National Museum of Australia

Canberra’s National Museum of Australia is a brilliant starting point for understanding the country’s complex story. Housed in a striking, sculptural building on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the museum weaves together Indigenous histories, colonial encounters, and modern identity through engaging exhibitions and evocative objects. The architecture itself is a talking point, with its bold curves and colourful facade symbolising the threads of Australian life.

Highlights & What to See

• First Australians Gallery: A profound, respectful journey through Indigenous cultures, featuring bark paintings, artefacts and oral histories that bring 60,000 years of connection to land to life.
• Garden of Australian Dreams: An outdoor installation of maps and pathways that invites you to literally walk through the contested narratives of the continent.
• Eternity Gallery: Discover the stories of everyday Australians – from bushrangers to surfers – through personal objects like the legendary ‘Eternity’ chalk graffiti.
• Kspace: An interactive zone for kids (and the young at heart) where you can create your own digital time capsule or design a flying kangaroo.
• Lake Burley Griffin setting: After exploring, stroll the lakeside paths for beautiful views of the museum’s reflection and the distant Black Mountain Tower.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least half a day – around 3–4 hours – to do justice to the main galleries. If you’re a museum lover, plan for a full day to linger over the rotating special exhibitions and enjoy lunch at the lake-facing cafe. The museum is easily combined with a morning at the nearby Australian War Memorial or a walk around the Parliamentary Triangle.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – The nation’s capital offers a wealth of cultural attractions, from Parliament House to the National Gallery, all within a short drive or scenic bike ride.
• Lake Burley Griffin – Perfect for a lakeside picnic, cycle or Segway tour, with the museum as your starting point.
• Black Mountain Nature Reserve – Hike to the summit for panoramic views of the city and the museum’s distinctive silhouette.
• Queanbeyan – Just across the NSW border, this historic town offers a relaxed contrast with its heritage pubs and riverside walks.

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