17 Best Perth Museums by a Local
Are you looking for the best Perth museums? This guide lists the top 17 museums in Perth, including information on entrance fees, the collection’s size and scope, food, drink, and more.
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What Types of Perth Museums are there?
There are a variety of different museums in Perth, including art, history, science, aviation, and maritime. There are also many specialised museums, such as the DFES Education and Heritage Centre and the Royal Perth Hospital Museum.
Popular museums include the WA Museum Boola Bardip and The Perth Mint. Additionally, exhibits at Scitech Discovery Centre introduce visitors to the wonders of science.
Perth Museums, Western Australia
1. Museum of Perth
8-10 The Esplanade Perth
The Museum of Perth in the Atlas Building on the Esplanade is a private museum that celebrates Perth’s architecture, culture, and people. Located in the heart of the city, the museum also features a micro-cinema and hosts rotating exhibitions on Perth’s social history.
This Perth Museum is a not-for-profit organisation, and free admission makes it an affordable way to learn more about Perth.
Opening Hours & Price
Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed WA Public Holidays).
Entry is free, but all donations are welcome.
2. Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip
Perth Cultural Centre, James St, Northbridge
The Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, which re-opened in November 2020, is a state-of-the-art cultural institution in Perth’s City Centre.
The museum’s name, “Boola Bardip”, means many stories in Whadjuk Nyoongar, the land on which the museum sits.
The Museum covers five floors with exhibitions, including Ngalang Koort Boodja Wirn, land, nature, and people. With thousands of objects on display and interactive activities for visitors to engage with, the museum encourages exploration of our past, present, and future.
Ngalang Koort Boodja Wirn (Our Heart, Country, Spirit) tells stories through various exhibitions displaying the traditional knowledge systems, protocols, and ways of communication – a testament to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strength and survival.
The museum also hosts a range of special events and exhibitions, like Wonderland and Discovering Ancient Egypt.
Opening Hours & Price
Open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm (Closed Good Friday & Christmas Day)
ANZAC Day 1 pm – 5 pm
Tickets are A$15 standard and A$10 concession. Fifteen and under are free. Special events may be more.
3. The Nostalgia Box
69 Plaistowe Mews, West Perth
This unique museum pays tribute to the history of video gaming. It houses more than 100 consoles from the 1970s to now and interactive gaming areas that allow visitors to play their favourite classic games.
Visitors can relive their childhoods and appreciate the evolution of gaming over the decades while playing Pac-man and Space Invaders.
It’s also the perfect place for gaming-themed events, such as birthday parties, and a great way to share your childhood with your loved ones.
Opening Hours & Price
Wednesday to Friday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Open daily during school holidays.
Closed on public holidays.
Adult: A$18.70
Child (5-15): A$13.20
Family(2 adults 2 children): A$55
WA Concession holders: A$16.50
4. SciTech
City West Centre, Corner Railway Street & Sutherland Street, West Perth
SciTech is a great Science museum in Perth offering an immersive and interactive experience that sparks curiosity and interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). It has engaged kids of all ages with fun, interactive science since 1988.
From one of the largest planetariums in the Southern Hemisphere to technology, engineering and mathematics experiences, Scitech has something for everyone. Its hands-on exhibits allow you to explore the past, present, and future, while its puppet shows help bring science to life.
With its focus on developing STEM interest and participation, Scitech is an interactive and educational way to spend the day.
You can even buy a science-based gift at the Scitech Discovery Shop.
Opening Hours & Price
Open daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm.
Adult: A$24
Child (4-17): A$15
Family(2 adults 2 children): A$63
Concession holders: A$16
5. WA Shipwrecks Museum
47 Cliff Street, Fremantle
The WA Shipwrecks Museum is a great museum to visit in Perth for its rich maritime history, expansive exhibits, and free entry.
Located in the converted heritage Commissariat buildings in Fremantle, it is one of the first sites in Western Australia built using convict labour.
Visitors can explore the museum’s collections of relics of sunken ships, vessels salvaged from the ocean, and shipwreck galleries displaying artefacts from local shipwrecks.
Informative exhibits, programs, and activities make it a great learning experience for everyone who wants to delve deep into the state’s maritime history and explore Western Australia’s oldest shipwrecks.
Opening Hours & Price
Open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm. ANZAC Day from 1.00 pm to 5 pm.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday
Free but donations are welcome.
6. WA Maritime Museum
Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle
The Maritime Museum Perth allows visitors to explore the state’s legendary maritime heritage and relationship to the sea through its vessels and historical artefacts. It features iconic ships, such as the submarine HMAS Ovens and the winning America’s Cup yacht, Australia II.
