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Tickle your child’s imagination. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n
You will enhance your children\u2019s appreciation of reptiles from the Mesozoic era when you take them to the National Dinosaur Museum. It\u2019s one of the best things for tweens to tick off in Canberra<\/a>. But the museum is not just about dinosaurs: it is aimed at anyone curious about the history of life on Earth.<\/p>\n Budding palaeontologists will appreciate the trove of skulls, skeletons, replica models and interactive animatronic dinosaurs in the collection. But it\u2019s the fossils that are the only ones of their kind on display that really help our understanding of the prehistoric past.<\/p>\n Unveil dinosaur fossils under the sand. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n Beautifully painted murals set the scene for reconstructions of prehistoric Earth replete with ginormous replicas of sauropods and tyrannosaurus that once roamed the Earth. The museum curators were inspired by the work of palaeontologists to piece together exhibitions and stories that compare the behaviour of different dinosaurs. Got a child obsessed with dinosaurs? Dinosaur-themed birthday parties are a thing.<\/p>\n Have a fun and educational weekend at the National Dinosaur Museum. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n Highlight<\/strong>: Meeting Stan, the larger-than-life 20-metre-long T-Rex Dinosaur that looms over the entrance to the Dinosaur Garden.<\/p>\n Cost<\/strong>: From $20<\/p>\n Address<\/strong>: 6 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls, ACT<\/p>\n Walking around Old Parliament House<\/a> is like being on a film set from the 1980s. It does a fine job as a set piece perhaps because it did play a leading role in Australian politics as the home of the Federal parliament between 1927 and 1988. But the legacy of the building does not rely solely on the events that took place there (although one can almost imagine those important moments\u2026 such as the dismissal of the Gough Whitlam\u2019s Labor Government in 1975).<\/p>\n The seat of the Australian Parliament was relocated to Canberra. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Old Parliament House served as a working parliament for about six decades, during a time of great change for Australia. The Museum of Australian Democracy now occupies Old Parliament House, and it\u2019s worth taking a 45-minute tour to understand the historical and social value of the building.<\/p>\n Get a glimpse of the building’s rich historical heritage. (Image: Penny Bradfield for VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Expect amusing anecdotes from the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) experience officers who tell stories about the staff scurrying around with fire extinguishers to put out fires lit by a certain pipe-smoking prime minister. They also touch on the inspiring speeches that took place here. And steer you toward rooms that present like portals into our political past.<\/p>\n One can almost imagine bumping into Bob Hawke walking through the hallowed halls. There\u2019s even an ensuite where the hairspray favoured by our hirsute Hawkey is on display as well as his old-school telephone, sitting in its cradle. You can stay and play as part of The Chifley Experience at Hotel Kurrajong, which includes a tour of the MoAD and is one of the best places to stay in Canberra<\/a>.<\/p>\n Enjoy a range of innovative activities at the museum. (Image: Penny Bradfield for VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Highlight: <\/strong>The Prime Minister\u2019s Office where Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke all served. The office is presented as it was during Hawke\u2019s term of office. If only the walls could talk.<\/p>\n Cost: <\/strong>Entry is free<\/p>\n Address:<\/strong> 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT<\/p>\n Canberra Railway Museum<\/a> celebrates the golden age of rail travel. The national capital has a long history with the railways which were built to connect Canberra to the rest of the country. Learn all about the locomotives and carriages that were the preferred mode of transport for politicians who were toing and froing from parliament.<\/p>\n Forget Thomas the Tank Engine<\/em>. Head here to help your kids let off some steam as the cabooses are the real deal. Sit and contemplate the passage of time onboard a steam locomotive that brought the first train to Canberra in 1914. Or gauge how the style of the sleeping car evolved from a lavish 1901 Pullman<\/em> to the stylish Art Deco Southern Aurora<\/em>.<\/p>\n The Railway Museum began life in 1975 when the Beyer-Garratt locomotive 6029 chugged into Canberra after being purchased for display at the National Museum of Australia. But the loco was not a good fit for the NMA so was sold to the founder of the fledgling railway museum for a measly $1.<\/p>\n Highlight: <\/strong>The AL class Pullman sleeping car. The car, built in 1901, briefly became a mobile dental clinic before being destroyed by fire. It was faithfully recreated after a long period in storage with original pressed metal ceilings, red cedar timberwork and elegant white upholstery.<\/p>\n Cost: <\/strong>Adults $10; 5-15 $5; Concession $7.50.<\/p>\n Address<\/strong>: 2 Geijera Place, Fyshwick, ACT<\/p>\n The Australian War Memorial\u2019s (AWM) <\/a>is a solemn place in which to reflect on Australia\u2019s experience in war and operations. The sweeping, poppy-strewn Roll of Honour is unsurpassed. It bears the names of more than 103,000 fallen members of the Australian Defence Force, showcasting the consequences of war all too clearly. Search the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial.<\/a><\/p>\n Australian War Memorial was built in honour of those who died for our country. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n The Memorial\u2019s comprehensive galleries try to show the how, where and why behind Australia\u2019s involvement in conflict and its enduring impact on our society.\u00a0 This profound blending of military history and personal stories is what the AWM does so well. Detailed through hosts of exhibitions, objects and artefacts, individual stories share the experience behind world-war narratives.