Canberra Museums

(Canberra, Australian Capital Territory - ACT, Australia)

As the capital of Australia, the many attractions of Canberra are often of national importance, and this is the case with a number of the city's largest museums. Particularly important is the National Museum of Australia, which stands within Canberra's suburb of Acton and is dedicated to the region's indigenous heritage, spanning some 50,000 years.

One for all the family is the National Science and Technology Museum (Questacon) on King Edward Terrace, where hands-on activities are in good supply. Also highly suitable for families is the National Dinosaur Museum, which is located on the northerly outskirts of Canberra and easily reached by using the Barton Highway 25.

National Museum of Australia

Address: Lawson Crescent, Acton, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6208 5000
The National Museum of Australia, in the heart of the city centre, is one of the city's most popular and was founded in 1980. Featuring impressive natural history displays, local artefacts, many interactive and state-of-the-art exhibits, other attractions include a restaurant, large gift shop and numerous temporary exhibitions, throughout the calendar.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre

Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6270 2800
The National Science and Technology Centre (Questacon) is a unique experience and is filled with technological wonders through the ages. Visitors will always enjoy the state-of-the-art interactive displays, the modern developments, the large galleries, the interesting exhibitions and the large gift shop.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children, children three years old and under are free

Canberra Museum and Gallery

Address: London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2608, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6207 3968
The Canberra Museum and Gallery is amongst the city's premier cultural attractions and is situated in the heart of the city centre. Home to a wealth of important paintings, sculptures, local artefacts, tapestries, antiques and a café area, this venue also regularly hosts many exciting events, include concerts and festivals.
Open hours: September to May, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00; June to August, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Australian War Memorial Museum

Address: Treloar Crescent, Campbell, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2612, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6243 4211
The striking and poignant Australian War Memorial Museum stands proudly in the inner suburbs, to the north of central Canberra. With large displays and galleries, many historic exhibits, pictures, dioramas, weaponry collections and a large reflection pool, the War Memorial is dedicated to those Australians who lost their lives in combat. The Hall of Memory famously contains the Unknown Australian Soldier, whose remains were returned from a First World War battlefield in 1993.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Canberra Railway Museum

Address: Geijera Place, Kingston, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2604, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6232 6405
Standing in the Kingston district, off Cunningham Street and within close proximity to the Jerrabomberra Creek, the popular Canberra Railway Museum showcases the history of trains in Australia. Attractions here include a number of lovingly restored steam locomotives, historic wooden carriages and many fascinating displays of train-related items. Guided tours are available if required. Since this is actually a working railway with regular scheduled pleasure trips, the various exhibits are known to change if trains are running when you visit.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 15:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families

National Dinosaur Museum

Address: Gold Creek Village, Barton Highway, Nicholls, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2913, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6230 2655
Attracting more than 60,000 visitors per annum, the outstanding National Dinosaur Museum is perfect for all ages and sure to be a big hit with young children. Located in the northerly Gungahlin district, this enticing attraction features large dinosaur skeletons, impressive collections of well-preserved fossils, interactive displays, historic exhibits and a well-stocked gift shop, filled with a good selection of dinosaur-related souvenirs and cuddly toys.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children, children three years old and under are free

National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA)

Address: McCoy Circuit, Acton, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6248 2000
Founded in 1984 and formerly known as ScreenSound Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive celebrates the evolution of radio, television and cinema in Australia, with an enormous collection of related memorabilia, numbering over one million items in total. Housing many interesting displays, local artefacts, hands-on displays and a fascinating gift shop, the National Film and Sound Archive is often better known as simply the 'NFSA' and is just a short distance from the Commonwealth Avenue and the Australian Academy of Science.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free, charge for cinema and some programmes