Melbourne Museum
A vast, fascinating museum beside Carlton Gardens — dinosaurs, Phar Lap and Aboriginal culture, rated 4.6 by nearly 20,000.
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Why it's worth checking out
Melbourne Museum, set beside the World Heritage-listed Carlton Gardens just north of the CBD, is one of the largest and most engaging museums in the Southern Hemisphere. It spans natural history, science, culture and human stories across its many galleries, making it one of the city's most rewarding days out for families and the curious alike.
There's an enormous amount to explore: dinosaur and fossil skeletons, the beloved racehorse Phar Lap, a living forest gallery, the moving Melbourne Story, and the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which shares First Peoples' histories and perspectives. The breadth and quality of the exhibitions reward a proper, unhurried visit.
With a 4.6 rating from nearly 20,000 reviews, it's a much-loved Melbourne institution. Admission, opening hours, special exhibitions and any IMAX sessions vary, and it gets very busy during school holidays, so it's worth checking current details and considering booking ahead before you visit — and allowing a good few hours, as there's far more to see across its galleries than you might expect.
Reviewed by Iyan B.
Practical details
Opening hours
Closed- Monday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- WednesdayToday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Thursday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Friday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Saturday
- 09:00 – 17:00
- Sunday
- 09:00 – 17:00
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 84
- Popularity
- 100
- Information quality
- 30
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Nearby venues
SONIDO
$South American food like arepas and empanadas, plus music, in a bohemian space with eclectic decor.
Slowpoke Espresso
$$Breakfast, burgers and cakes in a cool spot with rustic wood panelling and a quaint courtyard.
Awa French Crêperie & Café
Cafes in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
Mile End Bagels
$Laid-back nook offering wood-fired bagels & made-to-order sandwiches, plus custom cream cheese.
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