Discover our story
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA LAWSON CRESCENT, ACTON PENINSULA
Unearth the treasures of a nation at our national attractions. From our ancient Indigenous past and colourful colonial history, to the modern multicultural country of today, our nation’s capital holds and shares the essence of Australia.
Discover the place where our stories live. The Museum explores Australian history and culture – Indigenous history, landscape, people, and the journeys that connect Australia with the world. See the nation’s most popular and important objects – from Phar Lap’s heart and the Holden Prototype No.1 to bark paintings and ochre used by Aboriginal artists more than 50,000 years ago in the Gallery of First Australians. There are plenty of hands on experiences for the young and young at heart: create a 3D space age city in Kspace, step aboard one of the world’s oldest paddle steamers or record your own story and join the conversation about Australia’s past, present and future. A guided tour is a great way to fully appreciate the stories the Museum holds as the tour guides bring the objects to life (fees apply). Free general admission.
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL TRELOAR CRESCENT, CAMPBELL
ARTS & CULTURE 1. Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial
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NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA PARKES PLACE, PARKES
Visit the home of Australia’s National Art Collection which has more than 165,000 works and includes Australia’s largest collection of Indigenous Australian artwork. A great selection of the collection is on display. Famous artworks include Jackson Pollock’s Blue poles, Monet’s Nympheas (Waterlillies) and Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series. Wander through worldclass exhibitions and the impressive Sculpture Garden with its drifting Fog sculpture. While outdoors take the time to enter American artist James Turrell’s impressive Within without Skyspace — best viewed at dawn or dusk. A changing line up of permanent and international exhibitions, as well as public programs and events, continues throughout the year. Free general admission.
PARLIAMENT HOUSE CAPITAL HILL, CANBERRA
One of the world’s most architecturally acclaimed buildings features an 81-metre flagpole with an Australian flag bigger than the size of a double-decker bus. Take a lift up to the roof of the building for panoramic views of Canberra. Throughout the year, tours of the beautifully landscaped gardens are offered while year-round you can enjoy the renowned collection of Australian contemporary art. You can see your elected parliamentarians in action at Question Time from 2pm on sitting days (bookings required), or take a free guided tour, held regularly throughout the day, for a fascinating insight into happenings inside Australia’s most famous house. Free general admission.
MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE KING GEORGE TERRACE, PARKES
Decades of politics and passion echo through the corridors of Old Parliament House, one of Australia’s most iconic and significant buildings. Experience, celebrate and be inspired by the spirit of democracy through collections, events, exhibitions and special programs. See personal mementos and defining moments of each of the Prime Ministers of Australia, take free guided tours or take on Cabinet-inConfidence and sit at the actual Cabinet Table used by governments from 1973 to 1988. With authentic film footage and a round table discussion, relive historical issues and decisions faced by Cabinet Ministers. Would you have made the same decision? Admission charge.
1. National Museum of Australia | 2. Blue poles (detail), number 11, 1952, Jackson Pollock, National Gallery of Australia
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ARTS & CULTURE
Visit one of the world’s great museums with your family and friends for a moving and unforgettable experience. Discover the diverse Australian experiences of war and reflect on their enduring impact. Connect with the stories of people and events that have shaped our nation. See some of the world’s most significant military relics, such as the Lancaster bomber G for George, and experience Over the front: the great war in the air, a film by renowned director Sir Peter Jackson.
Learn more about Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan as told through the eyes and words of Australian servicemen and women and their families. Place a poppy on the Roll of Honour to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Australian servicemen and women and stay for the moving Last Post ceremony. There is no place like the Australian War Memorial. Free admission.