Oceania & Pacific Islands

Established in 1827, the Australian Museum (AM) is Australia’s first museum and has been at the forefront of scientific research, collection and education for more than 185 years. Through exhibitions and other public programs the AM continues to inform and amaze generations of visitors about the unique flora, fauna and cultures of Australia and the Pacific. https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/city-centre/attractions/australian-museum

The ultimate objective of the Fort Queenscliff Museum is a fully restored Fort and the development of a museum, which will allow visitors to tour the Fort and inspect a multitude of indoor and outdoor displays. Today visitors are encouraged to look upon Fort Queenscliff as a part of the national heritage which belongs to all Australians. Accordingly, the Fort Queenscliff Museum creates an environment that evokes public interest and reminds visitors of our early military history. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/maritime-history/fort-queenscliff-museum

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. Situated over two magnificent buildings – NGV International and NGV Australia – the Gallery hosts a wide range of international and local artists, exhibitions, programs and events; from contemporary art to major international historic exhibitions, fashion and design, architecture, sound and dance. https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/

Located just 300 metres from the beach, the Portarlington Mill was constructed in 1856 with rough local sandstone and Baltic Pine floors. The interior spaces are quintessential mid 19th century industrial style: large open spaces with heavy timber posts and beams enclosed by natural stone. The Mill is one of the few remaining and preserved Victorian flour mills. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine/things-to-do/art-theatre-and-culture/architecture-and-design/portarlington-mill

The Queenscliffe Historical Museum is situated in Hesse Street between the post office and library, in the township of Queenscliff. Opened in 1974, specifically to house socially historical materials peculiar to the Borough of Queenscliffe (which includes Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and Swan Island) the museum is home to many thousands of items including photographs, documents, paintings, newspapers and toys, just to mention a few. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/queenscliffe-historical-museum

The National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM) is an independent Australian museum dedicated to the heritage and legacy of Vietnam veterans. The museum was founded and built by Vietnam veterans to help and support veterans to cope better with their experiences during the Vietnam War (1962-1975) and after their return to Australia. https://www.visitphillipisland.com/listing/national-vietnam-veterans-museum/

The National Wool Museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1872 bluestone wool store close to the vibrant new Waterfront Geelong. The Museum is Australia's largest comprehensive museum of wool, showcasing the region's wool story from the sheep's back to the clothes rack and from the birth of the industry in the 1840's to its place in the world today. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine/things-to-do/art-theatre-and-culture/museums/national-wool-museum

The Old Geelong Gaol and Museum has a great variety of displays that tell the history of the gaol and visitors get hands on experience of the harsh conditions prisoners and staff endured at the facility. Visitors can experience solitary confinement cells, get a taste of prison life, meet some infamous figures who have spent time at the gaol and see the original hallows. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/old-geelong-gaol

Sea, sand and sail are the key to Queenscliff’s history. Visit Queenscliffe Maritime Museum to discover the treasures of its rich maritime heritage, shaped by its proximity to the entrance of Port Phillip and its notorious ‘rip’. From sea pilots to sailors, fishermen to boat builders, light keepers or ferry captains, the sea has created a world full of stories of boats and maritime industry. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/geelong-and-the-bellarine/things-to-do/art-theatre-and-culture/museums/queenscliffe-maritime-museum

The Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australia's oldest regional gallery, located in the heart of Ballarat's central heritage precinct, boasts a stunning collection of Australian art. Its busy exhibition schedule makes the Gallery an exciting and dynamic place presenting a range of exhibitions from cutting edge contemporary art to themed shows drawn from the Gallery's extensive collection, and special interest ticketed shows. http://www.visitballarat.com.au/attraction/art-gallery-of-ballarat