Free entry for children and teens up to fifteen makes it an ideal activity for families visiting the area.
Opening Hours & Price
Open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm.
ANZAC Day from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday.
Over 15: A$15
Concession holders: A$10
7. Fremantle Prison
1 The Terrace, Fremantle
Fremantle Prison is a historic prison built by convicts in the 1850s and one of the eleven heritage sites that make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property. It is renowned for being the largest and most intact convict establishment in the Southern Hemisphere.
The prison is a popular attraction for its guided tours, which offer visitors a glimpse into prison life and the grim history of this convict establishment. The prison also hosts a wealth of archaeological objects, cultural artefacts, and archival material related to its deep history and the experiences had by those who lived and worked there.
Tours include exploring the tunnels twenty metres beneath the prison by boat and on foot or taking the True Crime Tour, where visitors can learn about some of Australia’s most notorious criminals and 140 years of Western Australia’s criminal history.
No Escape Café is open every day from 9 am until 4 pm and 8 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. Souvenirs are available for purchase at the gift shop.
With its unique offerings, Fremantle Prison is one of Perth’s premier heritage attractions, providing unforgettable experiences to its visitors.
Opening Hours & Price
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (closed Good Friday & Christmas Day).
Later on Wednesday and Friday evenings.
Tour prices vary.
8. The Roundhouse
15 Captains Lane, Fremantle
The Roundhouse in Fremantle is an iconic and historic building and the oldest public building in Western Australia. Opened in January 1831, it was initially used as a prison for people who had committed minor offences.
Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and provides visitors with a unique insight into Australia’s early colonial history.
The One O’Clock Time Signals are re-enacted every day when the time ball is dropped, and the cannon is fired.
After exploring the Roundhouse, stop at nearby Fremantle attractions before returning home.
Opening Hours & Price
Open from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm daily except Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Free but donations are welcome.
9. The Perth Mint
310 Hay St, East Perth
The Perth Mint in East Perth is a must-do for anyone interested in learning about the history of gold and silver mining, as well as seeing some amazing examples of coins and other interesting objects.
Officially opened in 1899, the Perth Mint Tour offers a variety of interactive displays that give visitors an up-close look at the process of making coins and medallions. From its beginnings as part of the British Royal Mint to its current status as one of Western Australia’s most popular tourist attractions, it’s worth a visit (especially for the gold pour).
Opening Hours & Price
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Anzac Day).
10. Royal Perth Hospital Museum
Level 2, M Block, Murray St, Perth WA 6000
Download this Museum map for directions.
Visiting the Royal Perth Hospital Museum is a unique experience that provides insight into healthcare and medical practices throughout the ages. Located in the city, this museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Royal Perth Hospital and Australia’s medical heritage.
Established in 1988, visitors can explore an impressive collection of gowns, equipment, photographs, and documents from various eras.
Opening Hours & Price
Open Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm.
Entry is free.
11. Aviation Heritage Museum Perth
Air Force Memorial Estate, 2 Bull Creek Dr, Bull Creek
The Aviation Heritage Museum in Perth is a great experience for those passionate about aviation. Located in Bull Creek, just a short drive south of Perth, it is home to over 35 aircraft from civilian and military aviation, including the Avro Lancaster, Dakota C47, and Wirraways CA-5.
The museum provides a range of services, from virtual reality experiences to aircraft and cockpit tours, allowing visitors to get a first-hand look at the control panels and elements inside the plane.
Visitors can also explore the museum’s amazing displays, which provide an insight into the state’s rich aviation heritage. With its reasonable entry fees, the Aviation Heritage Museum is an ideal place to explore during a visit to Perth.
Opening Hours & Price
Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm (except Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).
Standard: A$15
Child (6-15): A$7.50
Family(2 adults 2 children): A$35
Concession holders: A$10
12. Motor Museum of WA
233a Drumpellier Dr, Whiteman Park
Visiting the Motor Museum of WA is an experience like no other. Established nearly 30 years ago, the museum houses a vast collection of vintage and classic cars from across the globe.
With over 200 meticulously selected vintage and classic cars, this museum offers a unique opportunity to explore automotive history spanning multiple eras. From Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull Formula One RB10 to the unique 1954 Kaiser Manhattan Sedan, there is something for everyone.
Consider combining this museum with a visit to the Revolutions Transport Museum, Caversham Wildlife Park, or see what else to do in Whiteman Park.
Opening Hours & Price
Open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed Christmas Day).
