Okay art and culture lovers, this one is for you! From legendary landmarks to cutting-edge galleries and indie theatres, Australia boasts some of the most incredible historical and cultural gems that can be easily incorporated into your road trip.
Australia’s art and culture scene is buzzing all year round with exhibitions, festivals, and events. Dive into the country’s rich cultural heritage at museums nationwide. Explore contemporary art, historic landmarks, and live performances. Read on to uncover Australia’s top historical and cultural attractions. Image above: Adelaide Festival Centre.
Near Sydney
A visit to the Sydney Opera House is a must when you’re in town. With over 40 performances each week, you’re spoilt for choice! Choose from opera, theatre, classical music, and ballet. For a behind-the-scenes experience, join a two-hour backstage tour of this iconic landmark. Check out the Sydney Theatre Company or Bangarra Dance Theatre at Walsh Bay, or head to the Belvoir St Theatre in Surry Hills, where Aussie legends like Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and Judy Davis got their start. Follow a cultural trail from The Rocks to Hyde Park, taking in the Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Australian Museum. Paddington, Surry Hills, Redfern, and Chippendale are packed with galleries, including Carriageworks and the White Rabbit Gallery.
Near Melbourne
In Melbourne, explore the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia’s oldest gallery, boasting over 70,000 works of art. Nearby, immerse yourself in film, television, and digital culture at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Southbank is home to the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and the Arts Centre, where you can see performances by the Australian Ballet or Opera Australia. Discover public art in Docklands and murals in Fitzroy. Put on your Sunday best for a musical at the Princess or Her Majesty’s theatres, or enjoy cabaret, drama, or jazz in the city laneways. Visit the Melbourne Museum to learn about Victoria’s Aboriginal culture. Those with green fingers will adore the Royal Botanic Gardens. Catch a show at the Melbourne International Comedy in March – it’s 100% worth the wait! Image: Royal Botanic Gardens, Victoria.
Near Brisbane
We adore South Bank! The beautiful Queensland Cultural Centre connects Brisbane’s key cultural institutions: the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Spend a day exploring Australian art, dinosaur skeletons, and enrich your soul with a ballet, opera, or orchestra performance in the evening. In New Farm, the Brisbane Powerhouse hosts theatre, comedy, dance, art, markets, and restaurants. On weekends, check out the Farmer’s Market, chock-a-block with culinary delights straight from local producers (Editor’s Tip: arrive hungry!). Fortitude Valley (the ‘Valley’) is the place for live music, with venues like The Foundry and The Zoo, while West End offers independent theatre and music. Enjoy an orchestral performance at Customs House or community concerts at Brisbane City Hall. Don’t miss the Brisbane Writers Festival and Brisbane Festival, both in September. Image courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland.
Near Adelaide
North Terrace is Adelaide’s cultural hub, home to the South Australian Museum with over 3,000 artefacts of Aboriginal culture. Next door, the Art Gallery of South Australia showcases impressive Australian colonial art. Visit the State Library, Parliament House, and Government House. The Adelaide Festival Centre hosts performances by the State Opera, State Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Watch artists in action in the West End or follow a gallery trail from the city centre to Kent Town and Norwood. Experience the Feast Festival in November.
Near Hobart
Discover colonial arts, zoological, and botanical collections at the Feast Festival on the Sullivans Cove waterfront. Explore the 13 art spaces within the Salamanca Arts Centre, then catch the ferry over to Mona (Museum of Old and New Art) to see David Walsh’s controversial collection. Check out the Lady Franklin Gallery in Lenah Valley, open on weekends. In the evening, soak up the culture with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra at the Federation Concert Hall or see ballet, opera, drama, and musicals at the Theatre Royal. For live music, visit Rektango or Republic – Pub Banc Group for a bevvy and a bite. While you’re in town, partake in the Taste of Tasmania over New Year’s (plan your road trip now as NY is peak season!).
Near Canberra
In Canberra, set some time aside to visit the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and see current debates at modern Parliament House. Admire Australian art at the National Gallery of Australia and famous faces at the National Portrait Gallery. Explore the National Museum of Australia’s defining moments in history. If you love a live show, watch a performance at the Canberra Theatre Centre or catch a local production at The Street Theatre.
Near Darwin
Explore Darwin’s Aboriginal heritage and learn about Cyclone Tracy at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Stroll through the galleries on Mitchell Street, showcasing traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art. Discover moving WWII history at the Darwin Military Museum and visit the 1930s cottages at Myilly Point Heritage Precinct. (Editor’s Tip: You can’t beat NT weather to enjoy outdoor movies at Deckchair Cinema from April to November).
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