List of museums in Queensland facts for kids

This list is all about the awesome museums you can visit in Queensland, Australia! Museums are special places where cool stuff from the past, amazing art, science discoveries, and important history are kept safe. They let everyone come and see these collections. This list covers museums all over Queensland, except for those in the big city of Brisbane.

History Museums

These museums help us learn about how people lived long ago and the stories of different towns.

Local History Museums

• Agnes Water Museum in Agnes Water: Learn about the history of the Discovery Coast.
• Barcaldine Museum in Barcaldine: Explore the local history of this central Queensland town.
• Barcoo Shire Museum in Jundah: Housed in an old council building, it shares Jundah's past.
• Bauple Museum in Bauple: Discover the history of Bauple and Tiaro.
• Beaudesert Museum in Beaudesert: See old farm tools and horse-drawn vehicles from the area.
• Bollon Heritage Centre in Bollon: Dive into the local history of Bollon.
• Boulia Heritage Complex in Boulia: Learn about the history of Boulia.
• Cairns Museum in Cairns: Run by the Cairns Historical Society, it tells the story of Cairns.
• Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre in Richmond: Shows the history of the Richmond area.
• Chinchilla Historical Museum in Chinchilla: Explore the local history of Chinchilla.
• Clermont Museum in Clermont: Discover the history of Clermont.
• Clifton Historical Museum in Clifton: Learn about Clifton's past.
• Cloncurry Unearthed Museum in Cloncurry: Uncover the local history of Cloncurry.
• Cooktown History Centre in Cooktown: Operated by the Cooktown and District Historical Society.
• Cooktown Museum (formerly James Cook Historical Museum) in Cooktown: See items left by Captain James Cook and learn about local history.
• Dr Arratta Memorial Museum in Muttaburra: Features old medical tools from the town's former hospital.
• Emu Park Museum in Emu Park: Explores local history, including a railway collection.
• Eumundi Museum in Eumundi: Shares local history and has changing exhibitions.
• Kilkivan Shire Museum in Kilkivan: Discover the history of the Kilkivan area.
• Kingaroy Heritage Museum in Kingaroy: Learn about Kingaroy's local history.
• Kokoda Hall Museum in Cairns: Focuses on local history.
• Kumbia Federation Heritage Centre in Kumbia: Run by the Kumbia and District Historical Society.
• Landsborough Shire Museum in Landsborough: Explores local and social history.
• Leahy House in Thargomindah: A historical house museum.
• Logan City Historical Museum in Kingston: Covers the local history of Logan City.
• Loudoun House Museum in Irvinebank: Shares the local history of Irvinebank.
• Magnetic Island Museum in Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island: Learn about the island's history.
• Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre in Mareeba: A historical center located at 345 Byrnes Street.
• Marlborough Historical Museum in Marlborough: Shows the natural and social heritage of Marlborough.
• Mary Kathleen Memorial Park/Museum & Information Centre in Cloncurry: Features outdoor displays of old engines and farm machinery.
• Morven Museum in Morven: Explores the local history of Morven.
• Mount Morgan Historical Museum in Mount Morgan: Focuses on local history.
• Mulgrave Settlers Museum in Gordonvale: Shares local history.
• Nebo Museum in Nebo: Housed in the old Nebo Police Station, it celebrates the shire's history.
• Noosa Shire Museum in Pomona: Located in the old Noosa Shire Hall, it tells the story of Noosa.
• North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum in Dunwich: Learn about the history of North Stradbroke Island.
• Pine Rivers Heritage Museum in Petrie: Explores the local history of the Pine Rivers area.
• Port Douglas Court House Museum in Port Douglas: Run by the Douglas Shire Historical Society.
• Proserpine Historical Museum in Proserpine: Collects and shares the history of the Whitsunday region.
• Quilpie Museum in Quilpie: Features local history and an art gallery.
• Rathdowney Historical Museum in Rathdowney: Shares local history.
• Ravenswood Court House Museum in Ravenswood: Focuses on local history.
• Redcliffe Museum in Redcliffe: Explores the local history of Redcliffe.
• Redland Museum in Cleveland: Covers Redlands' social history from 1842 to today, including textiles and toys.
• RM Williams Australian Bush Learning Centre in Eidsvold: Learn about bush culture and the influence of bushman R. M. Williams.
• Samford Museum in Samford: Covers rural, domestic, educational, railway, timber, transport, and village history.
• Sarina "Field of Dreams" Historical Centre in Sarina: Focuses on local history.
• St George Heritage Centre in St George: Explores the local history of St George.
• Stanthorpe Heritage Museum in Stanthorpe: Shares local history.
• Stonehouse Museum in Boulia: Features marine fossils, Aboriginal artifacts, and farm equipment.
• Taroom Museum in Taroom: Learn about the local history of Taroom.
• Templin Historical Museum in Templin: Displays old tools, local history, and fashions from the 1880s.
• Texas Heritage Centre & Tobacco Museum in Texas: Explores local history.
• Townsville Heritage Centre in Townsville: Run by the National Trust, it shows how prominent families lived in North Queensland.
• Townsville Museum in Currajong, Townsville: Located at 1/27 Barbeler St, it covers local history.
• Wellshot Centre in Ilfracombe: Tells the story of Wellshot Station, one of Australia's largest sheep stations.
• Whitula Museum in Windorah: Explores the local history of Windorah.
• Wondai Heritage Centre in Wondai: Shares local history.
• Wowan and District Museum in Wowan: Located in the old butter factory and railway station, it covers local history.
• Yandina Historic House in Yandina: Run by the Yandina & District Historical Society.
• Yarraman Heritage Centre in Yarraman: Explores local history.
• Zara Clark Museum in Charters Towers: Features transport, local artifacts, mining, medical items, and photographs.

