National Museum of Australia

In a city built on purpose, the National Museum of Australia stands as its storytelling heart — a bold, colourful building on Acton Peninsula that dives headfirst into the nation's complex, surprising and often contested narratives. With galleries that swing from ancient Indigenous creation stories to the political dramas of Federation and the everyday objects that shaped modern life, this is no dry civic institution. The museum's architecture alone — a swirl of red, orange and grey forms — hints at the energy inside.

Highlights & What to See

• First Australians gallery – a powerful, moving exploration of Indigenous history and culture, told through objects, artworks and personal stories that challenge colonial narratives.
• Eternity gallery – a pop-culture time capsule featuring everything from a Phar Lap skeleton to a Vegemite jar and the Hills Hoist, celebrating the oddities of Australian life.
• Garden of Australian Dreams – an outdoor maze of maps, words and symbols that invites you to walk through the contested meanings of land and belonging.
• K-space interactive zone – hands-on exhibits where you can design a boomerang, land a lunar rover or step into a giant replica of the Australian Parliament.
• Acton Peninsula views – the museum's setting on Lake Burley Griffin offers superb vistas back to Parliament House and the city centre, especially at sunset.

Suggested Time to Spend

Set aside at least three hours to do the main galleries justice — the First Australians section alone deserves an hour of quiet attention. If you're a museum lover, budget a full morning or afternoon and break it up with a coffee at the lakeside café. The museum is easily combined with a stroll around the peninsula or a visit to nearby Lake Burley Griffin.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lake Burley Griffin – hire a bike or paddleboat right outside the museum's door for a classic Canberra experience.
• Australian Parliament House – a 10-minute drive or 30-minute walk across the lake; book a free tour to see the chambers and the rooftop.
• Old Parliament House – now the Museum of Australian Democracy, this is a fascinating step back into political history.
• National Gallery of Australia – home to an outstanding collection of Indigenous and international art, just a short drive east.
• Questacon – Australia's National Science and Technology Centre, perfect for families and hands-on fun.

Please check official sources for current details.