We learned more about the colonization and development of Australia in this relatively small museum than we did in the Melbourne Museum. Housed in the old Customs Building along the river, we enjoyed the architectural features as well as the exhibits. We did notice that many of the permanent exhibits could use updating-statistics often stop at 2002 or '03. We... More

This museum is conveniently located just across the Melbourne aquarium and is accessible by both the free city tram or shuttle. It is a good place to understand the history of Australia and its people. It is not a very big museum, and can be explored in about an hour. They had some interactive games and puzzles, and displays of... More

A great way to get some insight into another person's life. It teaches us not to assume. The example interviews also illustrate the difficult position of the immigration officer - well done

This is my favourite Melbourne Museum and I think all Australian should go there at least once. Overseas visitors will obtain valuable insight into what makes Australia the country we are, what shaped us. Other than the original aborigines, all Australians are descendants of migrants who have come here for various reasons in the last two hundred years. Here are... More

I visited this museum in April and enjoyed the level 1 exhibits, but found level 2 disappointing and too noisy. The boat showing what is was like to travel to Australia is well done but there is very little in depth information and most of the display seems set up purely to attract children. Compared to museums I have visited... More

As an older 3rd generation Australian, I found the exhibitions to be very challenging and humbling. My folk migrated from Scotland and Ireland to Melbourne [colonial Victoria] in the 1850's to seek a better life in Australia, but they came for economic reasons, not because of war, or natural disasters. Summaries of tediously long and perilous voyages of that era... More

I liked it. It was good for kids. They had a boat showing exactly what it was like coming to Australia. They had interesting information about immigration and changes. They had stuff for kids to do, drawing and making patterned book marks. They had story telling and music.

I took my two children aged 6 and 9 one Saturday morning. They were free to get in and adults were $10 which was good value. The kids were given small booklets to complete during their visit (two different ones designed for their different ages) which they loved. I really enjoyed the audiovisual presentation in the first gallery and found... More

Give yourself at least two hours to walk around this museum - a wonderful insight into Australia's multi-cultural society. Great little gift shop, even a research room if you are looking for those long-lost Australian relatives. Excellent.