Free Museums in Melbourne

"Showcasing Australian social history, Indigenous cultures, science and environment, Melbourne Museum is for geeks!. Although, this might be one of the very few geeky attractions that has been listed as Winner of Australian tourism award for being the best major tourist attraction in the country!. The museum celebrates Victoria’s local Koorie culture in Bunjilaka and also has a special secti...Read more"

"The children’s gallery at Melbourne Museum has so many experiences, both inside and out. In other parts of the museum, you can crawl along the dinosaur walk, see the various rocks and stones, explore the rainforest gallery or just stare at the tiny (and not so tiny) insects. Be sure to check their website to see what's on for Melbourne kids this week."

"Another one of the educational things to do for families in Melbourne is a visit to the Immigration Museum. The Immigration Museum is in the Old Customs House, which was the former administrative centre for Melbourne’s immigration and customs. Over two floors, the museum documents the history of immigration in Australia, the various policies in place over time and the multiple reasons certain people have immigrated to Australia."

"Through emotive exhibitions, Melbourne’s Immigration Museum investigates Victoria’s multicultural identity. Located within Victoria’s Old Customs House, the museum explores the eventful and at time harrowing immigrant stories through exhibits such as Leaving Home, Journeys of a Lifetime and Getting In. The museum also features a Discovery Centre where you can trace your genealogical history and a Tribute Garden."

"Taking a look at the whole topic of multiculturalism is the Immigration Museum in the Old Customs House on Flinders Street. It looks at how and why people left their homes to move to Melbourne – and how their arrival shaped the course of the city. Immigration has had a huge impact on so many things here, from the coffee to the music."

"A visit to the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre is perfect to introduce the little ones to the Aboriginal culture and heritage or South Eastern Australia. Located right next to Federation Square it is easy to access and offers a range of ever changing child-friendly activities such as crafts, educational walks and exhibitions. http://koorieheritagetrust.com.au"

"you can get a a fascinating insight into the indigenous culture. It host galleries and exhibitions tracing Koorie history.It is located in 295 King Street."

"The modern architecture of the Islamic Museum of Australia is quite striking, but the exhibitions inside are also presented in an engaging and contemporary way. Some of the museum is dedicated to immigration and tells fascination stories of Muslims who came to Australia, including the Afghan cameleers and Malay pearlers. But there’s also a lot on display that shows the wonders of the Islamic culture, including architecture, art, and textiles."

"Displaying the striking collection of Black opals, light opals, boulder opals and other jewelry crafted by artisans, the national opal collection is dedicated to the world of opals!. A treasured collection of Australian Opals, this is where you can observe as well as shop for opal items and souvenir items!. The unique museum educates its visitors with the link between opals and dinosaurs; yes tha...Read more"

"This is a place to see rare opalised fossils and the life-size animal sculptures, and displays of unset opals and jewellery.It is located in 119 Swanston Street."

"Firstly you don’t need a permit (yay!) and even if there are lots of visitors in the gardens, there is still lots of space. Our fave spots are the hedge wall and gazebo near the rose garden. Even the public toilets have a great stone wall!"

"The Conservatory restaurant offers an array of international cuisine, with a series of different culinary stations, each offering a unique dining experience."

"In 1844, Charles La Trobe, the colony’s first Lieutenant Governor, received a request from the Melbourne council asking for parks close to the town, ‘where they could conveniently take recreation therein after their daily labor.’. The 500 acres that La Trobe reserved included Royal Park, The Domain, Fitzroy Gardens, Fawkner Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens is now one of Melbourne’s finest attractions; stretching over 89 acres, it is filled with 50,000 individual plants representing 8,500 different species."

"This fenced garden is within the Royal Botanic Gardens and provides opportunities for water play and nature play in a popular picnic spot. You can also take your under 5s on a Punt Tour for free!. Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra"

"Lost & Found is an indoor market based in a shop just off Smith Street Collingwood. It features vintage furniture, lighting, art, posters, clothes, books, records and anything collectable. Permenant and casual stalls available."