The National Museum of Australia was founded in 1980 and opened the same year. General admission is free, and the Great Southern Land exhibition, which tells the story of the Australian continent, is part of the free offer every day.
A few things are charged separately. The Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre, a play-and-learn space for children of all abilities from birth to 6, and the Life in the Great Barrier Reef VR experience both run daily with costs applying. The Antarctica exhibition runs until 11 October and needs booking. That is the trade-off: a completely free day is possible, but the play space built for the youngest visitors is not part of it.
Outside, the Garden of Australian Dreams gives kids room to run, and the lakeside café has vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options.
Family FAQ
How much does National Museum of Australia cost?
General admission is free, and the Great Southern Land exhibition is free every day.
What are the opening hours of National Museum of Australia?
Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Is there baby changing at National Museum of Australia?
Baby change tables are next to the accessible toilets on Lower Ground, Ground and Level 1.
Is there parking at National Museum of Australia?
Parking costs $4.40 an hour or $18 a day on weekdays 8.30am-5pm and is free at weekends and on public holidays, though the car park can fill quickly at weekends and in school holidays.
