National Museum of Australia Daily Tours
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
National Museum of Australia – Daily Guided Tours
Explore the National Museum of Australia with one of our expert-led daily tours. Each experience brings the Museum’s stories, objects and architecture to life, with non‑English tours available on request.
Museum Highlights Tour – 1pm
A great introduction to the Museum’s major galleries. Discover key objects and the stories behind them—perfect if you’re short on time.
Building & Architecture Tour – 10am
Uncover the hidden meanings, design features and symbolism of the Museum’s unique building and landscape. Some outdoor walking; wear suitable footwear.
First Australians Tour – 3pm
Experience the history, culture and connection to Country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, focusing on the First Australians gallery. For language support, email [email protected].
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
On arrival proceed to the Information Hub to redeem your voucher
Present your either printed or electronic voucher (e-vouchers) with photo ID to matching the booking name in exchange for your activity. Without proof of purchase and photo ID, the Museum reserves the right to charge visitors for the cost of the tour per person.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wheelchairs, prams and motorised scooters are available for hire from the Information Desk
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia is where Australia’s stories come alive and is a must see for every visitor to Canberra. Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the stunning architecture of the Museum provides an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse history and culture of Australia and its people. Present your ticket at the Information Hub on arrival to join the Museum Highlights Tour (departing at 10am and 1pm daily). This 1 hour guided tour offers an excellent introduction to the Museum's galleries and is a great way to enhance your experience at the Museum, especially if you're short on time. Explore the collection with our highly knowledgeable guides who will bring the objects to life by explaining the fascinating and surprising history and stories behind them. After the tour, spend some time exploring the Museum. With an exciting calendar of world-class touring exhibitions, events, school holiday programs and festivals, there is always something unique to see and do. Explore our stunning location and admire the building’s impressive architecture, relax at our popular lakeside café or indulge in our one-of-a-kind shop.
What‘s Included
Museum Highlight Tour
The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of arrival to the Museum car park.
Food and drinks
Options
NMA Building+Architecture Tour
Daily Tour
NMA First Australians Tour
Daily Tour
NMA - Highlights Tour
Daily Tours
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Background of displays
bizzylizzyperth,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joe showed us the highlights of the museum like Old Tom, 300 year old dress, Bogon Moths and many more. Having a guide is much more beneficial than walking around not knowing the background of the exhibits.
Underwhelming display of highschool level dioramas
karlj306,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The most underwhelming museum experience i have ever encountered. A spattering of first nation's history with a few unremarkable exhibits. Left feeling embarrassed and disappointed.
Boring & confusing!
Iain and Louise,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We found the museum confusing & all over the place, there was no journey to follow as every exhibit was completely different to the one next to it. The museum is horseshoe shaped yet is difficult to follow with the map taking you upstairs, down stairs , around corners then outside to other exhibits in no particular order.
A lovely weekend away.
Cheryl866,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We went to the National Art Gallery and very impressed with the indigenous art and exhibition . Very happy with our accomodation at the Deco apartments as well. Shopping at the Canberra shopping centre and dinner at Edgar’s.
A Lost History
DaveCTrippy,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00With full respect to the deep time history of Australia, this place has become a discombobulated disaster. There is not any continuity to the displays and too many areas are now empty spaces. When you find an item of interest, there is no labels or information. We have been to NMA on other occasions and we are saddened to see what it has become. Anyone visiting Australia, would not leave with even a basic knowledge of our full history and cultural diversity. (We went to see the Pompeii Exhibition - which was excellent.)
But of everything for everyone so kept us revisiting the old days
kelliep880,Feb 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Treat day tour operator was wonderful efficient comfortable service was amazing Museum was so larger then expected the tours run are great specific exhibitions old relic cars loved the most
Get to know Australia from here :)
Jackie F,Jul 2, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00A great place to have an overview of Australia on aboriginal stories, history, landscapes, weather, nature creatures etc.
worth the money
Praveen V,Jun 10, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00VR shows were reallly nice. Overall, we enjoyed the whole Museum experience along with it natural art, gallery and historic pieces as well.
The Egyptian Display is unmissable
rohitg108,Mar 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have been here before. This time we dropped in to have a look at the Egyptian display, on loan from a Dutch Museum. I had gleaned some knowledge from books, documentaries and movies. And I always wanted to visit Egypt. This was the next best thing. Thoroughly recommended. We didn't take a tour, and we didn't need to book. It may get busy in holidays.
An excellent tour.
annesK8624RJ,Sep 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An informative tour and an excellent museum. I think that I learnt more on the tour of the galleries we visited than I would have wandering alone. I would have happily spent longer listening to our guide and getting extra insight into the different sections.
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Operated by National Museum of Australia