testament to human creativity and innovation, offering a unique opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of human ingenuity.

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is situated in the inner Darwin suburb of Fannie Bay. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of exhibits and collections for visitors to explore. The museum is governed by the Board of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and is supported by the Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory Foundation.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is a significant cultural institution located in Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania. Tasmania is an island state of Australia, situated in the southeast of the country. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and diverse culture of this region.

The Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, nestled in the city of Ballarat, holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest regional art gallery in Australia. This makes it a significant destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, who are interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Australian art.

The Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, a decommissioned lighthouse, was originally situated on Margaret Brock Reef near Cape Jaffa on the southeast coast of South Australia. Since 1976, the tower of the lighthouse has been relocated to the town of Kingston SE.

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image, also known as ACMI, is a cultural hub located in Melbourne, Australia. It is dedicated to celebrating, exploring, and promoting the cultural and creative richness of moving images in all forms. This includes cinema, television, video games, and digital culture. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of moving images and understand their impact on our culture and society.

The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is located on the grounds of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens in the suburb of Mount Coot-tha , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia. The Planetarium was officially opened on 24 May 1978. The Planetarium is named after Sir Thomas Brisbane , governor of the colony of New

The Art Gallery of South Australia, also known as AGSA, is a significant cultural institution located in Adelaide. It was originally established as the National Gallery of South Australia in 1881, making it a place of historical significance as well as a hub for art enthusiasts.

The South Australian Museum, founded in 1856, is a significant cultural institution located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is situated in the city's cultural district on North Terrace, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum's rich history and central location make it a notable point of interest for tourists exploring Adelaide.

The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra is a public art gallery that houses portraits of notable Australians. The gallery was established in 1998 and relocated to its current location on King Edward Terrace in December 2008. It offers visitors a chance to explore the faces and stories of Australians who have shaped and continue to shape our nation.

Old Parliament House , formerly known as the Provisional Parliament House , was the seat of the Parliament of Australia from 1927 to 1988. The building began operation on 9 May 1927 after Parliament's relocation from Melbourne to the new capital, Canberra . In 1988, the Commonwealth Parliament trans

The Royal Australian Mint is located in the federal capital city of Canberra, specifically on Denison Street in the suburb of Deakin. Its location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are touring the capital city.

Canberra Museum and Gallery is an art gallery and museum in Canberra , the capital of Australia . It is located on London Circuit, in Civic in the centre of the city. The gallery was opened on 13 February 1998. The museum houses a permanent collection called Reflecting Canberra which opened on 14 Fe

The Migration Museum in Adelaide is a social history museum that is situated in South Australia. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the history of immigration and settlement in South Australia. The museum is conveniently located, making it an accessible destination for tourists.

The Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre serves as the maritime museum of the Royal Australian Navy. It is conveniently located within the Public Access Area on the northern end of the Garden Island naval base in Sydney. This location allows visitors to easily access the museum and explore the rich history and heritage of the Australian Navy.

Located in Canberra, the capital of Australia, the Australian War Memorial houses the history of World War I and World War II. It provides a comprehensive overview of these significant periods in world history, making it a valuable destination for those interested in military history and the global impact of these wars.

RAAF Museum is the official museum of the Royal Australian Air Force , the second oldest air force in the world, located at RAAF Williams Point Cook , Victoria , Australia which is the oldest continuously operating Military Air Base in the world. The museum displays aircraft of significance to the

Elizabeth Farm is a significant historic site in Sydney, Australia. It was the residence of John Macarthur and his wife Elizabeth, who were pioneers in the production and sale of merino wool in the country. This makes it a place of interest for those keen on understanding Australia's early economic history and the beginnings of its wool industry.

The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) is a contemporary art institute located in the heart of Perth, Western Australia. It was established in 1989, evolving from an alternative art space known as Praxis that was active in the 1970s. PICA offers a platform for Australian and international visual, performance, and interdisciplinary arts.

The Samstag Museum of Art , also known as the Samstag Museum , was opened in October 2007 as the Anne & Gordon Samstag Museum of Art , in the Hawke Building of the CityWest campus of the University of South Australia (UniSA). The museum is named in honour of Anne & Gordon Samstag, "two distinguished

Macquarie University , contains nine museums, galleries and collections on its main North Ryde campus, each focusing on various historical, scientific or artistic interests. All are open to the public and offer educational programs for students at primary , secondary and tertiary levels.

