National Museum of Australia
Australia's national social-history museum on Lake Burley Griffin, rated 4.5 across more than 8,500 reviews.
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Why it's worth checking out
The National Museum of Australia sits on the Acton Peninsula on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. The country's flagship social-history museum, it explores the land, nation and people of Australia — from First Australians and the deep Indigenous history to the stories, objects and events that have shaped the nation — within a striking, distinctive building.
The appeal is that combination of fascinating, wide-ranging exhibitions and an engaging, accessible approach: the renowned First Australians gallery, the social-history collections, interactive displays and a beautiful lakeside setting. It's a genuinely absorbing destination for families, the curious and anyone wanting to understand the Australian story, and general entry is free.
With a 4.5 rating from more than 8,500 reviews, it's a much-loved national institution. General admission is free, but special exhibitions, tours and any events have their own ticketing and hours, and popular shows can be busy, so it's worth checking current details before you visit — and allowing a good few hours to take in the galleries and the lovely lakeside surrounds.
Reviewed by Iyan B.
Good to know
- Located on the Acton waterfront with modern facilities
- Large collection spanning 50,000 years of Australian history
- Highly rated with over 8,500 Google reviews (4.5 stars)
Best for
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- MondayToday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Thursday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Friday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Saturday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Sunday
- 09:00 – 17:00
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 80
- Popularity
- 100
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the National Museum of Australia located?+
The museum is located at Lawson Crescent, Acton ACT 2601, on the Canberra waterfront in the Civic precinct.
What time period does the collection cover?+
The museum houses artefacts and exhibits spanning 50,000 years of Australian history and culture.
What is the museum's rating?+
The National Museum of Australia has a 4.5-star rating on Google based on over 8,500 reviews.
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