Specialized History Museums

• A.A. Cassimatis Store and Cottage in Muttaburra: A general store and cottage from a past era.
• Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre in Warwick: Discover the history of rodeo and cowboys in Australia.
• Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame in Longreach: Celebrates the pioneers of the Australian outback, including stockmen and Aboriginal people. It also covers the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.
• Australian Workers Heritage Centre in Barcaldine: Shows exhibits about Australia's working men and women, like teachers and railway workers.
• Brennan & Geraghtys Store in Maryborough: A late 19th-century store, stables, cottage, and residence, run by the National Trust of Queensland.
• Cardwell Bush Telegraph in Cardwell: An old post office, telegraph station, shire hall, courthouse, and lock-up.
• Childers Pharmaceutical Museum in Childers: A pharmacy from the early 1900s.
• Croydon Heritage Precinct in Croydon: Includes historic police buildings, a courthouse, and the town hall from the late 1800s.
• Customs House Museum in Goondiwindi: A period home that shows how duties and taxes were handled.
• Das Neumann Haus Museum in Laidley: A 1930s period home.
• Drover's Camp in Camooweal: Learn about droving and drovers who moved cattle across Australia.
• Gayndah Museum in Gayndah: A historic house and local history museum.
• Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre in Warwick: A 19th-century country house.
• Greycliffe Homestead in Biloela: A late 19th-century pioneer homestead, run by the Banana Shire Historical Society.
• Historic House Museum in Charleville: A historic house operated by the Charleville and District Historical Society.
• Hou Wang Temple in Atherton: An early 20th-century Chinese temple with an art gallery, run by the National Trust.
• Jackson Collections in Ilfracombe: A collection of everyday items like bottles, hubcaps, and buttons.
• Kilcoy Hall of History in Kilcoy: Housed in a former church, it covers local history.
• Langenbaker House in Ilfracombe: A historic house.
• Mayes Cottage in Kingston: A late 19th-century colonial house.
• Miner's Cottage in Charters Towers: A worker's cottage from the late 1800s.
• Nobby Forge & Vintage Museum in Nobby: Displays clothes, accessories, and furniture from the 1900s to the 1960s.
• Old Rainworth Fort in Springsure: A mid-19th-century community storehouse with historic artifacts.
• Ormiston House in Ormiston: A mid-19th-century plantation house and gardens.
• Ringsfield House in Nanango: An early 20th-century period house and gardens, run by the Nanango Historical Society.
• Royal Bull's Head Inn in Drayton: A mid-19th-century inn, dairy, and stables, run by the National Trust.
• The Story Bank in Maryborough: Focuses on P. L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins, who was born in this building.
• Tambo Post & Telegraph Museum in Tambo: Operated by the Totally Tambo Heritage Group.