RAAF Museum is the official museum of the Royal Australian Air Force , the second oldest air force in the world, located at RAAF Williams Point Cook , Victoria , Australia which is the oldest continuously operating Military Air Base in the world. The museum displays aircraft of significance to the

Fannie Bay Gaol is a historic prison located in Fannie Bay, Northern Territory, Australia. It functioned as Her Majesty's Gaol and Labour Prison from 20 September 1883 until 1 September 1979. This long history makes it a significant site for understanding Australia's penal history.

Blundells Cottage is a heritage-listed six-roomed stone cottage located on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin , in Canberra , Australia . The cottage was built by George P. Campbell in about 1858 for his ploughman William Ginn on the original Molonglo River floodplain. Ginn lived there with h

The Museum of the Riverina, located in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia, is a local history museum. It offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the region, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the area's past and its impact on the present.

The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is a 416-hectare (1,030-acre) botanical garden located in a hilly area of the southwestern Sydney suburb of Mount Annan , between Campbelltown and Camden , New South Wales . It is the largest botanical garden in Australia, specializing in native plants, wit

The Princess Royal Fortress, also known as Albany Forts, is a historical site located on the northern shore of Atatürk entrance on Princess Royal Harbour on Mount Adelaide. It overlooks the beautiful King George Sound in Albany, Western Australia. Today, it operates as a museum, offering visitors a chance to delve into the past and learn about its rich history.

The Justice and Police Museum, located at 4-8 Phillip Street on the corner of Albert Street in the Sydney central business district, is a heritage-listed site. It was formerly a water police station and courthouse. This location offers a unique insight into the history of law enforcement and justice in New South Wales, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, law, and policing.

The RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre is an aviation museum located at the RAAF Base Wagga, situated on the Sturt Highway in Forest Hill, New South Wales. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the history of the Royal Australian Air Force.

The Carnamah Historical Society collects, records, preserves and promotes the history of Carnamah , a town and farming community in the Mid West region of Western Australia . The society was formed in 1983, began a museum in 1992, and established itself online in 2003. It was subsequently profiled

A museum of Queensland University of Technology that shows contemporary art and works of their art students. You can see really young and unique art here.

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is a museum and art gallery situated in the Southbank district of Melbourne. Established in 1861, it holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest public gallery in Australia. This historical significance and the vast collection of art it houses make it a notable destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) is a significant cultural institution located in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. It holds the distinction of being the largest museum in Australia that is not situated in a capital city. This makes it a unique destination for tourists who are interested in exploring Australia's rich cultural and historical heritage outside of the usual metropolitan areas.

The Cairns Court House Complex, located at 38-40 Abbott Street in Cairns City, Queensland, Australia, is a heritage-listed site. This complex includes a former courthouse and a former public administration building, which now serves as an art gallery. This historical site offers a unique blend of history and art, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

The University of Queensland Anthropology Museum, situated in Brisbane, Australia, is home to the largest university collection of ethnographic material culture in the country. This makes it a significant destination for those interested in anthropology and cultural studies.

The Tanks Arts Centre, located at Collins Avenue Edge Hill in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, is a heritage-listed former fuel depot from World War II. Built in 1943, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 2 February 2007. The building now serves as a multi-use contemporary arts facility for the visual and performing arts.

The Australian Inland Botanic Gardens (AIBG) is a vast botanical garden and arboretum spanning 152 hectares. It is situated in the regions of The Mallee and Sunraysia in New South Wales, Australia. The garden is unique in its focus, with half of its area dedicated to the cultivation and preservation of Australian flora.

Also known as Regatta Point, this exhibition shows people, events, and history of Canberra as the symbol of Federation as the days went by.

This collection of gemstone so typical for Australia has won many awards. Interesting exhibition about its origin.

The University of Queensland Art Museum is located in the James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre at the St Lucia campus of the University of Queensland. It serves as the university's art museum and public gallery, showcasing a variety of art pieces and exhibitions.

The Waddamana Hydro-Electric power station, which opened its doors in 1916, holds the distinction of being the first hydro-electric power plant ever operated by the Tasmanian Hydro-Electric Department. This historical significance adds a layer of interest for visitors who are keen on understanding the evolution of hydro-electric power in Tasmania.

The Queenscliffe Historical Museum, located in the town of Queenscliff in Victoria, Australia, is a regional cultural history museum. It offers a deep dive into the cultural history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in learning more about the area's past.

Alexandra Park Zoo is a quaint zoo situated in Bundaberg West, Queensland, Australia. Despite its small size, it offers a unique experience for visitors with its diverse range of animal species.

One of the best galleries in Adelaide focusing on innovation. A must see not only for fans of art!