Standard: A$16.50 (RACWA members receive a discount)
Child (7-17): A$7
Family(2 adults 2 children): A$38
Seniors: A$13
13. Railway Museum
136 Railway Parade, Bassendean
Visiting this Perth train museum, you can explore a range of railway memorabilia and historical artefacts from the 19th Century onwards. From vintage steam locomotives to restored passenger coaches, there is plenty to see and learn about at the Railway Museum.
Opening Hours & Price
View the Railway Museum open times before visiting.
Standard: A$10
Child (4-14): A$5
Concession: A$8
14. DFES Education & Heritage Centre
25 Murray St, Perth
Visitors of all ages to this Perth museum can participate in educational and interactive activities including materials that explore Perth’s firefighting history and insights into hazardous materials and hazardous fuels management.
Housed in the historic Perth Central Fire Station (established in 1900), the DFES Education & Heritage Centre makes for an exciting day out for Perth locals and tourists alike.
Opening Hours & Price
Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm. Also, on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 am to 2 pm. Closed on all public holidays, including Easter Saturday.
Free but donations are welcome.
15. Old Court House Law Museum
Stirling Gardens, corner of Barrack Street and St Georges Terrace, Perth
Perth is home to the Old Court House Law Museum, offering visitors a chance to learn about the history of the law in Western Australia.
You will find displays with over 2,000 objects such as documents relating to the administration of law and justice in Western Australia dating back to the 17th Century.
The museum is housed in the City of Perth’s oldest building, which was built in 1836, next to the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
Opening Hours & Price
Open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Entry is free.
16. Museum of Performing Arts
His Majesty’s Theatre, 825 Hay Street, Perth
Please note: The Museum of Performing Arts is currently undergoing refurbishments.
The Museum of Performing Arts, a must-see for anyone looking to explore the city’s culture, allows visitors to learn about Perth’s long and fascinating history through various displays with over 45,000 catalogued items of theatre memorabilia.
From theatre buffs to music fans, you can find a wide range of interesting items, including glamorous costumes, photographs, press clippings, and scripts.
Opening Hours & Price
Admission to the Museum of Performing Arts is A$2 per person.
17. Kalamunda Historical Village
56 Railway Rd, Kalamunda
Located on the old Upper Darling Range Railway Station site built in the 1890s, this Perth museum offers a unique take on Western Australia’s rich past, with local heritage buildings relocated here.
Western Australia’s largest folk museum shows what life was like in the Perth Hills and the industries that supported it.
Opening Hours & Price
Open Monday to Wednesday & Friday from 10 am to 3 pm and Thursday from midday to 3 pm.
Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (Last entry is 30 minutes before closing).
Standard: A$10
Child (over 5): A$4
Concession: A$6
Things to consider when choosing a museum in Perth
1. Perth Museums: Location
Location is an important factor when choosing a museum to visit in Perth. Knowing which areas of Perth the museums are located in can help you decide which museums are worth your time and which you should skip.
The Cultural Centre in Perth is a great place to start, as it houses the Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery of WA. Other museums in the city include the Royal Perth Hospital Museum, the Museum of Perth, and the DFES Education & Heritage Centre. The Perth Mint is close by too.
2. Perth Museums: Admission fees
It is handy to know the admission fees of the different museums in the area. While some museums offer free admission, such as the Roundhouse, there are also museums with an entrance fee, which can be costly for large families.
3. Perth Museums: Parking
When deciding which museum to visit in Perth, consider parking availability. While some museums, like the WA Maritime Museum, have plenty of parking options, others, like the Perth Cultural Centre, may have high fees for car parks.
The best parking for the Perth museums in the Perth Cultural Centre are:
City of Perth State Library (Nearest ACROD)
City of Perth Cultural Centre Carpark
It is also important to consider the museum’s distance from public transportation. The museums in Fremantle and Perth are easy to get to using public transport, but the museums in Whiteman Park require more planning or your own vehicle.
4. Perth Museums: Hours of operation
Hours of operation differ between museums. Most large ones are open daily, but the smaller volunteer-run museums are only open on certain days. If you need clarification, check directly with the museum before visiting.
5. Perth Museums: Special events
The Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip hosts special events and exhibitions throughout the year. One of the most popular was the dinosaur exhibition – Dinosaurs of Patagonia – which has now ended.
Perth museums offer something for everyone – from Aboriginal cultural artefacts to objects from more recent history. They allow visitors to learn and gain a deeper understanding of the culture, history and heritage of Perth, Western Australia.