
Museum of Chinese Australian History
đ Melbourne, VIC
Compact and layered museum in Melbourne's Chinatown covering Chinese Australian history across four floors, from the Gold Rush era through contemporary community contributions.
Very interesting museum not big but not small either with such rich history a lot of it in Australia with early Chinese settlers looking for gold. A great place to bring your kids if they are willing to learn something about Chinese history first hand. There are 3 levels starting from the top and working your way down you will see heaps of displays with an underground area too. On the way out a little souvenir shop is waiting for you with cute gifts to buy for yourself or a loved one.
đ Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children aged 8 and up who can engage with historical narratives and contextual displays. The rocking goldfields boat and life-size dioramas on the lower level are the most engaging stops for younger visitors. Pairs naturally with a walk through Chinatown and a yum cha lunch on the same street.
âšī¸ What to Know Before You Go
đŦ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews â362 Google reviews
Drago Vuletic
4 months ago
âVery interesting museum not big but not small either with such rich history a lot of it in Australia with early Chinese settlers looking for gold. A great place to bring your kids if they are willing to learn something about Chinese history first hand. There are 3 levels starting from the top and working your way down you will see heaps of displays with an underground area too. On the way out a little souvenir shop is waiting for you with cute gifts to buy for yourself or a loved one.â
Zhou YU
3 months ago
âOne of the best-curated museums on Chinese migration and settlement, with exhibits that are well maintained and clearly presented. It would be even stronger with additional in-depth coverage of how the demographics and experiences of Chinese immigrants have evolved over time, particularly in contemporary Australia, to better connect the historical narrative with Chinese Australians today.â
C X
6 months ago
âVery interesting museum with the history of the Chinese people in Victoria. There is also a section on the Han Dynasty with a Jade suit on display. The gold field display on the lowest level was best with life size recreations including a boat that rocks (literally). The parade dragon was a highlight.â
Tony Flowers
6 months ago
âI found the museum fascinating. There are 3 floors and a basement level to explore. While the collection has it limitations in terms of scale. They have a fantastic collection of lion costumes and the dragon costume that is still used in street performances.â
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Museum of Chinese Australian History in Melbourne's Chinatown spans four floors and a basement, tracing the story of Chinese Australians from the Gold Rush to the present. Highlights include a rocking-boat goldfields diorama, a full parade dragon, a Han Dynasty jade suit, and an extensive lion and dragon costume collection actively used in street performances. Exhibits are clearly labelled and well-maintained. The gift shop stocks unique Chinatown souvenirs.







