Melbourne Museum Tours and Activities

Melbourne Museum featuring interior views
Melbourne Museum showing interior views and art
Photo provided by Tourism Victoria
Melbourne Museum featuring interior views
Melbourne Museum which includes interior views


Enhance your knowledge of Victoria’s heritage with a fact-finding mission to one of Melbourne’s top visitor attractions.

Trace the history of Melbourne and discover more about Victoria’s indigenous people, its flora and its fauna at one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions. With its comprehensive permanent displays and wide-ranging programme of temporary exhibitions, there’s always something fascinating to learn.

Melbourne Museum is split into eight galleries arranged over three levels. Whether you opt to take a guided tour or prefer to plan your own itinerary, you’ll be spoilt for choice. In the Melbourne Gallery you can trace the city’s history through over 1,200 objects representing important milestones – be sure not to miss the Phar Lap display this legendary racehorse's record-breaking wins brought a smile to punters in Depression-era Australia and this remains one of the museum’s best-loved exhibits.

Discover more about the natural environment of Victoria in the Forest Gallery, before heading to the popular Koori Voices exhibit on the ground floor to explore the rich heritage of the state’s First Peoples. In the Mind and Body Gallery you can find out about the workings of the human body, while the Science and Life Gallery allows you a privileged glimpse of the geology and biology of our planet, including the chance to walk through the skeleton of a Blue Whale.

The interactive Children’s Gallery will keep the little ones occupied for hours on end, while the IMAX theatre on the lower floor offers a chance to sit back and relax with one of the latest films or an informative documentary.

Before you visit the souvenir shop or enjoy a snack from the on-site café, check out the programme of temporary exhibitions on subjects as diverse as industrial design, aboriginal artifacts, photography and art. The museum also hosts a series of talks and lectures on a variety of topics, while the Discovery Centre offers free facilities for more extensive individual research.

The Melbourne Museum is located to the north of the city centre, in Carlton Gardens opposite the Royal Exhibition Building. It’s an easy walk, and there are plenty of public transport links as well as an on-site car park. The museum is open daily except for Good Friday and Christmas Day and there is a charge for entry.

Plan a trip to see Melbourne Museum

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Top Melbourne Museum Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Dorsett Melbourne

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Dorsett Melbourne
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum offers a variety of engaging activities, including mind exhibitions and touring exhibitions that captivate visitors. You can enjoy free guided tours and film screenings, alongside a range of cultural activities that highlight the city's rich heritage. Nearby, you'll find excellent shopping, vibrant art galleries, and lively theatre performances to complete your experience.

Shopping

For shopping near Melbourne Museum, visit Melbourne Central, only 1.1km away, offering a vibrant mix of stores and entertainment. Queen Victoria Market, 1.3km away, is perfect for local produce and souvenirs. Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, 1.4km away, specialises in unique opal gifts.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, located 3.2km from Melbourne Museum, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Sidney Myer Music Bowl, 1.6km away, provides a vibrant setting for live performances. For family-friendly fun, visit Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, situated 4.8km from the museum, featuring pools and recreational activities.

Adventure

The Merri Creek Trail, located 3.2km from Melbourne Museum, offers a stunning hiking experience amidst beautiful outdoor scenery. Meanwhile, the Tan Track, also 3.2km away, provides a delightful outdoor setting for leisurely walks. For a unique adventure, consider Melbourne Seaplanes, 8.0km away, for breathtaking scenic flights.

Nightlife

In Melbourne, the vibrant nightlife near the Museum features the Princess Theatre and Her Majesty's Theatre, both 805m away, offering captivating performances. Just a bit further, the Regent Theatre, 1.3km away, promises a magical evening with its enchanting atmosphere, perfect for family and romance.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Melbourne Museum

While visiting Melbourne Museum, explore the nearby urban parks and historic universities that enrich the cultural experience. Don't miss the IMAX Melbourne Museum for an immersive film experience, and take a trip to the Melbourne Zoo for family fun. Delve into the fascinating history showcased at the museum itself, making it a perfect destination for culture enthusiasts and families alike.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Experience world-class entertainment at this iconic venue, home to the Australian Open. The vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly events make it a must-visit for all ages, just 1.6km from Melbourne Museum.
  • Collins Street: Stroll along this prestigious street, renowned for its elegant architecture and boutique shopping. The bustling city vibes and charming cafés create a lively urban experience, located 1.6km from Melbourne Museum.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Australian sport at this legendary stadium. Whether catching a game or taking a guided tour, the cultural significance and passionate atmosphere are unforgettable, just 1.6km from Melbourne Museum.

Best time to go to Melbourne Museum

The best time to visit Melbourne Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Melbourne Museum falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Melbourne Museum falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Melbourne Museum

To save money during your visit to Melbourne Museum, consider travelling during the cheaper months of May to June and August, as accommodation prices drop. Stay on a Monday for the best rates, avoiding the pricier Saturdays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options near the museum, and don’t forget to check for package deals that combine flights and activities. For public transport, Melbourne offers a reliable tram and bus system, making it easy to explore without breaking the bank. Plus, keep an eye out for free activities around the museum to enhance your trip without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Melbourne Museum are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Melbourne Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Melbourne Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Melbourne Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.