A living part of Melbourne's modern Chinatown, the Chinese Museum is a national museum, brought into being in 1985 to document, preserve and display the history of Australians of Chinese descent who have helped shape and develop what it means to be Australian today. An exciting range of changing exhibitions, heritage tours and public seminars are some of the ways by which the Chinese Museum shares the past, culture, and values of Australia's Chinese community with the wider public. Educating existing and future generations of Australians it places importance on our identity and what is means to be Australian. A goldfield's mine re-creation, displays about early Chinese industry such as furniture making and the banana industry, imperial garments and images of the Young Chinese League's debutantes of the 1930s onward, evoke some of the richness of the Chinese contribution to Australia's history. The Museum is also home to Dai Loong and the Millennium Dragon, the largest dragon in the world, which weaves through the streets of Melbourne following a 100 year old Melbourne tradition. The Museum is a popular and important educative resource for teachers and educators alike visited by a huge number of school children 25,000 per annum to learn about multiculturalism, local and Australian history, Chinese arts and culture. http://www.melbourne.com.au/chinese-museum-melbourne.htm

The award-winning Richmond River Historical Society Museum has one of the best historical collections in regional Australia. The museum is located in the heritage-listed former Lismore Municipal Building, with the main exhibition displayed within the old Council Chamber. Panels of local rainforest timbers line the walls of the museum. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/lismore-area/lismore/attractions/lismore-historical-society-and-museum

Prepare to be amazed as you experience the entertaining and unique wax museum right in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Meet people who made history, movie stars, scientists, explorers, villains, royalty and world leaders all presented with startling realism and dressed in authentically reproduced costumes. http://www.surfersparadise.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-wax-museum

Welcome to Auckland Museum, where exciting stories of New Zealand people, the Pacific, flora, fauna and landforms of our unique islands, are told within a memorial dedicated to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/discover/arts-culture-heritage/art-gallery/auckland-museum-tamaki-paenga-hira

A national historic landmark and the only official state residence of royalty in the United States, from 1882 to 1893 Downtown Honolulu’s Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani. The palace was a symbol of promise for the Hawaiian Kingdom built by King David Kalakaua, “The Merrie Monarch.” Influenced by European architectural styles, this royal residence included Hawaii’s first electric light system, flush toilets and intra-house telephones. The rich interior features a beautiful koa staircase, dramatic portraits of Hawaiian royalty, ornate furniture and royal gifts and ornaments from around the world. Tour through this American Florentine-style palace’s throne room, reception and dining room and envision the magnificent state dinners and balls held here. View the private living quarters of the royal family and listen to the tragic story of Liliuokalani’s imprisonment in an upstairs bedroom following the overthrow. On the basement level view the ancient regalia of Hawaiian royalty from swords and precious jewelry to the two golden crowns of the King and Queen. On the spacious grounds of the palace, see the Iolani Coronation Pavilion, where in 1883 Kalakaua was crowned king. https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/honolulu/iolani-palace

At World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, home of the USS Arizona Memorial, learn about one of the most pivotal moments in US history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II. The monument preserves and interprets the stories of the Pacific War, from the internment of Japanese Americans to the battles in the Aleutians. https://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm

The Honolulu Museum of Art has been sharing the arts with Hawaii since 1927. With a permanent collection of over 38,000 pieces, this is Hawaii's largest general fine-arts museum. Stroll from gallery to gallery past open-air courtyards and ponds. Explore one of the finest collections of Asian art in the world as well as impressive collections of Western, European and Polynesian art. If you feel like seeing a film, visit Doris Duke Theatre, which plays an impressive slate of foreign and independent films. After browsing the galleries, take a break to have lunch in the open-air HoMA Cafē or recharge with an energizing drink at the Coffee Bar. https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/honolulu/honolulu-museum-of-art-shangri-la

Honolulu’s Bishop Museum is Hawaii’s largest museum dedicated to studying and preserving the history of Hawaii and the Pacific. Originally designed to house the extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal family heirlooms of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, a descendant of King Kamehameha I, the museum is now the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific. One of Oahu’s most historic places, the museum holds millions of artifacts, documents and photos about Hawaii and other Polynesian cultures. Visit the newly renovated Hawaiian Hall, which immerses you in Native Hawaiian culture and history by showcasing a variety of important artifacts. In the planetarium, kids can learn how voyagers navigated the Pacific using the stars. In the Science Adventure Center, children can see Hawaii’s unique natural environment like never before through a variety of interactive exhibits. https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/honolulu/bishop-museum

