Top Tips for Visiting the National Museum of Australia

Located alongside Lake Burley Griffin, the picturesque location makes the museum not only an enriching cultural experience but a welcome opportunity to enjoy Canberra’s scenic beauty.

The National Museum of Australia is home to hundreds of thousands of artefacts that share stories of Australia’s history and cultural heritage, from sporting achievements in the Australian Olympics collection to environmental legacy in the Bob Brown collection and Aboriginal art and cultural practice in the Ernabella Arts collection.

From the permanent collection to the rotating program of special exhibitions, you’ll always find something new to explore at the National Museum of Australia.

In this guide you’ll discover our top tips to help you make the most of your visit.

There is no shortage of things to see, do, and learn at the National Museum of Australia.

The National Historical Collection includes artefacts that share diverse stories of Australia, focusing on themes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, Australia’s history and society since 1788, and interactions between people and the Australian environment.

The museum also hosts a program of exhibitions. Exhibition schedules change throughout the year and feature both Australian and international stories.

While entry to the National Museum of Australia is free, some exhibitions are paid experiences. Check the museum’s website to discover what exhibitions are showing during your visit to Canberra.

The National Museum of Australia hosts a range of guided tours so you can discover more about the history and highlights of the museum.

Some of the daily tours include the Building and architecture tour, the Museum highlights tour, and the First Australians tour. These are paid experiences and bookings are essential.

With large windows providing plenty of natural light and views over Lake Burley Griffin, the Museum Café is an ideal place to take a break during your trip to the National Museum of Australia.

Whether you’re after coffee and brunch or sparkling wine and lunch, the Museum Café is open daily serving a range snacks, meals, and drinks.

Becoming a National Museum of Australia Friend offers a range of benefits to regular visitors.

When you join Friends, you’ll enjoy benefits such as discounts at the Museum Shop and Café, discounted entry to exhibitions and events, exclusive tours, and behind the scenes access.

You’ll also get access to the exclusive lakeside Friends lounge, and free entry to the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre.

When you upgrade to become an Exhibition Friends member, you’ll also enjoy unlimited access to paid exhibitions.

This program is a great way for regular and return visitors to gain exclusive benefits while also supporting the work of the National Museum of Australia.

Located on Lawson Crescent alongside Lake Burley Griffin, the National Museum of Australia is accessible by public transport, walking, cycling, as well as driving.

When you stay close by you can take advantage of Canberra’s network of shared walk and cycle paths to make your way to the museum. The Lake Burley Griffin Circuit passes by the museum and adjoins other shared paths such as the City Loop to connect with various parts of Canberra.

If you’re looking for accommodation near the National Museum of Australia, Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra is an ideal choice. Located just 15 minutes’ walk from the museum, Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra offers modern facilities together with a rich history – the building was originally designed for VIP guests attending the opening of Australia’s first Parliament House.

Another Canberra hotel close to the National Museum of Australia is BreakFree Capital Tower. Located a 20 minute walk from the museum, the BreakFree Capitol Tower overlooks the Parliamentary Triangle and offers apartment style accommodation with a pool and gym onsite.

Alternatively, Novotel Canberra is centrally located on Northbourne Avenue. Novotel Canberra is an ideal base for your visit to Canberra with its onsite restaurant, indoor heated pool, spa, sauna, and gym.

These answers to some commonly asked questions about the National Museum of Australia will help you plan your visit.

The National Museum of Australia is open daily from 9am until 5pm, except on Christmas Day when the museum is closed.

General admission to the National Museum of Australia is free. Some special exhibitions, programs, events, and tours may attract a fee. You’ll find ticketing information available on the National Museum of Australia website and at the museum’s information desk.

You should set aside 2-3 hours to explore the National Museum of Australia during your visit to Canberra. This gives you an opportunity to explore the Museum’s permanent collection and exhibitions at a relaxed pace. If you’d like to visit the café or participate in an event or guided tour, you should allow additional time for these experiences.

The National Museum of Australia is located on Lawson Crescent on the Acton Peninsula alongside Lake Burley Griffin, on Ngunnawal, Ngunawal, and Ngambri land.

You can reach the National Museum of Australia on public transport, walking, cycling, and driving.

If you’re using public transport to get to the National Museum of Australia, you should take bus route 53.

To walk or cycle you can use the shared path that connects with the city and loops Lake Burley Griffin.

If you’re driving to the National Museum of Australia, parking is available with paid parking on weekdays and free parking on weekends and public holidays. Accessible parking is located near the entrance to the museum and is available free of charge for those with the required permit.

Taxis and ride shares can also pick you up from elsewhere in Canberra and drop you off close to the museum’s entrance.