<\/p>\n There’s no glorifying war here. Dioramas such as Semakh by artist Alexander McKenzie depict and interpret a brutal battle. Reconstructed examples of a homemade Anderson air-raid shelter confirm how deeply hostilities from afar have afflicted the country’s psyche over the years.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Listen to the incredible stories of veterans. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n By honouring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and those who continue to serve our nation, the\u00a0Australian War Memorial\u00a0ensures their service is not forgotten. The\u00a0Stone of Remembrance<\/em>\u00a0is one of the iconic landmarks at the Memorial, paying tribute to this sacrifice across generations.<\/p>\n Let the poppy-strewn Roll of Honour move you. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n The current development<\/a> underway to expand and modernise the Memorial\u2019s galleries aims to ensure the tradition of commemoration continues.\u00a0 The vision behind the project aims to ensure that recent servicemen and servicewomen are as equally recognised as those who came before them, and is seeking to share stories of what Australia does to prevent war and contribute to peace.<\/p>\n Australian War Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of veterans who served. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Highlight: <\/strong>Take a guided tour to get your bearings and hear war-time stories come to life.<\/p>\n Cost: <\/strong>Entry is free, but all visitors require a free timed ticket to enter the Memorial Galleries and to attend the Last Post Ceremony.<\/p>\n Address:<\/strong> Treloar Cres, Campbell, ACT<\/p>\n Canberra\u2019s National Film and Sound Archive of Australia<\/a> (NFSA) is dedicated to the preservation and documentation of both motion pictures and recorded sounds. The NFSA contains archival footage, recordings from some of the country\u2019s most prodigious talents as well as memorabilia that celebrates the rich history of Australian cinema.<\/p>\n Visit the National Film and Sound Archive Exterior for curated film collections.<\/p><\/div>\n The heritage-listed building in Acton is a national institution. Movie buffs will love wandering through the grand old building to see rare memorabilia, props and footage and audio-visual collections. The race is on to continue to digitise the vast collection which includes news film footage of the first Mardi Gras in Sydney and more than 4 million items indexed in curated collections.<\/p>\n ScreenSound keeps audiovisual archives. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Look inside the costume department of Australian films, discover recordings filed under the Sounds of Australia collection and celebrate the success and achievements of Australian creatives.<\/p>\n Have a glimpse of the diverse culture and the arts.<\/p><\/div>\n Highlight<\/strong>: Press rewind at the NFSA to enjoy everything from great moments in rugby league to oral histories of Hollywood. If it\u2019s a rainy day, and you\u2019re travelling with children in tow, you can tune in to old tourism footage of Australian cities.<\/p>\n Cost<\/strong>: Access to the main NFSA building is free for the two small exhibition spaces called Hive and The Marvellous Corricks, and daily programs are held throughout the day. Tickets for the Australians & Hollywood<\/em> exhibition can be purchased online. Adults $14.50; $11.50 concession; and $7.50 for under 18s with children under four receiving free entry.<\/p>\n Address: <\/strong>McCoy Cct, Acton, ACT (just a 10-minute walk from the city)<\/p>\n The National Museum of Australia (NMA)<\/a> building forms its own landscape of themes and colours. Located on its own peninsula, it is, all at once, out there and polarising, in that utterly Australian, love-it-or-hate-it Vegemite sort of way.<\/p>\n Stare at the museum’s stunning architecture. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Like the exhibitions inside, the pieces of the puzzle are laid out in front of you, leaving you to interpret as you please. There are no dusty, ignored corners jammed with singular grand narratives; this is a social history project, woven from a fluid stream of small voices representing all heritages, cultures, quirks and mistakes.<\/p>\n Balloon Spectacular floats over the NMA. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n The extensive First Australians gallery lays bare the spectrum of multiple, evolving views about Aboriginal Australia, from its ancient ingenuity to darker moments in history. You\u2019ll want to exit via the gift shop here, too. It\u2019s one of the best around for finding idiosyncratic pressies, from vintage balms to a Yoda-in-a-top-hat dinnerware set.<\/p>\n The art installations will leave kids in awe. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Highlight<\/strong>: The fascinating Eternity Gallery best represents the NMA\u2019s method, with its biographical vignettes: the \u2018mystery\u2019 of Granny Locke and \u2018loneliness\u2019 as seen by Paquita Mawson, wife of explorer Sir Douglas.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> General admission is free. Admission charges for special exhibitions and events vary.<\/p>\n Address:<\/strong> Lawson Cres, Acton, ACT<\/p>\n Reflecting on an interesting book, a glass of Canberra riesling in hand, is not what you\u2019d expect to be doing in a library. But then, the National Library of Australia (NLA)<\/a> does quite a few \u2018un-library\u2019 things. There is an eclectic range of great cafes for breakfast and brunch in Canberra<\/a>. But not all of them have literary leanings. You\u2019ll want to bookmark Bookplate Cafe for that reason. The library cafe offers lunch specials that include two courses and a drink.<\/p>\n It\u2019s one of the few genuine destination libraries in the world: part book temple, part gallery and part architectural curiosity. The Treasures Gallery houses endless quirky bits and pieces to unearth, from Olympic torches to ancient maps, furniture and Beethoven\u2019s life mask.