The Solomon Islands National Museum was first opened on June 1969. It is situated in Honiara, the capital, in Guadalcanal Province. It is the only national museum in the whole country at present. Solomon Islands National Museum is a museum, cultural centre, government department or ministry and also houses ww2 relics. The major part of the collection consists of cultural materials with some examples of natural history specimens, World War II relics and archaeological material. The Museum also houses a collection of Audio-Visual material and reference books. Number of items in the collection: over 2,000 items The collection contains items of the following types: Art, Heritage, Photography, Archaeological, Natural History (Animal Specimens, wet and dry), Contemporary, Scientific or Technology, Audio/visual material, Books or Journals, Posters, Pamphlets, Documents or Paper-based items, Outdoor sculpture, art or monuments. http://solomon.spla.pro/en/file.organization.solomon-islands-national-museum.10748.html

The award winning Lakes District Museum is set in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and presents an authentic picture of early life in the Wakatipu District. Displays portray pre- European Maori, European settlement and the exciting goldrush era of the mid 1800's. The museum has an attached gallery showing changing art and history related exhibitions.An excellent bookshop/giftshop is also attached. https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/things-to-do/culture-and-heritage/museums/listing/lakes-district-museum

Queensland Museum is the State’s centre for natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement. Home to permanent and changing exhibitions and collections, the museum also provides innovative public programs, educational experiences plus holiday and early child hood activities. The Queensland Museum is also home to the Sciencentre, where visitors can take part in exciting - and educational - kinetic and interactive displays and experiments. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/arts-and-entertainment/galleries/queensland-museum-and-sciencentre?sc_lang=en-au

Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is located across two riverside buildings in South Bank’s Cultural Precinct. QAGOMA presents an evolving program of Australian and international exhibitions, with a focus on the contemporary art of Australia, Asia and the Pacific. Immerse the family in creativity at the Children’s Art Centre and see the best in international film and video at the Australian Cinémathèque. QAGOMA offers cafes, modern dining and shopping to complete your visit. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/arts-and-entertainment/galleries/queensland-art-gallery-and-gallery-of-modern-art--qagoma?sc_lang=en-au

Te Papa is New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum and a recognised world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences. https://www.wellingtonnz.com/discover/sights-activities/museum-of-new-zealand-te-papa-tongarewa/

Looking for the perfect introduction to local Kanak culture? Plan a visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa, where art, history, culture, knowledge and natural beauty combine to delight and educate adults and children alike. Housed within beautifully designed buildings and landscaped grounds, the centre sits just minutes from the city, offering a fantastic selection of permanent and temporary exhibitions to discover. A visit to the centre is a must for any Nouméa itinerary. https://www.newcaledonia.travel/au/noumea/tjibaou-cultural-center

Built in the 1970s, the museum of New Caledonia asserts, in the late 1980s, its vocation as a museum of society and its objectives as to the enhancement of the Kanak civilization and the preservation of its heritage. Since then, this museum exhibits one of the most beautiful collections of Kanak art in the world, including monumental, and the most complete from the point of view of the themes it allows to address. In view of the Kanak collections of major European museums, the place occupied by the New Caledonia museum in the international museum world is particularly impressive. https://museenouvellecaledonie.nc/le-musee/presentation-du-musee

The Darwin Military Museum is located at East Point adjacent to the Defence of Darwin Experience. The site is within a heritage listed area that contains WWII fortifications. The No.2 gun turret is located within the Military Museum and, along with the No.1 gun turret, is one of the major fortifications at East Point. The Museum aims to collect artefacts from all conflicts where Australian troops were deployed https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/darwin-military-museum

