List of museums in Perth, Australia

The Museum of the Great Southern is located in Albany, Western Australia. This museum focuses on the region’s natural, social, and cultural history, offering a compact yet informative experience. Visitors can access a variety of exhibitions, including displays related to local history and indigenous culture. The museum is free to enter, making it an accessible stop for both locals and tourists. Most tours take around 45 to 90 minutes, perfect for a brief yet enriching visit.

Notable attractions include the full-sized replica of the Brig Amity, an 18th-century ship that highlights the maritime history of the area. Other displays feature local seaside history and captivating photo exhibitions. The museum often hosts educational programs suitable for all ages, and visitors appreciate the helpful staff and nearby parking facilities.

The Museum of the Goldfields, located in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia, serves as an insightful presentation of the region’s rich gold-mining history. The museum features a collection of artifacts, photographs, and restored miners’ quarters, highlighting the lifestyle of early pioneers. Visitors can access the museum easily, and tours typically last around an hour. Entry is often free or involves a gold coin donation, making it accessible to a variety of audiences.

Within the museum, guests will find significant exhibits, including real gold nuggets and bars, one valued at approximately $1.4 million. A miner’s cottage, lived in until 1995, offers a tangible glimpse into the past. The displays feature stories from the early 1900s, adding depth to the mining narrative. The museum also has an outdoor garden with a memorial honoring miners who lost their lives, enhancing its historical significance.

The Museum of Geraldton is a local history museum that showcases the rich cultural and maritime heritage of Western Australia. Located in the coastal city of Geraldton, it features a diverse collection including artifacts from shipwrecks, early medical instruments, and natural history exhibits. The museum offers free entry, with a suggested donation, making it accessible to all. Visitors can expect a tour length of approximately two hours, which allows ample time to explore the varied displays and engage with informative exhibits.

Among the museum’s highlights are its detailed representations of the famous naval encounter between the HMAS Sydney II and the German raider Kormoran. The museum features a captivating 3D film that brings this history to life. Additionally, a dedicated shipwreck gallery showcases numerous artifacts recovered from local waters, providing insight into maritime exploration and the region’s storied past. A gift shop is also available for those looking to take home a memento from their visit.

The Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Perth, Western Australia, showcases a significant collection of civilian and military aircraft, alongside numerous historical artifacts related to aviation. The museum features around 30 aircraft occupying a compact space, making it easy to navigate. Visitors typically spend 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits, which include informative displays and friendly staff members ready to share insights. The museum is accessible for all and includes a gift shop for souvenirs.

Among the notable exhibits, the museum boasts several well-known aircraft from different eras, including World War I and II planes as well as modern fighter jets. Guests can appreciate hands-on experiences with some displays and climb steps to see inside various aircraft. The museum’s commitment to preserving aviation history makes it an engaging destination for enthusiasts and families alike.

The Motor Museum of Western Australia, located within Whiteman Park, showcases an impressive collection of over 200 vintage and classic vehicles, including cars and motorcycles. The spacious facility offers a clean and organized environment, making it easy for visitors to explore. Tours typically last about an hour and provide detailed insights into the history and significance of the exhibits. The museum is well-equipped with seating areas, and the staff are knowledgeable and attentive, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Among the highlights of the collection are unique vehicles like the 1974 Leyland Force 7 Coupe and the 2014 Red Bull RB10 racing car. The museum also features diverse memorabilia that tells the story of automotive history in Australia. The thoughtful arrangement of displays allows visitors to appreciate each vehicle’s significance while enjoying a comfortable visit in the beautiful surroundings of Whiteman Park.

Scitech is an interactive science museum located in Perth, Western Australia, designed for children and adults alike. It features a range of engaging science exhibits and a planetarium that presents themed shows. Visitors can expect hands-on activities that promote learning in a fun environment. The museum is spacious, allowing for several hours of exploration, with recommended visit durations of 2-3 hours for a comprehensive experience. Parking is available nearby, though visitors should familiarize themselves with parking regulations to avoid fines.

The museum hosts various exhibits that change regularly. Current activities include racing cars down ramps, controlling robots, and experiencing a miniature wind tunnel. The planetarium show offers a captivating journey through space that appeals to all ages. Special events, like Toddlerfest, cater to younger visitors with entertaining and educational activities. Each visit promises new experiences, making it an ideal destination for families seeking to learn about science in an interactive way.

Revolutions Transport Museum is located in Whiteman Park, Perth, Western Australia. The museum features an extensive collection of vehicles that trace the evolution of transportation in Australia, showcasing everything from vintage cars to historic trains. Entry to the museum operates on a donation-based system, making it accessible for all visitors. The interior is clean and organized, with various amenities including tables and a children’s play area. Visitors can expect to spend a couple of hours exploring the exhibits, many of which are interactive and encourage hands-on engagement.

