South Pacific
Australia
Victoria
Melbourne
Things to do in Melbourne
Speciality Museums in Melbourne

THE 10 BEST Melbourne Speciality Museums

Speciality Museums in Melbourne

All things to do
Category types
Types of Attractions
Museums
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
22 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Clear all filters
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.
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • Kai C
    Half Moon Bay, CA1,211 contributions
    ok
    The triceratops are truly outstanding, as are the many other fossil skeletons (mainly, if I understand correctly, from Montana and Utah, with a smattering of ancient marsupials). Other superb sections are those about invertebrates (spiders, ants, bees...), and the colonization of Australia (digging gold, early industrialization). The weakest section by far is the aboriginal one, which (apart from the amazing boats) focuses on feel-good, information-less videos. Given the location one is amazed the Museum was not able to bring forth one of the best world collections about Poly-Mela-Micronesia and aboriginal beliefs, traditions, culture but this was not to be.
    Review of: Melbourne Museum
    Written 22 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Screen images appeal to young and old
    ACMI is known as the Australian Center for the Moving Image. In the age of the screen, it promotes a wide range of screen images that appeal to young and old. It also has several screening rooms that show classic films. ACMI is in Flinders Street, adjacent to Fed Square.
    Review of: ACMI
    Written 7 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nick
    2 contributions
    Fantastic and well worth doing
    Well worth doing if you are a sports buff regardless of what sport you follow, knowledgeable and professional staff, the highlight was carol our tour guide , what a cracker, funny, straight down the line, knowledgeable and great with the kids, thanks once again carol , a day my self and my kids will always remember
    Review of: Australian Sports Museum
    Written 21 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Potter Gallery is strong in Australian Modernism
    The Ian Peter Centre is allied to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). The Potter Gallery's collection is mainly composed of Australian Modernist painters, many of whom had their origins in Melbourne. The Potter is also strong in indigenous art. The NGV is strong in international art, especially European art.
    Review of: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
    Written 25 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • simcha
    PA106 contributions
    Fascinating tour at Koorie Heritage Trust
    A wonderful outdoor tour by Lily followed by presentations and explanations of Aboriginal clothing, weapons and musical instruments.
    Review of: Koorie Heritage Trust.
    Written 4 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, Australia13,836 contributions
    Hardy sailing ship was built to work
    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.
    Review of: Polly Woodside - Melbourne's Tall Ship Story
    Written 20 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Moving to a new home
    The Victoria Police Museum is currently located at the World Trade Centre Wharf Building. It will close on Friday 31 Jan. 2021 and relocate to 313 Spencer St, reopening in early 2021. The Museum has many fascinating artefacts, tracing the history of the Victoria Police from the earliest days of colonisation.
    Review of: Victoria Police Museum
    Written 17 December 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Minesweeper served with distinction
    HMAS Castlemaine is a warship; it served in World War II. Anyone interested in naval history will be fascinated by this ship. It is moored at Gem Pier, in the heart of Williamstown. The Castlemaine is a minesweeper; it spent most of the war on convoy escort duty. The Castlemaine is one of the smallest ships to see active service, but it served with distinction.
    Review of: HMAS Castlemaine
    Written 13 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Opals are truly remarkable
    Australian opal mines are more prolific and produce more brilliant opals than mines found elsewhere. This treasure trove has opals of all varieties. The colors are truly remarkable. The opalized fossils are marvelous to see. Opals are Australia's national gemstone; the collection is open to everyone. Entry is free.
    Review of: The National Opal Collection
    Written 9 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Let's have some fun!
    The Butterfly Club is a fun place for patrons. It has an Art Nouveau feel to it. Acts performed on the stage range from vaudeville to burlesque. It's full of nooks and crannies. The Butterfly Club is in Carson Place, which runs off Little Collins St.
    Review of: The Butterfly Club
    Written 14 November 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Exhibitions are interesting
    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.
    Review of: Grainger Museum
    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, Australia13,836 contributions
    Fire services from days gone by
    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.
    Review of: Fire Services Museum of Victoria
    Written 30 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,836 contributions
    Monet's Garden exhibition has moved on
    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.
    Review of: Monet Secret Garden Melboune
    Written 29 September 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Leonie B
    Sydney, Australia15 contributions
    Great little museum
    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.
    Review of: Salvation Army Heritage Centre
    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, Australia13,836 contributions
    Roc k and roll will survive
    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.
    Review of: Australian Music Vault
    Written 18 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Melbourne