Most of us plan for the relaxing part of our trip - dining out, cocktails by the pool and plenty of much-needed spa time. Often when we pack our bags, we’re distracted and not thinking about what we’ll learn on our holiday. But learn you will - whether it’s about different cities, different cuisines or different cultures, travelling is one of the best ways to broaden your mind!
While travel restrictions are limiting us to local holidays you might not think there’s much opportunity to learn, but even if you’re a born and bred Australian there’s plenty here to broaden your horizons.
Away from the beaches, the bars and the boats you can find museums, art galleries and historical sites that keep Australia’s fascinating culture humming - check out some of our favourites below!
National Gallery of Victoria
The NGV is the oldest, largest and most-visited art museum in Australia. It was founded in 1861 and today houses thousands of works from all over the world, including works by Dali, Monet, Picasso and Rembrandt.
Boola Bardip in WA
Boola Bardip is the ‘newest’ museum in Australia - formerly known as the WA Museum, the 100+ year old premises have recently undergone a multi-year renovation to become Boola Bardip (which translates to ‘many stories’ in the local Whadjuk Nyoongar language). Boola Bardip is an excellent place to learn about the history of WA, but particularly to learn about the history of WA’s First Nations people in the permanent Ngalang Koort Boodja Wirn exhibit.
Australian Space Discovery Centre
In Adelaide, you can visit the Australian Space Agency’s Space Discovery Centre. Aiming to inspire ‘infinite curiosity’, the learning centre welcomes visitors of all ages to see how Australian space efforts and technology could impact their lives.
National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia is - as you may have guessed - Australia’s national museum. Profiling tens of thousands of years of First Nations history, colonisation and all the key events ever since, the design-forward Canberra building houses over 210,000 objects to broaden your mind.
MONA
The Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart is a privately-owned art gallery on the banks of the River Derwent in Hobart. MONA houses almost 2,000 works from Tasmanian millionaire David Walsh’s private collection, but don't expect to be immersed into the gentle art of painting. A visit to MONA will excite, appal, surprise and maybe move you to tears or laughter.
If you’re looking to acquire more than just souvenirs or a sun tan from your holiday, talk to your independent Travellers Choice agent about where to go and what to see and do. You’ll come back richer than when you left!