Art Galleries

These places showcase beautiful artworks from different artists and cultures.

• Artspace Mackay in Mackay
• Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery in Bundaberg
• Butter Factory Arts Centre in Cooroy: Features art and local history.
• Caboolture Regional Art Gallery in Caboolture: Has four exhibition spaces.
• Cairns Regional Gallery in Cairns: Shows historical and contemporary art from the region and beyond.
• Caloundra Regional Gallery in Caloundra
• Bulmba-ja Arts Centre in Cairns: Formerly known as the Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns.
• Crows Nest Regional Art Gallery in Crows Nest: Located on the corner of the New England Highway and Thallon Street.
• Dogwood Crossing Miles in Miles: A cultural center with an art gallery, library, and history displays.
• Gab Titui Cultural Centre in Thursday Island: Focuses on Aboriginal culture, history, and art.
• Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough
• Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum in Gladstone: Features art, local culture, and history.
• Gold Coast City Art Gallery in Surfers Paradise
• Gympie Regional Art Gallery in Gympie
• Hervey Bay Regional Gallery in Pialba
• Ipswich Art Gallery in Ipswich
• Kingaroy Art Gallery in Kingaroy: Hosts monthly exhibitions by local and visiting artists.
• Logan Art Gallery in Logan Central
• Noosa Regional Gallery in Tewantin
• Perc Tucker Regional Gallery in Townsville
• Pinnacles Gallery in Thuringowa Central: Located in the Riverway Arts Centre.
• Pormpuraaw Art & Cultural Centre in Pormpuraaw: Showcases art.
• Redland Art Gallery in Cleveland: Also has a location in Capalaba.
• Rockhampton Museum of Art in Rockhampton
• Samurai Gallery Australia in Cairns: Displays arts, armor, and weapons of Japanese samurai warriors.
• Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery in Stanthorpe: Features regional and national art.
• Tanks Arts Centre in Cairns: A performing and visual arts center in a former WWII fuel depot.
• Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery in Toowoomba
• TYTO Regional Art Gallery in Ingham: Located at 73–75 Mcilwraith Street.
• University of Southern Queensland Artsworx in Toowoomba: Part of University of Southern Queensland.
• University of the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery in Sippy Downs: Part of the University of the Sunshine Coast.
• Warwick Art Gallery in Warwick
• Wondai Regional Art Gallery in Wondai

Science and Nature Museums

These museums explore the natural world, from dinosaurs to the rainforest.

• Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture: Features archaeology and art from Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and other periods.
• Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton: Discover the natural history of Australian dinosaurs.
• Cosmos Centre in Charleville: An observatory where you can learn about space and meteorites.
• Daintree Discovery Centre in Daintree: Explore the ecology of the Daintree Rainforest.
• Eromanga Natural History Museum in Eromanga: Home to Australia's largest dinosaur, Australotitan cooperensis, and a huge collection of Australian dinosaur and megafauna fossils.
• Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden: See dinosaur fossils.
• Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond: Displays marine fossils.
• Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways in Winton: Take guided tours of protected dinosaur footprints and fossils.
• Min Min Encounter in Boulia: Shares stories of the mysterious Min Min light.
• Museum of Tropical Queensland in Townsville: Operated by the Queensland Museum, it covers natural history, marine archaeology, and history.
• Museum of Underwater Art in John Brewer Reef, Townsville: A series of amazing underwater art installations.
• Riversleigh Fossil Centre in Mount Isa: Features fossils from the famous Riversleigh fossil site.
• Shell World Yeppoon in Yeppoon: Has over 20,000 shells, including marine, land, and fossil molluscs.
• South Burnett Energy Centre in Nanango: Explores science related to energy.
• Terrestrial in Georgetown: Includes a large collection of rocks, minerals, and equipment from former gold mines.

