City: Queensland
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10 Specialty Museums in Queensland That You Shouldn't Miss
Queensland (abbreviated as Qld) is the second-largest and third-most-populous state in the Commonwealth of Australia. Situated in the north-east of the country, it is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean. The state is the world's sixth largest sub-national entity, with an area of 1,852,642 km.
Restaurants in Queensland
1. DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 105 reviews
DownsSteam is a community based solely volunteer run organisation dedicated to the establishment of a tourist railway for the Darling Downs region. DownsSteam was formed to enable the preservation and active restoration of the last remaining steam locomotive built at the historic Toowoomba Foundry Company, C16-106 Southern Cross Works No. 28 circa 1914. DownsSteam plans to run regular passenger services that would become part of an integrated tourism transport trail across the Darling Downs. Fine food excursions to Warwick and Stanthorpe will give our guests the opportunity to sample the best our region has to offer. Shorter trips to Nobby and Pittsworth will celebrate our regions rich heritage. Since formation in 2001, DownsSteam has established an active railway precinct on the former Drayton sidings & acquiried a large rolling stock fleet.
Reviewed By EB2408 - Brisbane, Australia
We really enjoyed our visit. Sheila, our volunteer guide, met us when we arrived and gave us a very comprehensive tour. We were impressed by the sheer scale of the restoration work that is being done and the standard that is being achieved. I was not prepared for the incredible paintings that covered the walls and ceiling of the Dreamtime carriage - it took my breath away. Well worth a visit - especially if you have any interest in vintage trains.
2. Opal Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 210 reviews
A fascinating insight into this unique and iconic Australian industry and explore the wonder and magnificence of nature.
Reviewed By Y415IZmichellen - Melbourne, Australia
Did the self-guided tour for $5 which included an informative video about opals in Australia. Lots of beautiful stones to see and some available to buy. Made me appreciate opals and their history more
3. Crows Nest Museum and Historical Village
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Crows Nest Historical Village will take you through time. Experience life in Crows Nest over 100 years ago... Open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 3pm Bookings Welcome Adults $10 Seniors $8 Family $25 No EFTPOS
Reviewed By RobbieLange1967 - Queensland, Australia
I have driven past this museum hundreds of times but stopping and taking the time to look at this impressive and varied display of Australia's historical past was way above what I expected. There was great variety, and professionally laid out in a Aussie outback type experience. The quality of display items was impressive. I never new Ray White started his empire in Crows Nest. There was a lot to look at- took almost 3 hours . Despite the dry conditions all of the displays were clean. The staff were friendly and welcoming. One of those local gems that all should see. For a volunteer base organisation i can just say WELL DONE ! You can see printing presses, old schools, medical and nursing history, war display , dairy display, and much more including how people lived in their home from day to day with a huge collection of items to view. Not only are there good displays but many original buildings moved onto site, reflecting a history of rural Queensland..
4. Nambour & District Historical Museum Assoc. Inc.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
A hidden treasure trove of one of the most diverse collections of local history. Toys, military items, kitchenware, and locomotives from the now defunct Moreton Central Sugar Mill are among the many interesting exhibits for you to view. Special displays are also regularly rotating in addition to the wonderful permanent exhibits.
5. QANTAS Founders Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,577 reviews
Welcome to the Qantas Founders Museum. We are an independent not-for-profit community organization and registered charity, operating since 1996, to commemorate the ethos and preserve the material heritage of the founders and early operations of Qantas Airways Ltd. Characters of the early Qantas days, their pioneering spirit and the impact the airline had for all Australians, is brought to life through life size exhibits, historical artefacts and interactive displays including the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar. Visitors enjoy informative tours of the Museum's aircraft including the Boeing 707, Boeing 747, DC3 and new Super Constellation aircraft. Visitors can also enjoy the Museum's new Luminescent Longreach night experience. Visitors can also treat themselves to a coffee or a meal in McGinness’s Restaurant and purchase a souvenir from the Founders Store.
