Top Things to do in Canberra
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Top 7 History Museums in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
You can fit a lot into a visit to Australia’s capital city. Surrounded by nature parks, Canberra is best known for a vast collection of history and culture that provides a snapshot of the nation. Discover precincts housing, thriving local arts and foodie scenes, family friendly attractions, outdoor experiences and the acclaimed cool-climate wineries that dot the surrounding area.
Restaurants in Canberra
1. Australian War Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10,093 reviews
The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society. The Memorial offers a range of guided tours, including a 1 hour highlights audio tour.
Reviewed By katherinerQ2707XT - Bodalla, Australia
at present to visit you have to book times and locations , you wish to visit, 1 hour spent at Anzac Hall where there are 3 small video presentations which are highly informative as well as the displays , the galleries and commemorative area you are able to view for two hour periods and also access to gift shop , and you can also book for the last post ceremony which is always poignant , there is no cost to visit or for booking and you can still make donations electronically at the entrance to gallery area . cafe inside Anzac hall is closed at present , poppies which is located outside near underground car park is still operating
2. National Capital Exhibition
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
The National Capital Exhibition is an essential stop on any tour of the National Capital. This FREE exhibition, explores the past, present and potential futures of the capital through displays featuring the people, events, history and design of this unique, modern, planned city. Discover the people behind the design – Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion.
Reviewed By Canberrascooter - Canberra, Australia
I attended as a helper when my children went with the school. The displays and historical content were very interesting and much better than I expected. It is well worth the visit to see how Canberra was conceptualised, with the different options for design and city layout. Historical documents explore discussions about location and rational for the national capital. There are a number of artefacts and a contemporary model of central Canberra. Located next to the lake and s restaurant/ cafe is attached.
3. National Museum of Australia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,008 reviews
Discover where Australia’s stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia. Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the Museum’s stunning architecture offers visitors an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people.
Reviewed By PantaOz - Wuxi, China
Great place to learn about the history of this great country, and especially the Australian Aboriginal culture and people. We had fun... family of two adults and two kids can stay there all day, especially at the kids' interactive part where most of the Canberra schools take their youngsters. Exhibitions: great., service: great... shopping: great... atmosphere: great... price: great - it is free entry! If you need a taxi later, the desk will kindly ring for you. Smiles everywhere!
4. Museum of Australian Democracy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,268 reviews
Located in the nationally heritage listed Old Parliament House, MoAD is an inspiring experience in one of Australia’s most iconic buildings. Offering authentically restored heritage spaces, thought provoking exhibitions and fun family trails, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Wander through the restored Chambers and Prime Minister's suite, discover first hand stories of journalists in Truth, Power and a Free Press, laugh at the year's best political cartoons in Behind the Lines and more. Kids will enjoy the free daily facilitated craft activities in our PlayUP space. Open daily 9.00am–5.00pm (closed Christmas Day) Entry: Free
Reviewed By 674belindam - Sydney, Australia
Loved MoAD! Great to have a peek around Old Parliament House, and particularly look through the offices exactly as they were when Bob Hawke was Prime Minister - so very different from office work spaces now. Also being able to sit in the House of Representatives and the Senate was fabulous. There are also various exhibitions held here, which are interesting. We spent a while looking through the political cartoons of the previous year, which was great for a giggle.
5. Museum of Australian Democracy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By QueenslandTommy - Burpengary, Australia
I did not plan this visit but it was for me the highlight of my weekend in Canberra, from the greeting by the Norwegian security man, the personalized guide to the building, the fact that the offices including the PM's are just as they left in the late 80's, the overflowing bins, cigarette packets on desks, typewriter paperwork, this is a credit to the team. Entering the house & senate you feel the history , don't leave this off your itinerary to Canberra for me it is a must.
6. St John's Schoolhouse Museum
7. Blundells Cottage
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 25 reviews
The stone dwelling, now known as Blundells Cottage, was built in 1860 to house a local land owners head ploughman, William Ginn, and his family (1860-1874). It was then occupied by George Blundell, a local bullock driver and his family (1874-1933) and finally by shepherd Harry Oldfield and his wife Alice (1933-1958). After Harry's death in 1942, his wife Alice took in boarders. This included one of the last occupants, the Sainsbury family, who lived at the cottage between 1958 and 1960. After all it's occupants had moved out and following its restoration, the Cottage was handed over to the Canberra and District Heritage Society in 1964, which managed it and established a museum collection. Since 1999 it has been managed by the National Capital Authority (NCA) as a house museum. It is the only pre-Federal Capital building in Canberra's National Triangle. The Cottage is open each Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm (Excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Reviewed By cagatravel - Shellharbour, Australia
Excellent Australian history can be experienced at Blundells Cottage found on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin near the National Carillon and other important sightseeing monuments nearby. Historians on site to explain the historic timeline and other relevant information. Excellent service & knowledge, thank you greatly for your time and smiles ladies. Excellent walk around the lake in mid September to October to view Floriade and spring blossoms in the area.
