Plan a visit for adults

Head upstairs to begin your visit with the Melbourne Story.

You can’t miss champion racehorse Phar Lap, but go deeper into the gallery to immerse yourself in the stories of Melbourne’s past. Enter the worker’s houses in Little Lon to see recent archaeological finds from what was once considered the city’s most notorious neighbourhood.

Continue on to Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre’s First People’s exhibition, a celebration of the history, cultures, achievements and survival of First People of southeastern Australia. Hear Victoria’s 38 languages and follow the story of the Messenger, your virtual guide as you explore more than 600 cultural items on display.

It’s time for some fresh air, so step outside into Milarri Garden where you will see flora and fauna from southeastern Australia, and learn the language names and uses for First Peoples. Head to the eel pond (and view the daily eel feeding presentation if you can), then be sure to go left to take in the waterfall and cave on your way to the Forest Gallery. 

This is a great time to slow down, engage the senses and be immersed in the life of a mountain forest. Look out for the Forest Gallery’s many residents, from native fish and spiny crayfish in the creek, to the Tawny Frogmouth up above. If you're lucky, you may even spot the Satin Bowerbird in his bower.

Weave your way among the dinosaurs to find the Research Institute Gallery. Here, you can explore objects related to Museum Victoria’s current areas of research, including valuable collection items on display for the first time. The Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) is not to be missed.

It’s time to step back in time to the world of the Late Cretaceous. Head to Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs to see the awe-inspiring skeleton of Horridus the Triceratops, the most complete real dinosaur on display anywhere in Australia.