Cultural Attractions of Australia
A collective of iconic Australian cultural attractions have joined forces to present the best of Australia’s cultural offering to the world.
Australia’s leading cultural attractions tell the story of how the varied geographic, ethnic and cultural origins have been embraced and have reshaped the way Australians define the nation. They curate the cultural narrative and provide visitors with a window into what it means to be Australian by exploring the country’s history and sharing its ongoing, contemporary, creative life.
National Museum of Australia, Canberra
National Museum of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Cultural Attractions of Australia
See Australian history from a unique perspective at the National Museum of Australia (NMA). This architecturally spectacular museum based on the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin tells the 65,000-year-old story of Australia, from land, nation and people.
Take to the skies and see some of Australia’s great architecture from every angle. On the In, Above and Behind the Scenes tour, you’ll be whisked away on a privately flown hot air balloon over Canberra’s magnificent scenery to the NMA. After, you’ll enter the museum before the doors open to the public on a bespoke tour with a Museum Curator to explore the collection and compelling objects from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and European settlement. To finish, a champagne breakfast will be served while you enjoy the stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin.
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Australian Parliament House, Canberra
Australian Parliament House, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Australian Parliament House
Architecturally impressive, the Australian Parliament House in Canberra was designed to encourage public access and involvement, while responding to the Australian climate, landscape, vegetation, and even the quality of the light.
The forecourt reflects Australia’s ancient beginnings, with a 196-square-metre (2110-square-foot) mosaic, designed by Aboriginal artist Michael Nelson Jagamara. Inside, there is a stunning art collection and the extraordinary Great Hall Tapestry, designed by renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd. It took 14 full-time weavers more than two years to complete the piece. Travellers can be part of the action as they watch Question Time - when Parliament scrutinises the work of the government. Question Time takes place on sitting days in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and is a popular time for people to visit.
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Australian War Memorial, Canberra
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. Architecturally magnificent, the memorial gives an insight into what it means to be Australian.
The breathtaking Hall of Memory has a captivating mosaic, one of the largest in the world, and travellers may pay their respects and place a poppy of remembrance on the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.
Join The Soul of the Nation tour for a private exploration of the unique collection of rare and beautiful letters, maps, photographs and diaries that tell the stories of the men and women who serve in Australia’s military forces, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice.
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia holds Australia’s national art collection, representing the visual culture and spirit of the country. Visitors experience a world seen through the eyes of artists. A masterpiece of modern architecture, the gallery is just minutes from the airport and city centre.
In A Feast of Icons, an expert guide reveals the stories of six renowned works from the gallery’s collection in an exclusive, after-hours tour. Following the tour, guests will enjoy a spectacular degustation dinner in a private dining lounge, overlooking the lake. Each of the six courses is inspired by an artwork on the tour, creating an evening to remember, completed by a gift and personalised note from the director.
Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney
Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney, New South Wales © Cultural Attractions of Australia
Situated in Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum offers exhibitions, programs and events that share Australian stories including Indigenous perspectives, early exploration and colonisation, immigration, ocean conservation and Australia’s deep connection to the sea.
The museum also hosts one of the largest floating fleets in the world including Captain Cook’s replica HMB Endeavour, Navy Destroyer HMAS Vampire and former navy submarine HMAS Onslow, all of which you can climb on board and explore.
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Opera Australia, Sydney
Opera Australia: Star at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Opera Australia
No trip to Sydney is complete without witnessing a live performance in its most famous building, the Sydney Opera House. The Opera Australia season features performances from world-famous composers like Puccini and Mozart as well as more contemporary Broadway favourites.
It’s your moment to shine when you book your exclusive Opera Australia: Star at the Sydney Opera House experience. The excitement starts with a wig and costume fitting two days prior to the performance and culminates with entry through the stage door of the Sydney Opera House for a once-in-a-lifetime, walk-on role with the chorus of Opera Australia.
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Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales © Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is Australia’s most-recognised cultural institution and a celebrated community meeting place. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a masterpiece of human creative genius and a world-class performing arts centre.
See just what it takes to put on a show in this iconic venue with the Sydney Opera House: A Taste of Opera. You’ll embark on a private, first-hand look behind the curtain into the venues, fascinating history and insider stories of this iconic building, with an exclusive opera recital and meeting with the singer and pianist afterwards and optional private dining experience.