Reviewed By TraceyC4
I wasn't really sure what to expect here except that it was the home of Qantas. I'm not particularly interested in aircraft so wondered if it would really need much time. The Jet Tour (our guide Sarah) was wonderful - you are able to see the planes close up and hear about the different features as well as the history of the aircraft. The tour runs for 90 minutes and you get to see a number of the aircraft including the 747 and 707. A benefit of going on the Jet Tour (although not a requirement) is that you get to understand some of the history etc when you go back into the self-guided museum and find out more about the aircraft. Sarah was passionate.and informative and made the tour! The Don Hill recreation of Fysh & McGuinness's expedition from Longreach to Darwin to find airstrips is definitely worth watching, it's amazing to see the distances they travelled with none of the modern conveniences and cars that we have today - they were inspirational and changed the lives of many in the outback. You also learn the connection between Royal Flying Doctors and Qantas. I spread the visit over 2 days, initially thinking that I would only need a couple of hours. I think in the end I spent around 5 hours at the museum (including the tour) and there was definitely more I could have seen if I had time. The only negative I have for this entire experience was that the cafe gentleman was quite rude when I asked about getting takeaway and queried a price (I didn't know that they also charged for all of the containers). This is definitely something you should put on the list of must sees - particularly if you have an interest in aviation history but even if you don't there is plenty to learn and keep you occupied.
6. Museum of Brisbane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,106 reviews
Museum of Brisbane is located on Level 3 of the newly restored Brisbane City Hall. Our story is Brisbane's story - the lives of those who lived here, the events that have shaped our history and the places that we hold dear. As a museum dedicated to the city, we celebrate the people, places and stories of Brisbane. Museum of Brisbane presents these stories through an innovative mix of social history and visual arts. Every exhibition is an opportunity to discover more about ourselves and our city. Our carefully curated events, workshops and tours are designed to help you delve even deeper. We are a space where stories unfold - a place for meaningful dialogue; enjoyable, entertaining experiences; and a place to explore and share in the identity of Brisbane. While the Museum's story is only 10 years old, we are the narrators of a story far older: Brisbane's story.
Reviewed By froglag - Spokane, United States
Definitely the tour guide made the tour. He was informative and funny adding humor that added to the tour. And to top it off it was a Free tour.
7. Queensland Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By EARLYPOLE - Brisbane, Australia
I always enjoy an exhibit like the one at Queensland Maritime. inexpensive and so much to see,especially the frigate ,which allows you to see how the RAN lived and fought. Plenty of other boats and equipment on display.You can spend a couple of hours there.Food and Drink nearby in South Bank.
8. Maritime Museum of Townsville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By AussiePD - Alexandra Hills, Australia
We have been to over 70 countries and so at least that many Maritime Museums - likely a few hundred.. While the Townsville Maritime Museum cannot be compared to the biggest and best in major shipping cities such as Cobh, Norfolk, Southampton, Belfast etc it is excellent when compared to those in smaller cities and town. The displays & models are very interesting and bought back many memories from incidents like the HMAS Melbourne & HMAS Voyager and our visits to and seeing the actual boats, rafts and ships. A visit here is highly recommended.
9. Queensland Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,032 reviews
Queensland Museum is a museum of natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement that tells the changing story of Queensland, Australia. The Museum houses permanent and changing exhibitions that connect visitors to Queensland, its people and Queensland’s place in the world - past, present and future, through exhibitions, displays and public programs.We also host exciting touring exhibitions from Australia and around the world. There is always something new to see at Queensland Museum!
Reviewed By xbirdx - Invercargill, New Zealand
We walked around for ages, the museum had great displays with lots fo information and interactive features. Great wee gift shop also
10. The Workshops Rail Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
All aboard for a wholly interactive authentic heritage and cultural experience located at Australia’s oldest railway workshops still in operation.
Reviewed By nateoh90 - Ipswich, Australia
Great place for the kids to learn about the history of rail, take a ride on a train, use the virtual reality simulators and explore the massive model railroad on display. The eldest loved it, and there were so many great places to entertain the kids. Only downside was the on-site cafe, but that’s only a small part of the overall experience.
