Top 100 best museums in Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a significant botanical institution that spans across two locations - Melbourne and Cranbourne. The Melbourne Gardens, founded in 1846, sprawls across 38 hectares of land, showcasing nearly 50,000 individual plants from 8,500 different species. On the other hand, the Cranbourne Gardens, established in 1970, is a 363-hectare site dedicated to Australian plants, featuring native bushland, heathlands, wetlands, and woodlands.

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is an art gallery located at Federation Square in Melbourne, Victoria. It houses the Australian part of the art collection of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). This gallery should not be confused with the Ian Potter Museum of Art operated by the University of Melbourne. The collection at the Ian Potter Centre is one of the oldest and most well-known in the country, with over 20,000 Australian artworks, including paintings, sculpture, prints, photography, fashion and textiles.

Werribee Open Range Zoo, located about 32 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, is an African themed zoo. It is part of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board or Zoos Victoria, which also includes Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. This gives visitors a chance to experience a variety of wildlife in one location.

Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum located in Golden Point, a suburb of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. The museum is a representation of Ballarat's first ten years following the discovery of gold in 1851. It provides a unique insight into the gold rush era, making it a significant attraction for those interested in history and culture.

The Old Melbourne Gaol is a museum and former prison located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It has a rich history, having been the site of 135 executions and the home of some of Victoria's most notorious criminals. One of the most famous inmates was the bushranger Ned Kelly, a figure who has become a part of Australian folklore.

Apart from being a building of great historical value and beauty, the town hall also holds notable theatre plays and exhibitions. Take a free guided tour of the building and learn more about its social and political significance.

The Eureka Tower, located in Southbank, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, is a towering structure that stands at a height of 300 meters. It boasts 91 floors above ground and one below, making it a significant landmark in the city.

In the 1980s, Melbourne Zoo pioneered the concept of 'bioclimatic zones'. This innovative approach involves grouping animals that share a common habitat in the wild together in captivity. This not only enhances the wellbeing of the animals but also provides visitors with a more authentic and educational experience.

Phillip Island Nature Park spans over 1805 hectares, encompassing several distinct areas. These include Pyramid Rock, Rhyll Inlet, Seal Rocks, and Cape Woolamai. Each of these areas offers unique viewing and attraction spots, providing visitors with a diverse range of experiences and sights to explore.

The Melbourne Museum, the largest museum in the southern hemisphere, is situated in the Carlton Gardens, a public park in Melbourne. It shares this location with the Royal Exhibition Building, a structure that is over a century old. This location provides a unique blend of natural beauty and historical architecture, making it an interesting place to visit.

The Immigration Museum in Melbourne, Australia is a unique institution dedicated to the history and experiences of immigration to Australia. It provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse cultures and communities that have shaped the nation, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich tapestry of Australian society.

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.

Scienceworks is a science museum situated in Melbourne, Australia. It is owned and managed by Museums Victoria, which oversees the cultural and scientific collections of the State of Victoria. The museum is located in the suburb of Spotswood and opened its doors on March 28, 1992.

Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum located in Golden Point, a suburb of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. The museum is a historical recreation of Ballarat's first ten years following the discovery of gold in 1851. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time and experience the gold rush era in Australia.

The Ballarat Tramway Museum is a functioning tramway museum situated in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of trams in the region, with a fleet of trams that operate on part of the original horse tramway around Lake Wendouree and the Botanical Gardens.

Ballarat Wildlife Park, located in Ballarat, Australia, is an interactive wildlife park that was established by Greg Parker in 1987. This park offers a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with a variety of wildlife species in a natural setting.

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 Polly Woodside Sailboat and Museum, formerly known as the Melbourne Maritime Museum, is a significant attraction in Melbourne, Australia. Managed by the National Trust of Australia, it is situated at South Wharf on the Yarra River. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Australia's maritime history in the heart of the city.

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 Chinese Museum, also known as the Museum of Chinese Australian History, is situated in Melbourne's vibrant Chinatown. The museum's primary focus is to document, preserve, and display the rich history, heritage, and culture of the Chinese community in Australia. It provides a comprehensive insight into the Chinese influence on Australian society, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in cultural history.

The Australian Sports Museum, previously known as the National Sports Museum, is situated within the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. This location makes it a convenient stop for sports enthusiasts visiting the iconic cricket ground. The museum is dedicated to Australian sport, offering a comprehensive look into the country's rich sporting history.

The Moorabbin Air Museum, located at Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, is an aviation museum that was established in 1962. Originally founded as the Australian Aircraft Restoration Group, its initial purpose was to preserve a World War II-era Bristol Beaufighter aircraft. Over the years, it has evolved into a museum with a substantial collection of aircraft.