Open-Air Villages and Historic Houses

Step back in time in these villages and homes that show how people lived in the past.

• Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum in Beenleigh: Features twenty heritage buildings with original items from the 1860s onwards.
• Boondooma Homestead in Proston: A mid-19th-century homestead.
• Caboolture Historical Village in Caboolture: Includes over 70 historic buildings.
• Calliope River Historical Village in River Ranch: Features relocated historic buildings like houses, a school, and a church.
• Capella Pioneer Village in Capella: An open-air museum.
• Crows Nest Folk Museum & Village in Crows Nest: An open-air museum.
• Dalby Pioneer Park Museum in Dalby: Features many historic buildings, farm machinery, and a geology collection.
• Gatton Historical Village in Gatton: Operated by the Gatton & District Historical Society.
• Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum in Hervey Bay: Shows local history in a village setting with working displays.
• Highfields Pioneer Village in Highfields: Features over 60 restored authentic buildings.
• Historic Village Herberton in Herberton: Features over 50 restored period buildings from the 1860s, set up like a tin mining town.
• Jondaryan Woolshed in Oakey: Shows rural life in pioneering Australia and sheep raising.
• Laidley Pioneer Village in Laidley: Operated by the Laidley Historical Society.
• Maclagan Memories Museum in Maclagan: An open-air museum.
• Miles Historical Village and Museum in Miles: A village set in the 1920s.
• Pittsworth Pioneer Historical Village in Pittsworth: An open-air museum.
• Pringle Cottage Museum in Warwick: Includes two cottages with old furniture, a church, and a printing museum.
• Queensland Heritage Park in Biloela: Focuses on agriculture and rural life.
• Rockhampton Heritage Village in Parkhurst: Features buildings from 1850 to 1950.

Military Museums

Learn about Australia's defense forces and wartime history.

• 5th Light Horse Museum in Gympie: A military museum.
• Army Museum of North Queensland in Townsville: Shows the history of the Australian Army in North Queensland, located in Kissing Point Fortification.
• The Australian Armour and Artillery Museum in Cairns: Displays tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery from World War II and later.
• Bakers Military Memorabilia Museum in Childers: A private collection of military items and photos.
• Burnett War Museum in Kingaroy: Located at Kingaroy Airport.
• Central Queensland Military Museum in Rockhampton.
• Meandarra ANZAC Memorial Museum in Meandarra: Contains a large collection of ANZAC memorabilia, including a Canberra bomber and a German U-boat engine.
• Milne Bay Military Museum in Toowoomba: Features artifacts and history of the 25th Battalion (Darling Downs Regiment).
• Museum of Australian Military Intelligence in Canungra: Located at Kokoda Barracks.
• Museum of Australian Army Flying in Oakey: Displays historical aircraft tracing the history of the Australian Army Aviation.
• Maroochydore RSL Museum in Maroochydore: A military museum.
• RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre in Amberley: Features historic military aircraft and Australian military memorabilia.
• RAAF Townsville Aviation Heritage Centre in Garbutt: Focuses on military aviation heritage in North Queensland.

Transportation Museums

Explore the history of trains, cars, and other ways people moved around.

