Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria) (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria)?
What makes it 76% Kids-Friendly: Kids enter free, role-play in the "Getting In" theatre, climb recreated ship bunks and join holiday craft workshops, but most displays are text-heavy and there is no play-ground.
Positives:
- Kids Go Free: Children under 16 enter free with each paid adult ticket.
- Stroller Friendly: All galleries have ramps or lifts and family toilets have change tables.
Challenges:
- Limited Seating: Benches are only in the foyer and courtyard—plan short rests.
- Busy Weekends: Midday crowds can form in interactive areas—consider weekday or early visit.
What is Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria)?
- A Melbourne museum housed in the 19th-century Old Customs House dedicated to documenting Australia’s immigration history
- Part of the Museums Victoria network since 1998, responsible for preserving cultural and historical collections related to migration
- Home to multimedia exhibits and archival records displayed within the museum’s Renaissance-style Long Room and heritage galleries
What is so special about Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria) for with kids?
- Kids under 16 enter free with paid adult.
- Interactive theatre turns kids into immigration officers.
- Climb aboard ship-environment galleries with hands-on displays.
- Bright “Joy” exhibition invites climbing and message sharing.
- Free activity sheets and craft station keep children engaged.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for exhibits, interactive theatre, ship galleries and a craft break without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria)
Getting In Interactive Theatre:
Role-play as an immigration officer and interview would-be migrants in a small group.
Tip: Go early to join a 10 am session and let both kids take turns questioning.
Ship-Environment Galleries:
Explore recreated steam-ship cabins and climb aboard tactile displays.
Tip: Point out historic ship items to spark questions and bring a small snack break here.
“Joy” Temporary Exhibition:
Discover large art installations like a soft-toy rabbit and interactive joy wall.
Tip: Let kids climb on the rabbit and leave their own message on the “Share Your Joy” wall.
Children’s Activity Sheets & Craft Station:
Pick up free booklets and do simple crafts on the top floor.
Tip: Collect sheets at entry and plan 15–20 minutes here to keep kids hands busy.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria)
- Pick Up Activity Sheets: Grab children’s guides at the front desk to focus on kid-friendly highlights.
- Time Your Visit: Arrive at 10 am to enjoy quieter galleries before the lunch rush.
- Use Ramps & Lifts: Navigate easily with prams—ask staff to store strollers at reception.
Reviews of Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria)
Max
Had an amazing experience here visiting the Joy exhibition! Love that entry is free with a concession card and very reasonably priced without. Will definitely visit again💚
P Li
It was a very WOW, Fun, 100% amazing and very interactive and memorable and incredibly informative experience for me . As I am the immigrant from HK since 1998. I totally can related to what exhibits at the moment and it’s very interesting and it just blow my mind thank you #immigration #museum #victoria #melbourne #aUS . Bang on Victorian politicians or government ministers…etc. well spent on fun...
Robert S
Today we visited the Notre Dame exhibit about the fire 🔥 which almost destroyed this wonderful place. Seeing it 15 years ago and walking through it to then seeing it in flames. Shocking. But the amount of work gone into it. More amazing. What better way to see it from its very start to now being re built. Such an informative experience and so well thought out and having the experience viewing...
Mary Mathews
This is such a great museum have been here twice now and it’s so good you really need a while to really read everything but then last visit was only there for an hour and was happy with it too. Last time we went they had a big boat you could walk into which is a shame that’s not there anymore! But it’s still great. There’s 3 floors so it can take up a lot of an afternoon to explore.
Chang Guan
Overall, the experience is great. The museum has so many interesting stories told by immigrants from different times with a lot of artifacts. It’s well located in the CBD which means it’s quite easy to access the museum by walking or public transport. It can be a really good spot for casual city visitors. The Notre-Dame de Paris Exhibition is fascinating. It used AR techniques to help us explore ...
When is the best time to visit Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria) (Melbourne, Australia)?
During school holidays join free Picturing Family workshops. Summer afternoons are busy—use the Tribute Garden courtyard to rest. In cooler months bring a light jacket as some galleries can feel chilly.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult tickets | AUD 30 |
| Café snacks & drinks | AUD 20 |
| Souvenir | AUD 10 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 60 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria)
Address: 400 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
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About Immigration Museum (Museums Victoria)
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 131102Explore Popular Things to Do
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