Top Australia Art Galleries in 2026

Book tickets to the major exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. On sale now: Australia's first Takashi Murakami retrospective, exclusive to Sydney, and Nolan: Origins, featuring Sidney Nolan's complete 27-painting Ned Kelly series. Image credit: Takashi Murakami Cherry Blossoms Fujiyama JAPAN 2020, ©2020 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.; Installation view of Takashi Murakami Mononoke Kyoto Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum, Kyoto, Japan 2024, photo: Joshua White ©2024 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved; Takashi Murakami, photos by Shin Suzuki ©Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved;

Haven Gallery in Byron Bay is a multi-sensory playground where art, sound, and movement converge to create an immersive experience. Located in a reimagined Woolworths building, the gallery transforms light and color into a living artwork that invites exploration and interaction. Visitors of all ages can wander through Haven City, discovering playful installations and engaging with creative exhibits designed to spark curiosity. The gallery hosts exhibitions, workshops, and performances throughout the year, catering to families, couples, and art lovers looking for a unique cultural experience.

Lose yourself in a sea of color at ArtVo, an interactive art space in The District Docklands, a short distance from the Melbourne CBD. As visitors explore more than 100 paintings across 11 themed zones, they are encouraged to touch and interact with the art. Take a selfie against angel wings or a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Staff is on hand to help orient you and provide creative inspiration.

Discover unique tours at the Art Gallery New South Wales, Sydney. NEW - AUSTRALIAN ART STORIES TOUR (daily, 75min) Expert-guided journey through Australia's stories and culture across both Art Gallery buildings including a focus on indigenous art, early access before gallery opens to the public, coffee at MOD Dining with your guide, 10% off the Gallery Shop, Cafe and Kiosk, and access to the members lounge. ***Meeting Point: Welcome Hub, Naala Badu (modern, glass building).

Take a break from sightseeing or daily life and enjoy an interactive and immersive art experience at Metartworld, the largest metal art gallery in Australia. Ideal for all ages, admire more than 200 metal artworks and make your way through the mirror mazes in the starry night exhibition. Paid workshops available.

Enjoy a day-pass Flexi ticket to explore 70 years of innovation through immersive interactive displays, view original puppets and costumes, learn the secrets of puppeteering, and meet iconic screen characters. Children 0-4 are free.

Perfect Sydney Shore Excursion – Just 15 Minutes from City Centre Make the most of your Sydney port day at Australia's premier art museum, featuring unique tours, unmissable exhibitions, and dining with renowned Australian chefs. EASY ACCESS – 15-min walk from Circular Quay AUSTRALIAN ART STORIES TOUR (daily, 75 minutes) Expert-guided journey through Australian culture, including the renowned Yiribana Gallery of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander art. Includes early access before gallery opens ✓ Perfect cruise timing ✓ Daily departures EXHIBITION TICKETS: Takashi Murakami | 5 Dec - 17 July 2027 Sidney Nolan | 3 Oct - 7 Feb Why Perfect for Cruisers? ✓ Close to port ✓ Flexible timing ✓ All-weather venue Installation view of Takashi Murakami Mononoke Kyoto, Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum, Kyoto, Japan 2024, photo: Joshua White ©2024 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo by Shin Suzuki ©Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Explore the Larrakia Cultural Centre, a vibrant cultural hub set on Larrakia Country. With its unique architecture inspired by ancestral beings, visitors can stroll through gardens showcasing native plants and sculptures representing the Gulumoerrgin Seven Seasons. Inside, delve into Larrakia history and culture through permanent exhibitions and contemporary works by local artists. The on-site retail store features handcrafted items that support Larrakia creators, and the restaurant offers delightful dishes made from local produce, all with stunning views. Perfect for those who enjoy discovering at their own pace.

Step into Mind Games: Art Alive! In Broadway, Chippendale, Sydney. Explore 11 rooms and 85+ interactive exhibits of independent, Australian-made illusion, sensory art and hands-on installations by 17 visionary artists, including a First Nations artist.