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Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach
Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach, Queensland © Qantas Founders Museum
Australia’s national airline, Qantas, was founded in Longreach, outback Queensland in 1920. The Qantas Founders Museum tells the airline’s story with interpretive displays, interactive exhibits, replica aircraft and genuine artefacts. The collection includes five internationally significant aeroplanes - Super Constellation, PBY Catalina Flying Boat, Douglas DC3, Boeing 707 and 747.
The ‘Spirit of Australia’ Platinum Tour starts with a three-hour guided tour of the two Boeings during which you’ll get the chance to see the black box flight recorders, learn how to ‘arm the doors', sit in the pilot's seat, inspect the cargo hold and the exterior of the Super Constellation and take a walk on the wings of both Boeing aircraft. The tour continues with full museum access, lunch and a personal souvenir photo.
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Heights of Adelaide RoofClimb Experience, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, South Australia © Che Chorley
Established in 1871, Adelaide Oval is the centrepiece of Adelaide’s revitalised riverbank precinct. A comprehensive redevelopment has transformed Adelaide Oval into an exemplary modern stadium, while retaining its considerable history and charm.
Cricket enthusiasts will love the Bespoke Adelaide Oval Tour which offers an in-depth insight into the life and times of cricket’s greatest batsman, Sir Donald Bradman. The experience includes a curated tour through his private and personal collection and the Bodyline Museum followed by a visit to the player’s viewing room and meeting with the Senior Groundsman.
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Mona (Museum of Old and New Art), Hobart
Mona (Museum of Old and New Art), River Derwent, Hobart, Tasmania © Museum of Old and New Art
Mona is Australia’s largest privately-owned gallery and museum. Showcasing the diverse collection of its owner, Tasmanian gambler and maths nerd David Walsh, Mona is curated on the themes of sex and death.
The Mona site—on the banks of the River Derwent, near Hobart - is also home to the Moorilla Winery, an award-winning restaurant, bars, luxury accommodation pavilions, and Moo Brew, Tasmania’s biggest craft brewery.
Experience an afternoon of art and pleasure with Rockstar Afternoon. You’ll start with an afternoon arrival at the museum where you’ll be greeted with an Absinthe cocktail. Continue right through to a VIP degustation with premium wines at the museum’s Faro Bar and Restaurant. After you’ve eaten, you’ll experience a feast of the senses with exclusive access to James Turrell artworks in Unseen Seen and Weight of Darkness.
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Port Arthur Historic Site, Hobart
Port Arthur Historic Site, Port Arthur, Tasmania © Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur Historic Site is the best-preserved convict settlement in Australia and among the most significant convict era sites in the world. A World Heritage-listed site, it combines history and scenic beauty with innovative interpretation to tell the stories of the harsh discipline and determined industry of the settlement.
Put yourself into the shoes of some of Port Arthur’s most notable individuals with The Wheel of Fate experience. You’ll get the exclusive opportunity to see where they worked, slept and ate by going behind the bars to explore 19th Century life in this infamous prison settlement. Afterwards you’ll sample the Tasman Peninsula’s finest produce in a dinner prepared by Port Arthur Historic Site’s head chef as night falls within the walls of this World Heritage-listed site, before returning to your accommodation.
Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne
Arts Centre Melbourne, Australian Performing Arts Collection, Melbourne, Victoria © Arts Centre Melbourne
Australia’s largest performing arts venue, Arts Centre Melbourne is a cultural and architectural landmark. Beneath the iconic Spire, its three state-of-the-art theatres host performances by Australia’s leading companies and the contemporary Australian Music Vault and Australian Performing Arts Collection Store hold nationally significant collections.
The VIP All-Access Tour is a journey underground to explore hidden corridors, stages and backstage spaces. Take a private guided tour of the Australian Music Vault and Australian Performing Arts Collection Store. Not normally open to the public, this is a privileged opportunity to delve deep into the archives dedicated to Australian circus, dance, music, opera and theatre heritage, as the guide dons the white gloves to reveal iconic costumes and artefacts. Finish with breakfast in an exclusive VIP lounge.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Victoria © Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the birthplace of test and one-day international cricket, home of the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final. It also played host to the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and Commonwealth Games in 2006. With a seating capacity of 100,024, the MCG is the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere. All eyes turn to the ’G on Boxing Day when the traditional cricket test match commences.