Among the notable displays is a horse-drawn buggy and the ZA Rail Car, allowing visitors to step into the past and experience transport history. The museum also exhibits decorative items and memorabilia collected by Lew Whiteman, enhancing its local narrative. Regularly changing showcases keep the presentations fresh, promising something new for repeat visitors. The interactive elements cater to guests of all ages, providing an engaging educational experience that highlights past transport technologies.

The Western Australian Medical Museum is located in Harvey House, which is part of King Edward Memorial Hospital in Subiaco, Perth. This museum houses an extensive collection of medical equipment and artifacts, showcasing the evolution of healthcare practices over the years. Visitors can expect a self-guided tour taking about an hour. The museum is open on Wednesdays and every second Sunday, with a modest entry fee, providing access to its fascinating displays despite being a relatively small space.

Exhibits include an operating theatre, a dental surgery, and a display featuring an iron lung alongside early hospital artifacts. Highlights also encompass the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Aboriginal medicine, and various historical instruments that illustrate the progression of medical science. With well-detailed descriptions making the displays accessible to all, the museum serves as an informative resource for those interested in the history and development of healthcare in Western Australia.

The Nostalgia Box Museum is located in Perth, Western Australia, and is dedicated to vintage video games. This interactive museum features a collection of classic gaming consoles and titles, allowing visitors to not only view but also play games from various eras. The venue is well-suited for families and gaming enthusiasts alike, featuring a spacious gaming area where guests can immerse themselves in nostalgia. The facility is accessible from public transport, and visitors typically spend around three hours exploring the exhibits and enjoying the interactive experience.

In addition to its gaming displays, the museum showcases a range of iconic gaming items, including original consoles and memorabilia. Visitors can find classic titles like Tekken Tag Tournament and Street Fighter, providing a chance to relive gaming moments from their childhood. The friendly staff enhance the experience, offering knowledgeable insights about the games and history surrounding them. Special events and themed gatherings are also hosted, further enriching the visitor experience.

The Subiaco Museum, located in Perth, Western Australia, is a small yet engaging local museum dedicated to preserving the history of Subiaco. The museum showcases a collection of artifacts reflecting life in the area from around 100 years ago, with displays including old street scenes, household items, and vintage appliances. Accessible to the public, the museum offers tours that typically last about 30 minutes, making it suitable for both casual visitors and families. The museum hosts special exhibitions each month, enhancing its educational offerings.

Recent exhibits have included fascinating themes such as “Old Time Motion Pictures,” which traced the evolution of cinematic technology from the late 19th century to the iconic work of Charlie Chaplin. Alongside classic films, visitors can explore artifacts like early animation devices, including the praxinoscope and zoetrope. Interactive and informative, these exhibitions aim to bring history alive, guided by passionate staff who share the stories behind the objects.

The Old Court House Law Museum, situated in Perth, Western Australia, is the oldest surviving public building in the state, built in 1836. This quaint museum outlines the evolution of the legal system in Western Australia, offering visitors a glimpse into the judicial history of the Swan River Colony. The museum features a small collection of exhibits spread across three rooms, where guests can explore the beginnings of lawmaking in the region. Entry is by donation, and visitors typically spend around 30 minutes exploring the displays.

Among its notable offerings, the museum includes a replica of the original courtroom used in significant historical trials, specifically one involving Aboriginal people. The architecture and wooden furnishings reflect the colonial era, providing a fitting backdrop for the various historical narratives presented. Visitors can appreciate the rich history while engaging with informative displays that illustrate the challenges faced by the early judicial system in Australia.

Wireless Hill Museum, situated in Perth, Western Australia, is housed in a former wireless station. The museum features a diverse collection focused on communication history and technology, alongside regular exhibitions and educational activities for families. Accessible to visitors, the museum offers a compact yet informative experience with tours lasting approximately one hour. Visitors can explore not only the displays within the museum but also the surrounding park, which provides scenic views and space for picnics.

Current exhibitions include engaging topics such as “Freedom: Stories from Skate Culture WA,” which highlights the origins of skateboarding and its impact on Western Australian culture. The museum also features historical plaques that provide insight into the site’s significance, making it not just an exhibition space but a place rich in context and local history.

The Royal Perth Hospital Museum, located in Perth, Western Australia, offers a unique glimpse into the history of medicine and healthcare. Housed within the heritage-listed Royal Perth Hospital, the museum features a diverse collection of medical artifacts, including historical medical equipment and documents dating back to the 1800s. Visitors can explore the museum during guided tours that typically last about an hour. The museum is accessible to the public and is known for its informative displays that highlight the challenges faced by medical professionals over the years.