Discover a serene sanctuary in Byron Bay’s hinterland by pre-booking your skip-the-line admission ticket for the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens. Stand between two of the world's tallest crystals, sit in an ancient amethyst cave, and wander through the tranquil Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. Daily guided experiences are included in your ticket.

The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks—but much of it remains hidden to visitors without tickets to a performance. This guided walking tour offers a closer look inside the UNESCO World Heritage–listed building, with access to spaces typically reserved for showgoers. As you explore, your guide shares entertaining stories about the venue’s design, history, and the productions that bring it to life.

Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter™ and relive some of the most memorable moments from the beloved series at Harry Potter™: The Exhibition in Sydney. Discover authentic costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes artifacts while exploring immersive environments inspired by iconic locations from the wizarding world. Take part in interactive experiences where you can cast spells, brew potions, test your Quidditch™ skills, and earn points for your Hogwarts™ house. Designed to engage all your senses through sight, sound, touch, and even smell, this unique exhibition offers fans of all ages the opportunity to experience the magic like never before. Whether you're a lifelong Harry Potter fan or introducing the wizarding world to a new generation, this unforgettable experience is not to be missed.

Deepen your connection with a visit to Bundanon. Situated across a vast and diverse landscape of 1,000 hectares of wildlife refuge encircled by the Bangli/Shoalhaven River, discover live music, festivals, guided tours, artist-led talks and workshops, bushwalks and more. Presenting three major exhibitions a year, wander the Art Museum and experience leading Australian contemporary art and engage with the legacy of the Bundanon Collection. Enjoy seasonal menus and the very best of locally-sourced South Coast produce at Ramox Café. On weekends, journey to the Homestead & Arthur Boyd’s Studio for a glimpse into the history of Bundanon and stories of the Boyd family. Key exhibition dates: 15 June – 3 July | Changeover period* 4 July – 11 October 2026 | Man On Fire: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar 12 – 30 October 2026 | Changeover period* *During a changeover period, the exhibition galleries will be closed. The Boyd Collection Gallery remains open and reduced ticket price applies.

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on this two-in-one, time-saving tour. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to view the animals, from koalas and platypus to kangaroos and more.

Popular exhibitions and dock access at the Australian National Maritime Museum can be limited on busy days, especially during school holidays. Booking your ticket in advance secures entry on your chosen date and lets you plan your visit with confidence. Choose between access to special exhibitions only or select the Big Ticket, which also includes the outdoor docks and historic vessels moored at Darling Harbour.

Be sure to put a performance by Opera Australia at the iconic Sydney Opera House on your Sydney itinerary. See classic operas by composers like Massenet and Verdi, as well as iconic Broadway musicals, depending on the season. Take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour while enjoying drinks or a meal (own expense) at one of the Opera House's fine dining venues before or after the performance to top off this unforgettable experience.

Explore René Boissevain’s incredible crystal caves on Atherton’s Main Street. Wearing a headlamp and equipped with a guidebook, marvel at Boissevain’s impressive collection of glittering rocks and fossils from around the world. Wind your way through 3,000 square feet (300 square meters) of man-made tunnels and grottoes, capture memorable photographs and pick up a gift at the jewelry shop.

Discover Sydney in comfort on a private highlights tour designed around your group. This experience is ideal for travellers wanting to see the city’s best-known sights without the rigid schedule of a large coach tour. Travel with a local operator in a premium air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a relaxed route that can include Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge viewpoints, The Rocks, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Bondi Beach, Watsons Bay, and other key city and coastal locations depending on timing. Because this is a private experience, the day feels easier, more personal, and more flexible. You can enjoy photo stops, short walks, scenic viewpoints, and time to take in the city properly rather than rushing from stop to stop. This tour is a strong option for first-time Sydney visitors, cruise passengers, families, and anyone wanting a private overview of the city in a comfortable and well-paced format.