The MCG Private Tour Experience is an exclusive, two-hour, fully-guided tour that invites you to step out onto the hallowed MCG turf, visit the cricket players’ viewing rooms and explore the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Club. Then it’s on to the National Sports Museum and a closing drink, overlooking the meticulously manicured ground. Tours run on Thursdays only.
National Gallery Of Victoria (NGV), Melbourne
Private Gallery Dinner, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria © National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest and most-visited gallery in Australia. Situated over two magnificent buildings in the heart of Melbourne – NGV International and NGV Australia – the NGV hosts international and local artists, exhibitions, programs and events; from contemporary art to major international historic exhibitions, fashion, design and architecture.
Get ready for an evening of art, music, fine dining and wine with the Private Gallery Dinner at NGV in Melbourne: The Banquet of Cleopatra. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to the gallery, meeting at the iconic waterwall entrance before being escorted on a private tour of the highlights of the NGV’s international art collection. The evening also includes intimate live music performances and an indulgent dinner set in front of the NGV’s revered masterpiece, Giambattista Tiepolo’s The Banquet of Cleopatra.
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, Victoria © Sovereign Hill
When gold was discovered in central Victoria in 1851, the city of Ballarat soon followed, catering for the thousands of adventurers from near and far who came to seek their fortune. Sovereign Hill recreates Ballarat’s first decade, taking visitors back in time to experience the bustle of Main Street, tour the town by horse-drawn coach, feel the excitement of panning for real gold to keep or watch a spectacular gold ingot pour. Ballarat is located just a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne and on-site accommodation is available.
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Fremantle Prison, Perth
Fremantle Prison, Perth, Western Australia © Fremantle Prison
Built by convicts in the 1850s and decommissioned as an operating maximum security gaol in 1991, Fremantle Prison is the largest convict-built structure in Australia and the most intact convict establishment in the southern hemisphere. It is currently the only World Heritage-listed building in the state of Western Australia.
Artistic endeavour is not most commonly associated with prisons, however a wealth of artwork is highlighted through this insightful Prison Art and Behind the Scenes Tour. A specialist guide will show you through cells and yards covered with prisoner’s works, including convict etchings, Aboriginal landscapes, dot paintings and murals, graffiti and tattoo art, followed by a personalised look into the prison’s museum collection which includes photographs, documents, furnishings, artworks, clothing, weapons and archaeological material dating from 1851 to 1991.
National ANZAC Centre, Albany
National ANZAC Centre, Albany, Western Australia © National ANZAC Centre
Located within Albany's Princess Royal Fortress, the National Anzac Centre overlooks the harbour from which over 41,000 men and women departed Australia for World War I. The symbolic location of the centre and dramatic architecture, featuring spectacular vistas of the harbour where the convoys gathered and departed, enhances the narrative and creates a contemplative space. The Anzac legend is honoured by personal stories told through state-of-the-art technology, multimedia and historic artefacts.
Gain exclusive insights, information and exposure through a hands-on, eye-opening journey with the National ANZAC Centre Albany Experience. A dedicated tour guide illuminates the Anzac legend and traces personal stories through a treasure trove of artefacts and monuments of remembrance, creating a deeply personal connection with the past and paying tribute to those who served.
WA Maritime Museum, Perth
WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle, Western Australia © WA Maritime Museum
The WA Maritime Museum symbolises Fremantle’s past, present and future as a coastal city and port. Travellers come here to discover the riches of Western Australia’s maritime history, including Australia’s fabled winning America’s Cup yacht, Australia II, Jon Sanders’ Parry Endeavour and the popular Oberon-class submarine, HMAS Ovens.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour with a museum expert when you book the Fremantle Maritime Adventure. The experience highlights Western Australia’s sporting, adventure and military heritage and includes rare chances to handle important museum items. A tour of the famous Cold War-era submarine HMAS Ovens is brought to life with stories from a former military service member. Travellers can top off the adventure with the optional add-on of drinks on the private museum balcony, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