Among the notable exhibits are various pieces of bygone medical equipment that showcase the evolution of healthcare practices. The museum provides context about the hardships endured by medical staff in earlier times, enriching the visitor experience with stories from the past. The collection is both educational and thought-provoking, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the history of medicine.

The Claremont Museum, located in Perth, Western Australia, houses a diverse collection of local history, focusing on Claremont’s significance and connections to the Noongar people. As the first council-initiated museum in Western Australia, it was established in 1975 in a heritage building dating back to 1862. Visitors can explore engaging exhibits that detail the area’s heritage, including a historic boatshed on Freshwater Bay, and enjoy a self-guided tour that typically lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours. Access to the museum is convenient, with upgraded parking facilities available.

Notable exhibitions include displays on local life, including historical representations of home and school life in the Claremont area. The museum also features a dedicated section on speedway history, highlighting the sport’s significance to the local community and its evolution over the years. Engaging educational programs tailored for school groups provide hands-on learning experiences, making it a valuable resource for students and families alike.

WA Museum Boola Bardip is located in Perth’s Cultural Centre and showcases an extensive array of social and cultural history exhibits. Featuring treasured collections related to Western Australia’s diverse heritage, the museum offers access for all ages and abilities. Visitors can enjoy a spacious layout across multiple levels and expect to spend around four to five hours exploring the hundreds of interactive displays and educational materials available. Onsite amenities include a café and a gift shop, making it a convenient stop for a day of exploration.

The museum hosts a variety of themed exhibitions covering topics from Aboriginal culture to local wildlife and landscapes. Current highlights include engaging displays focused on the Spinifex people and a recently featured Egyptian mummy exhibition. Each level presents unique experiences, ensuring there is something for everyone, from families to individuals interested in the region’s rich history.

The Army Museum of Western Australia, located in Perth, is situated within an operational artillery barracks. The museum offers a comprehensive collection depicting Western Australia’s military history from colonial times to the present. Visitors can access the museum easily, with well-organized exhibits covering various aspects of military service, including equipment, personal stories, and historical artifacts. The museum typically features tours lasting around three hours, allowing ample time to explore its engaging displays.

Visitors will find a variety of intriguing exhibits, including life-size dioramas and displays of military equipment such as tanks and rifles. Notably, the museum showcases stories of Victoria Cross recipients, highlighting individual acts of heroism. Engaging volunteers complement the experience, providing insights and personal anecdotes that bring the history to life. The museum emphasizes interactivity, encouraging guests to try on military gear and engage with the exhibits.

The Museum of Perth, located in the heart of Perth, Western Australia, showcases the rich history and culture of the region. The museum features a diverse collection that spans local art, historical artifacts, and photographs that tell the story of the city’s development. It is a smaller establishment with three floors of exhibitions and aims to provide an informative experience, with entry being free while welcoming donations. Visitors can expect guided tours lasting approximately one hour, offering insights into the permanent displays and special exhibitions.

Among the highlights of the museum are its informative displays and historical panels, which provide context for the evolution of the city and its cultural heritage. The museum has received positive reviews for its thoughtful exhibitions, including meteorites and works showcasing the history of First Nations peoples. Notable items include architectural models and reproductions of significant historical items, making it a valuable educational resource for visitors of all ages.

The WA Shipwrecks Museum, located in Fremantle, Western Australia, is a prominent maritime archaeology museum housed in a restored 1850s-era Commissariat building. This museum offers free admission and features exhibits that detail the histories of shipwrecks along Western Australia’s coastline. Visitors can explore its collection of artifacts, including relics from Dutch shipwrecks, with tours typically lasting a few hours. The museum is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, except on public holidays.

Notable items in the museum include original timbers from the Batavia, which sank in 1629, and the de Vlamingh Dish, among numerous artifacts from other historical shipwrecks. The museum provides a comprehensive insight into the region’s maritime heritage, showcasing stories of exploration and the challenges faced by early sailors navigating treacherous waters.

The WA Maritime Museum, located in Perth, Western Australia, is an engaging waterfront facility that showcases the maritime history of the region. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including significant vessels and historical artifacts, all free to explore. Visitors can enjoy guided submarine tours and multimedia displays that highlight Western Australia’s seafaring heritage. The museum is not very large, typically requiring a few hours to view its offerings thoroughly. Access is straightforward, with amenities available for a comfortable visit.

Current exhibits include Australia II, the famous yacht that won the America’s Cup in 1983, and immersive displays like “Empress Joséphine’s Garden,” which explores the connection between Australian flora and French history. The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and educational programs, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in maritime exploration or local history.