"Lay it on us—what's the deal? Get ready to learn everything there is to learn about Melbourne. At this museum, which opened in 2001, the city’s history, stretching back thousands of years, unfolds at great lengths within a contemporary structure designed by Melburnian architecture firm Denton Corker Marshall. Walk us through some highlights. To learn about the history of Victoria before European settlement, spend a little time in the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where the First Peoples exhibition tells the story of this land from its creation to the present day. Stroll through Milarra Garden, where a trail passes native plants en route to a cave with rock paintings. At 1:45 p.m. each day (except in winter), stroll past the pond to see the short-finned eels being fed. Other highlights include the skeleton of a Diprotodon, the world’s largest-ever marsupial, and the stuffed hide of Phar Lap, the equine hero of the Depression era whose heart was twice the size of his peers. Are there special exhibitions, too? Many exhibitions set to travel the world debut first at the Melbourne Museum. In 2018, "Mandela: My Life" will open here before traveling to 20 international cities. In the past, "Jurassic World: The Exhibition" and "The WWI Centenary Exhibition: The War That Changed The World" started their journeys here, as well. Smaller-scale exhibitions focusing on local history also appear—the annual Top Designs show features the work of Victoria’s most exceptional design students. What's the crowd like? This is a popular destination for field trips and parents with kids. If you prefer not to battle a crowd of youngsters, buy a ticket for Nocturnal, an adults-only event with cocktails and guided tours that takes place on the first Friday night of the month. Let's chat accessibility. This building is relatively new, so there are no access issues for strollers or wheelchairs. There are plenty of seats, an on-site car park (extra cost), and resources for parents of children with autism. What's the best way to see it all? If you’re not sure where to start or want to hit the highlights quickly, join one of the 45- to 60-minute free tours (daily at 10:30 a.m. and again in the afternoon, depending on demand). Any thoughts on the gift shop? The shop stocks products that reflect the exhibitions, many of which are made locally. If you're in the market for a kids' gift, there’s no resisting the koala and cockatoo hand puppets. Is the dining a must-do, or should we head elsewhere? If the kids are hungry, the Museum Café will tide them over. But short strolls in any direction—to Gertrude Street, Lygon Street, or The City—will reveal much better options. Any other advice? Even a perfunctory stroll around the expansive Melbourne Gallery will impart a bit of intel about the city's history and culture. To make the most of it, arrive around 3 p.m. on a weekday, when the school groups have gone home and the crowds have thinned." - Carrie Hutchinson
