Advertisement
Speciality Museums in Melbourne

THE 10 BEST Melbourne Speciality Museums

Speciality Museums in Melbourne

Types of Attractions
Museums
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
25 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

What travellers are saying

  • Sarah J
    31 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Melbourne Museum is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in Australian culture, history, and nature. Highlights include the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the Wildlife Gallery featuring iconic Australian animals, and the immersive Forest Gallery. The museum also offers hands-on science exhibits and a dedicated kids' area, making it a great spot for families. With its diverse range of exhibits, spacious layout, and central location, it’s an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Highly recommended for a few hours of exploration!
    Written 11 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The_Chappells
    Wellington, New Zealand159 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to visit to view the history of movies and media. Allow at least an hour to walk through and I like that there are lots of interactive exhibits so you can have a play. The ACMI lens is a fantastic initiative. Very family friendly. Lots of kids around having a go at lots of things, there is so much to see.
    Written 19 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AusFamilywithTeens
    Sydney, Australia5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We started with a coffee then onto the MCG tour. 90 minutes of behind the scenes stories, anecdotes & pure history. Our guide, John, like all guides is a volunteer member of the Melbourne Cricket Club. He was very knowledgeable and witty.

    Our day was 34 degrees so guides were excused from jackets, only wearing ties.

    Then a free ice cream for the kids and down into the (air conditioned) museum. It is a great collecting of memorabilia, film, photos and sound.

    There’s lots of fun interactive stuff for the kids of all ages.

    Volunteer guides know their stuff and have stories you’d never hear anywhere else.

    We spent 3 hours on both but could easily have spent hours more.

    The museum is very accessible for any mobility level with lifts, ramps etc .

    The MCG tour is suitable for likitwd endurance etc with gentle slopes, elevators and escalators. There are some gentle stairs, but I’m sure they are avoidable.
    Written 13 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lap C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was a really great walking tour along the river and into the KHT building. I was interested to hear about the history of the environment and landscape before colonisation, as well as hearing about how the indigenous language groups and culture grows and evolves.
    Written 4 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Linda B
    Melbourne, Australia72 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We really enjoyed our visit. The museum is conveniently located a short walk from Southern Cross station. All of the displays are very well presented and very interesting. The staff were friendly and helpful. There are several interactive exhibits that should appeal to both young and old. An added bonus is it is free entry. Definitely worth a visit.
    Written 28 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,634 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    When the Polly Woodside was launched in 1885, she was the last of a dying breed. This hardy steel-hulled sailing ship was made for hauling cargo, with a hard-working crew to man her. The men who crewed these tall ships worked hard for their money. The Polly Woodside is moored on South Wharf, you can get a good view from outside.
    Written 20 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Karen B
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent museum. Able to see polishing and cutting. Enthusiastic knowledgeable members of staff who explained whet he did, how and why. Amazing exhibits. Thoroughly recommend a visit.
    Written 16 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,634 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This proud warship was launched by Mrs R G Menzies, wife of the Australian leader, in 1941. The Castlemaine was constructed in Williamstown and was deployed in Asia and the Pacific as a corvette and minesweeper during World War II. The ship was built by the Melbourne Harbour Trust for the Commonwealth of Australia. The HMAS Castlemaine is preserved as a museum ship by the Maritime Trust of Australia. It's moored in Gem Pier, located near the center of Williamstown. The aged warship can be inspected by locals and travelers who will see this engaging remnant of military service and naval construction.
    Written 15 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BeppieChick
    Napier, New Zealand558 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Going with family who had been here before we visited this out of the way, down an alley bar/club where people can sing along to music played on the piano, drink up an extremely unique atmosphere and enjoy looking at all the paraphenalia on the wall and the furnishings - like everything was recycled or unwanted somewhere, but they took the pieces in and plonked them in the club - all very different things from different eras and tastes, yet all seem to flow and fit in with the theme of the place. Yes, it is noisy and hard to talk if you are close to the downstairs bar, but you know that before going, so enjoy and soak up the atmosphere. They made a devine coffee martini - OMG, amazing!
    Written 15 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,634 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Monet's Garden exhibition was part of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Winter Masterpieces exhibition in 2013. It has now moved on. The exhibition was very popular, giving an insight into how this great impressionist painter worked.
    Written 29 September 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,634 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Percy Grainger (1882-1961) was born in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Brighton. He spent much of his life overseas, where he won acclaim as a pianist, arranger, folklorist and composer. The Grainger Museum, on the Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne, is said to be the only museum devoted to a single individual in Australia. Currently, the museum features Grainger's devotion to self-flagelation. It's best to check on opening hours before you go. By the way, I think the exterior of the museum is ugly, but the exhibitions are interesting.
    Written 23 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,634 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you want to find out about the history of the fire services in Victoria, this is the place for you. The museum has loads of memorabilia, including veteran fire engines. Some of the exhibits will interest enthusiasts. Most of it collection is suitable for the general public. Seniors get a discount.
    Written 30 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Leonie B
    Sydney, Australia17 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fascinating small museum with exhibits relating to the history of the Salvation Army in Victoria. It's located upstairs in a historic building the Salvation Army has owned for over 100 years. The manager showed me around, regaling me with fascinating stories concerning some of the artifacts which included uniforms, books, photos, souvenirs of early outback aircraft ministries, World War 2 ministries, brass band paraphernalia. The Limelight Studios were of particular interest. This is where many Salvation Army silent movies were produced, including "Soldiers of the Cross" (the world's first multimedia presentation of silent movie clips, lantern slides and live music) in 1900. Entry was free. Ring or email to check opening hours, as the museum is open, but the front door may be closed due to Covid.
    Written 1 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,634 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Australian Music Vault and Aria Hall of Fame is housed in the same theater as the Playhouse and Fairfax Studio. It's a glittering collection of rock and roll in Australia, from guitars to sheet music. It's certainly a must-see for anyone who appreciates popular music. Entry is free.
    Written 18 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ECWorld
    Hong Kong, China2,784 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The gallery itself is fairly small and tucked into a heritage building which frankly is not all that impressive, so really the quality of the exhibition pretty much determines your experience. There was a joint exhibition between RMIT and HK schools and it was rather interesting and also made good use of the exhibition space. So yes, for us it was worth spending a hour or so there.
    Written 15 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
All Melbourne HotelsMelbourne Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Melbourne
All things to do in Melbourne
Day Trips in Melbourne
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars