Melbourne Museum

Overview Melbourne Museum, located in the Carlton Gardens, offers a range of exhibitions covering natural history, science, and human cultures. The museum houses permanent galleries such as the Dinosaur Walk, the Forest Gallery which contains a living ecosystem, the Science and Life Gallery, and the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. It also hosts temporary exhibitions that may require separate ticketing.

A key feature for families is the Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery, a dedicated area for children from babies to 5 years old. This space is designed for play-based learning and includes interactive elements like a dinosaur dig sandpit, a climbing structure, and a 'camouflage disco'. The museum provides a variety of programs, including "Tiny Tours" for children aged 3 to 5 and specific school holiday activities. General entry to permanent exhibitions is free for children aged 16 and under.

Highlights

• The Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery, a dedicated interactive space for children from babies to 5 years old.
• The Dinosaur Walk, which features a collection of towering skeletons and other prehistoric exhibits.
• Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, an exhibition that explores the history and living culture of the First Peoples of southeastern Australia.

Community Sentiment (The "Vibe")

What parents like: The dedicated and well-designed Children's Gallery is frequently mentioned as a highlight for younger children. Parents also note the variety of exhibits that appeal to a wide range of ages and the interactive nature of many displays. The free general admission for children under 16 makes it an affordable family activity.

What to watch out for: The museum can become very busy, particularly during school holidays and on weekends. While general admission is free for children, special or temporary exhibitions often require an additional paid ticket for all visitors, including children. Onsite parking can be costly, and the car park can fill up on busy days.

Logistics & Tips

Best for: The Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery is specifically designed for babies to 5-year-olds. Other exhibits, such as the Dinosaur Walk and Bugs Alive!, are popular with primary school-aged children and older.

Facilities: Café, gift shop, toilets, accessible baby change facilities, cloakroom/lockers, and paid underground parking are available. The museum is fully wheelchair and pram accessible, with ramps and lifts to all levels.

Note: Bookings are required for entry to the Children's Gallery, which has timed, 50-minute sessions. It is recommended to book general admission tickets online in advance. The car park is card-payment only.