• Aramac Tramway Museum in Aramac: A railway museum.
• Archer Park Rail Museum in Rockhampton: A historic rail station with a working steam rail tram.
• Bundaberg Railway Museum in Bundaberg: Located in North Bundaberg Railway Station, it includes photos, uniforms, and railway cars.
• Cobb & Co Museum in Toowoomba: Operated by the Queensland Museum, it features horse-drawn vehicles.
• Heritage Centre Toowoomba in Toowoomba: Focuses on road history in Queensland.
• Longreach Powerhouse Museum in Longreach: A rural generating station with engines and local history displays.
• Montys Garage Vintage Car Museum in Glenmorgan: A 1940s style auto garage with restored vintage cars and trucks.
• Mount Morgan Railway Museum in Mount Morgan: A railway museum.
• Queensland Air Museum in Caloundra West: Located at Caloundra Airport with over 94 aircraft on display.
• Qantas Founders Outback Museum in Longreach: An aerospace museum.
• Queensland Transport Museum in Gatton: Located within the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, it has vintage vehicles and models.
• Rosewood Railway Museum in Rosewood: Operated by the Australian Railway Historical Society.
• Winton's Diamantina Heritage Truck & Machinery Museum in Winton: A transportation museum.
• Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich: Operated by the Queensland Museum, it shows the impact of rail travel in Queensland.

Other Interesting Museums

• Australian Sugar Heritage Centre in Mourilyan: Learn about sugar farming and processing.
• Blackwater International Coal Centre in Blackwater: Focuses on coal mining in Australia.
• Diamantina Health Care Museum in Woolloongabba: Explores the history of the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
• Fairymead House Sugar Museum in Bundaberg: Focuses on the area's sugar industry.
• Gladstone Maritime History Museum in Gladstone: A maritime museum.
• Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum in Gympie: Covers gold mining, local history, industry, and agriculture.
• Herberton Mining Museum in Herberton: Focuses on tin mining.
• Herberton Spy & Camera Museum in Herberton: Explores the history of spying and photography.
• Hinkler Hall of Aviation in Bundaberg: Celebrates the life of aviation pioneer Bert Hinkler.
• Ilfracombe Machinery and Heritage Museum in Ilfracombe: An open-air display of old farm machinery.
• John Flynn Place in Cloncurry: Explores the life of John Flynn (minister) and the development of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia and School of the Air.
• Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond: Features marine fossils.
• Maritime Museum of Townsville in Townsville: Located at 42–68 Palmer Street.
• Medical History Country Hospital Museum in Parkhurst.
• Miner's Heritage in Mount Morgan: Focuses on mining.
• Queensland Ambulance Museum, Barcaldine in Barcaldine: Displays historic ambulances and equipment within the Australian Workers Heritage Centre.
• Queensland Ambulance Museum, Charters Towers in Charters Towers: Shows historic ambulances and equipment (open by appointment).
• Queensland Motorsport Museum in Sumner: A boutique museum with cars, bikes, memorabilia, and die-cast models.
• Quarantine Museum in Pallarenda: A medical museum.
• Ration Shed Museum in Cherbourg: Explores Aboriginal culture and life under the Aboriginal Protection Act.
• Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Surfers Paradise: An amusement museum.
• Roy Emerson Museum in Blackbutt: Housed in a former school building, it celebrates tennis player Roy Emerson.
• Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre in Charleville: Learn about the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.
• South Burnett Regional Timber Museum in Wondai: Focuses on the area's timber industry.
• Springsure Hospital Museum in Springsure: Displays old hospital equipment.
• Surf World Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise: Celebrates surfing champions and memorabilia.
• The Wax Museum in Surfers Paradise: Features wax figures of movie stars, scientists, and world leaders.
• Venus Gold Battery in Charters Towers: Learn about gold mining.
• Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton: Includes the Outback Regional Gallery and Qantilda Museum.
• Woodworks Museum & Interpretive Centre in Gympie: Explores the timber and forestry industries up to the 1950s.
• Yugambeh Museum in Beenleigh: Focuses on Aboriginal heritage and culture.

Museums That Are No Longer Open

• Australian Motorcycle Museum, Haigslea, closed in 2014.
• North Queensland Military Museum.
• Queensland Energy Museum (most of its displays moved to the Highfields Pioneer Village).

See also

• List of museums in Australia
• List of museums in Brisbane