Given Melbourne’s rich history and culture, the museums are first-rate. Although Melbourne’s museums are mostly centred around Australian and Victorian social history or Aboriginal cultures, there are museums to suit every interest and to make a day of scattered throughout the city.
The beloved Melbourne Museum is located next to the iconic Royal Exhibition Building in the Carlton Gardens, about a 15-minute walk from Parliament Station, or a dedicated stop on the 86 or 96 tram. Permanent exhibits include the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre which showcases historical and current First Nation’s culture through storytelling and performances, and the Children’s Gallery, a hands-on space for babies to five-year-olds. We think the Forest Gallery is the best exhibit here, though—it’s a slice of Victorian natural mountain landscape right in the CBD, complete with animals like native fish and birds.
The Australian Sports Museum is an essential visit for the sports fan. Located at the MCG, it contains the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Victorian Racing Gallery, allowing visitors to learn about Australian culture through the lens of sport, while enthusiastic visitors always get a kick from the Game On! interactive gallery where you test athletic skills with activities like cycling, archery and reaction testing.
For musos, The Australian Music Vault is a free exhibition space dedicated to Australia’s musical history at Arts Centre Melbourne in Southbank. Featured artefacts include iconic objects from the Australian Performing Arts Collection, such as costumes worn by international stars. The space also features digital artefacts such as interviews with musicians, promoters and people behind-the-scenes who influenced on the Australian 'sound'.