Don Bank, also known as the Don Bank Museum, is a heritage-listed former residence that has been transformed into a house museum. It is located at 6 Napier Street, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style and living conditions of the mid-19th century.

A gallery of contemporary art. Its expositions are focused on modern Australian and Aboriginal art. Those who like modern art have to visit this place.

Fort Scratchley, once a coastal defence installation, now serves as a museum. It is situated in Newcastle East, a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales in Australia. This historical site offers visitors a glimpse into Australia's military past, with its origins dating back to 1882 when it was built to defend the city against a potential Russian attack.

This gallery is worth visiting if you are a fan of unusual, innovative art. Young artists present here their work at short-term exhibitions.

This garden on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin shows an extensive collection of sculptures. The Fog sculpture is one of the most famous.

Meroogal, located at 35 West Street in the city of Shoalhaven, New South Wales, Australia, is a heritage-listed former residence that now serves as a house museum. The house was designed and built in 1886 by Kenneth Mackenzie, making it a significant piece of architectural history.

The Magnetic Island Museum, located at 11-15 Granite Street, Picnic Bay, Townsville, Queensland, Australia, is a heritage-listed former school known as Picnic Bay State School. The building, which was designed by the Queensland Department of Public Works, was constructed in 1921 and has since been transformed into a museum.

Wireless Hill Park, located in Ardross, Western Australia, is a 40-hectare park that is home to the Wireless Hill Museum. This park is a significant urban bushland area and is listed in the Register of the National Estate and the State Register of Heritage Places. The museum is housed in the preserved buildings of the former Applecross Wireless Station, an early radio station in Western Australia.

The Royal Australian Armoured Corps Memorial and Army Tank Museum is situated in Puckapunyal, an Australian Army training facility and base. It is located 10 km west of Seymour, in the heart of Victoria, in the south-eastern part of Australia. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the region.

The Kissing Point Fortification is currently the home of the Army Museum of North Queensland. The fortification is situated on a rocky headland that separates Cleveland Bay and Rowes Bay at the northern end of The Strand in Townsville. The Jezzine Barracks complex, which is part of the fortification, extends approximately ten hectares to its south west.

The Yanco Powerhouse Museum is situated on Binya Street in Yanco, New South Wales, Australia. This location is easily accessible and offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area.

The TYTO Regional Art Gallery is a significant cultural institution located in Ingham, Queensland, within the Hinchinbrook Shire. It offers a platform for local and traveling exhibitions, contributing to the vibrant art scene in the region.

The Hazelhurst Arts Centre, also known as Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre, Hazelhurst Gallery and simply Hazelhurst, is situated on Kingsway in the suburb of Gymea, in the southern part of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This location makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists alike, offering a unique cultural experience in the heart of the city.

The Bribie Island Seaside Museum, located at 1 South Esplanade, Bongaree, on the Pumicestone Passage side of Bribie Island, opened its doors to the public on 14 May 2010. The museum is situated in the City of Moreton Bay in Queensland, Australia, and offers visitors a chance to delve into the rich history and culture of the region.

The Central Australian Aviation Museum is situated in the heart of Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. This museum is a significant part of the region's history, having served as the main base of operations for Connellan Airways from 1939 to 1968. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich aviation history of Central Australia, offering visitors a unique insight into the development of the region.

The Rathdowney Information Centre and Historical Museum is a significant site for visitors interested in the natural and cultural heritage of the region. The centre provides information on the natural heritage, indigenous heritage, and the history of white settlement from the time of the first pioneers to the present day. It's a great place to learn about the history and culture of Rathdowney and its surrounding areas.

The Landsborough Shire Historical Museum is situated in the Sunshine Coast town of Landsborough in Queensland, Australia. It is a museum dedicated to local history and social history, providing a deep dive into the past of this region.

Meet different cultures through this gallery's art displays. Intriguing pieces from Asian artists in a pleasant setting.

A lively gallery that promotes contemporary art through a series of exhibitions, events and more. Always something going on here.

The Eric Thomas Galley Museum, also referred to as the Galley Museum, is a photographic and general museum situated in Driffield Street, Queenstown. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in photography and history, offering a unique insight into the past through its extensive collection of photographs and historical materials.

The Monash Gallery of Art (MGA), located at 860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill, is the premier cultural facility of the City of Monash. It is recognized as the Australian home of photography and is a leading public gallery.

The Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum is a vast 167-hectare botanical garden and arboretum situated near Mumbil, in New South Wales, Australia. It is a member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International and is internationally recognized with the code BURR. The garden is located 25 km from Wellington in the central western part of NSW and adjacent to the shores of Lake Burrendong.