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Museums & galleries

National Museum of Australia

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National Museum of Australia

Overview

The National Museum of Australia explores the land, nation, and people of Australia. Established under legislation enacted in 1980, the institution houses major collections focused on Indigenous cultures, social history, and key national events. Travellers visit to examine historical artifacts and permanent galleries that trace Australia's development.

Getting There

Located on Acton Peninsula, the museum is accessible from Canberra's city centre. Driving or taking a taxi takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Walking from the city centre takes 25 to 30 minutes, while local bus routes take around 15 minutes.

Time to Allow

Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours to see the main galleries and outdoor areas comfortably.

When to Go

Weekday mornings are generally less crowded. Expect heavier crowds on weekends and during school holidays. Spring and autumn provide mild weather for walking the lakeside grounds.

What to Combine It With

Due to its central lakeside position, you can combine a visit with several nearby attractions:

  • Lake Burley Griffin (0.6km)
  • Commonwealth Avenue Bridge (0.6km)
  • National Library of Australia (0.8km)
  • Captain James Cook Memorial (0.9km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near National Museum of Australia

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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National Museum of Australia Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Canberra 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Canberra grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Canberra 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Canberra grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge

Views & landmarks

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge

A concrete bridge crossing Lake Burley Griffin that connects the Parkes district with the city centre. It's a popular walking route for taking in views of both the lake and the city skyline.

0.6 km away
Lake Burley Griffin

Nature

Lake Burley Griffin

Lake Burley Griffin is Canberra's iconic man-made lake, named after Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect who won the competition to design the city. It's a lovely spot for a lakeside walk with views of Canberra's skyline.

0.6 km away
National Library of Australia

Museums & galleries

National Library of Australia

Australia's largest reference library, located in Parkes, Canberra. It holds an extensive collection of material related to Australia, making it a great place to browse.

0.8 km away
Captain James Cook Memorial

Heritage & monuments

Captain James Cook Memorial

The Captain James Cook Memorial commemorates the 200th anniversary of Cook's discovery of Australia's east coast. It features a water jet rising from Lake Burley Griffin alongside a globe sculpture engraved with his voyage route.

0.9 km away
Springbank Island

Nature

Springbank Island

A small island in Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. When the lake was created, only the higher ground of a former farm remained above water, forming the island as it looks today.

1.0 km away
Questacon

Museums & galleries

Questacon

Questacon is a science museum in Canberra with over 200 hands-on exhibits you can touch and experiment with. It's a popular spot to enjoy with kids.

1.1 km away