<\/p>\n A vision of architect Walter Bunning\u2019s version of Greece\u2019s Parthenon, the NLA is stripped back of motifs, contradicted by 16 stained Belgian and French chunk-glass windows. Even without picking up a book, check-in for at least a couple of hours here. Architectural projections light up the National Library of Australia at the annual Enlighten Festival in Canberra. (Image: Photox for VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Cost: <\/strong>Entry is free and the library also runs free daily tours.<\/p>\n Address:<\/strong> Parkes Pl W, Canberra, ACT<\/p>\n If you only had 72 hours in Canberra<\/a>, you\u2019d factor in a visit to the National Gallery of Australia<\/a>. Opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II on 12 October 1982, the National Gallery of Australia is a destination in its own right. The comprehensive collection of works housed in our behemoth national gallery encompasses Australian, Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander, American and European, Asian and Pacific art. All up, there are about 166,000 works that make up the permanent collection.<\/p>\n Delight in the statues and exhibitions at the museum. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n The gallery\u2019s vision is to \u2018be a source of inspiration for the people of Australia.\u2019 It was established in 1967 by the Australian Government as a national public art museum. The gallery relies on funding from the Commonwealth Government and actively seeks financial support from private and corporate sources.<\/p>\n Explore the National Gallery of Australia. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n The gallery also runs tours throughout the year, featuring stunning outdoor areas with art to explore, too. Plus, it hosts a multitude of family-friendly events throughout the year.<\/p>\n Bring your kids when you visit the gallery. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Highlight:<\/strong> Seeing Claude Monet\u2019s Water Lilies<\/em> and Jackson Pollock\u2019s Blue Poles: No. 11<\/em>.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Entry to the gallery is free, though some major events are ticketed.<\/p>\n Address: <\/strong>Parkes Pl E, Parkes, ACT<\/p>\n The National Portrait Gallery<\/a> is a hidden jewel in Canberra\u2019s cultural crown. You\u2019ll find a collection of significant portraits of famous and infamous Aussies from across the ages on show within the NPG\u2019s jutting, soaring structure. Those featured are considered important in their field of endeavour or are people whose life sets them apart as an individual of long-term public interest.<\/p>\n The NPG, which opened in 1968, is moving with the times, with everything from exhibitions to events, live-streaming activations and apps. Take a guided tour of the gallery and you will be led to a portrait of Trucanini, Australia\u2019s most celebrated Indigenous leader. You might also expect to see familiar faces such as singer Nick Cave, entertainer Barry Humphries and Mick Fanning. You can also check out legendary Australians such as\u00a0Indonesian-Australian TV presenter Lee Lin Chin, and four-time Olympic champion Betty Cuthbert in the collection.<\/p>\n Hugh Jackman is one of the many subjects on display at the National Portrait Gallery. (Image: Crux for VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n There are usually about 1,400 portraits on display, from sculptures to oils on canvas. Use the search tool on the NPA website to discover some of the artists and people who\u2019ve made the cut.<\/p>\n Highlight:<\/strong> Many exhibitions run year-round, and the gallery hosts various tours that give visitors a sense of the Australian character in a way they may have never experienced<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Entry to the gallery is free, though some major events are ticketed.<\/p>\n Address: <\/strong>King Edward Terrace, Parkes, ACT<\/p>\n The art on show in the backyard of Canberra resident Anne Masters is wide-ranging. Masters runs Canberra\u2019s tiniest walk-in gallery and showcases everyone from up-and-coming designers to established artists. The Gallery of Small Things<\/a> is a great snapshot of Canberra\u2019s creative talent, while also offering a platform for artists and makers from the region to further their careers.<\/p>\n Gallery of Small Things is the tiniest gallery in all of Canberra. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Visit the gallery in Wade St Watson and you will see a carefully curated exhibition of works in textiles, jewellery, photography, paintings and print media. Anne transformed her 1960s laundry into a tiny gallery so she could realise her dream of starting up workshops to assist artists with business basics.<\/p>\n Come and have a look inside the mini gallery. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n Masters\u2019 big idea, to celebrate all things small, continues to grow. Visit the gallery from Thursdays to Sundays between 11am and 4pm or by appointment.<\/p>\n Highlight<\/strong>: The fact you can shop online from the GOST website<\/a> from the makers, designers and artists that Masters mentors.<\/p>\n Cost: <\/strong>Entry to the gallery and annual GOST show is free.<\/p>\n![\"visitors](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NationalDinosaurMuseum2.jpg\")
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2. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House<\/h2>\n
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3. Canberra Railway Museum<\/h2>\n
4. Australian War Memorial<\/h2>\n
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5. National Film and Sound Archive<\/h2>\n
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6. National Museum of Australia<\/h2>\n
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7. National Library of Australia<\/h2>\n
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8. National Gallery of Australia<\/h2>\n
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9. National Portrait Gallery<\/h2>\n
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10. The Gallery of Small Things<\/h2>\n
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