Central Australia's unique natural and geological history is explained at the Museum of Central Australia in Alice Springs. The evolution of the magnificent Central Australian landscape and the fascinating creatures that inhabited it, are described in the exhibitions. See meteorite fragments, fossils and interpretive displays as well as a replica of the ancient Alcoota waterhole. This internationally significant fossil site was home to giant freshwater crocodiles and the largest bird that ever lived. Contemporary Central Australia is explained in a display about the birds, mammals, reptiles and insects you will see as you tour the outback. The Museum of Central Australia also houses the Strehlow Research Centre, an important collection of film, sound, archival records and museum objects relating to Indigenous ceremonial life. The Strehlow Collection was accumulated by the Lutheran Pastor Carl Strehlow and his son Professor TGH Strehlow over two generations of anthropological research with the Aboriginal people of central Australia. http://www.discovercentralaustralia.com/museum-of-central-australia

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station is a historic museum precinct, presenting the story of the connection of Australia to the rest of the world through Telegraph Communication in 1871. Since being declared protected as a Historical Reserve in 1963, it has become the best preserved Station along the Overland Telegraph Line. Guided tours of the heritage precinct run from March to November at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm. Visit the original "Alice Spring" and learn about the origins of the town. Enjoy NT roasted coffee and homemade snacks at the Trail Station Wi-Fi Cafe and browse through the gift and souvenir shop and send a postcard from the towns original red Postbox. https://www.discovercentralaustralia.com/alice-springs-telegraph-station

Established in 1895, the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) resides in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre, occupying a precinct of three heritage buildings. As one of Perth’s cultural icons, they provide a hub for visual arts in WA, showcasing local Australian artists alongside international counterparts, to stimulate ideas and encourage conversation. AGWA is home to the highly-regarded State Art Collection, which holds one of the world’s finest collections of Indigenous and pre-eminent Western Australian art and design, as well as other diverse exhibitions and displays that invite visitors to see things differently. The range of interactive projects include public programs, artist talks, panel discussions and education resources. Over 150 works from the Kimberley will feature in this exhibition, including works developed by six major art centres and three independant artists in the final year of the project. The exhibition will give a rare experience of the land, artists and art of the Kimberley. https://www.experienceperth.com/business/attraction/art-gallery-western-australia

Since the gold rush of the late 1880s, Australia's gold has been refined by The Perth Mint and made into legal tender coins, tradeable bars and exquisite jewellery. Housed in one of the country’s most elegant 19th Century buildings, The Perth Mint is the nation’s oldest operating mint. See a live gold pouring performance in the original Melting House and marvel at the world’s largest gold coin, valued at over $50million. http://www.perthmint.com/visit_the_mint_visit_the_perth_mint.aspx

Discover the history of South Australia through the stories of people and communities. The Migration Museum works towards the preservation, understanding and enjoyment of South Australia’s diverse cultures. It is a place to discover the many identities of the people of South Australia through the stories of individuals and communities. https://southaustralia.com/products/adelaide/attraction/migration-museum

Welcome to the National Military Vehicle Museum, which is operated on a volunteer basis by members of the Military Vehicle Preservation Society of South Australia. The Society is one of many Military Vehicle Clubs across Australia and throughout the world and its members are dedicated to the preservation of vehicles that are of military origin. The museum was developed as a way of providing undercover storage for the vehicles and at the same time allowing the public to view them. The majority of the vehicles are privately owned by the Society members and therefore each member is responsible for their own vehicles. In addition the vehicles are not just restored to look at, they are rebuilt to authentic running condition and most are road registered and driven regularly. You will see military vehicles and items ranging from the First World War to current times. https://www.military-vehicle-museum.org.au/

The summer residence of South Australia’s early governors, Old Government House, sits in the heart of Belair National Park. The house is an excellent example of Victorian architecture and is set amongst magnificent gardens. It was built on the Government farm as the former summer residence of several early Governors of South Australia. The cottage is an excellent example of Victorian-style architecture. It is looked after by a dedicated group of volunteers and the Friends of Old Government House in conjunction with DEWNR. http://www.communitywebs.org/FriendsOldGovernmentHouse/about-the-house/