The Johnston Collection, located in East Melbourne, Australia, is a museum that showcases a variety of English Georgian, Regency, and Louis XV artworks. These pieces were bequeathed by William Robert Johnston, a prominent antique dealer, real estate investor, and collector, to the people of Victoria. The museum is an exhibition house, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to view these historical pieces in a domestic setting.

Launched in 1941 and commissioned in 1942, the HMAS Castlemaine served in the waters of Australia, New Guinea, and Timor during World War II. It remained in service until 1945, when it was decommissioned and converted into a static training ship. This historical vessel provides a unique insight into the naval operations of the time.

The Victoria Police Museum is conveniently located in the mezzanine of the WTC Wharf building in the city of Melbourne, Australia. It is open to the public, making it an accessible destination for tourists and locals alike who are interested in learning more about the history of law enforcement in Victoria.

Halls Gap Zoo, located approximately 7 kilometres from Halls Gap in Victoria, Australia, is a sprawling 53-acre zoo that offers stunning views of the Grampians National Park. This location not only provides a unique setting for the zoo but also adds to the overall visitor experience.

The Australian Racing Museum, located in Melbourne, Australia, is a unique institution dedicated to the celebration and preservation of the history of Thoroughbred horses, jockeys, and trainers. It provides an in-depth look into the world of horse racing, showcasing the significant contributions of these key figures in the sport.

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 Hellenic Museum in Melbourne, Australia, is a unique institution that promotes Hellenic culture. This is achieved through a variety of programs, exhibitions, and events that showcase both ancient and contemporary aspects of Hellenic culture. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience that spans centuries.

The Heide Museum of Modern Art, also known as Heide Moma, is a museum dedicated to contemporary Australian art. It was established in 1981 and is situated in Bulleen, a suburb close to Melbourne, Australia. This museum is a significant cultural institution that showcases the evolution and diversity of Australian art, making it a worthwhile destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

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

The Newport Railway Museum is conveniently located on Champion Road, Newport, Victoria. It is situated near the North Williamstown station, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The museum's location is ideal for those interested in exploring the rich history of railways in Australia.

The Fire Services Museum of Victoria is located within the Eastern Hill Fire Station, a building of historical significance listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The museum occupies the majority of the bottom floor of the old station, offering visitors a unique insight into the history of firefighting in Victoria.

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.

The Australian National Surfing Museum is situated in the coastal town of Torquay, Victoria. This location is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also for its rich surfing culture, making it the perfect place for a museum dedicated to the sport.

The Koorie Heritage Trust is an Indigenous not-for-profit cultural organisation that is based in Melbourne. This organisation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture of the Indigenous people of south-east Australia. It is a significant cultural institution that provides a deep insight into the rich history and traditions of the Indigenous people.

This centre is dedicated to contemporary art in every possible form. It reflects the multiculturality of the community.

The Islamic Museum of Australia, located in Thornbury, Melbourne, is a community museum that was established in May 2010. It holds the distinction of being the first Islamic museum in Australia. The museum was founded as a not-for-profit foundation with the aim of showcasing the artistic heritage and historical contributions of Muslims in Australia and abroad.

This centre explains the significance of Flemington cup and related events with a showcase of artefacts. Interesting for sport fans.

The National Wool Museum in Geelong, Victoria, offers visitors an in-depth look into the Australian story of wool, fibre, and textiles. This is done through a variety of contemporary exhibitions, public programs, and special events. These activities provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry's history and its current state, making it an informative and engaging destination for tourists.

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 Old Walhalla Fire Station Museum is part of the larger Walhalla Museum, which includes another building. The fire station itself was constructed in 1901, making it a significant piece of the town's history. Visitors to the museum can gain insights into the past through the preserved architecture and exhibits.

The Grainger Museum is a unique institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life and works of Percy Grainger, a renowned composer, folklorist, educator, and pianist. The museum houses a vast collection of items that provide insight into Grainger's career, his music, and his personal life. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including original manuscripts, published scores, musical instruments, and personal items.

The Bonegilla Migrant Camp was located on the banks of the Murray River, 12 km from Wodonga, over 300 km from Melbourne, and about 600 km from Sydney. Its location provided a serene and peaceful environment for the immigrants, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Today, the site offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a significant part of Australia's history in a beautiful natural setting.

The Shepparton Art Museum is a prominent art institution situated in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. It is a key destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of cultural and artistic experiences.

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.