Wanderyn
National Gallery of Australia
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · AU

National Gallery of Australia

Getting around: On the shores of Lake Burley Griffin near Parliament House, walkable from the parliamentary triangle precinct or a short drive with on-site parking.
Hours: Free entry for the permanent collection, open daily 10am–5pm. Ticketed touring exhibitions may have different hours or timed entry.

Australia's national art collection, notable for its strong Indigenous Australian art holdings (among the most significant collections anywhere) alongside major Australian and international works, including Jackson Pollock's 'Blue Poles'. The building and adjacent sculpture garden are worth the visit alone.

It sits within Canberra's parliamentary triangle, so it's easily combined with Parliament House, the National Museum, and other lakeside institutions in a single day of cultural sightseeing.

National Gallery of Australia FAQs

Is entry free?

Yes, the permanent collection is free; special exhibitions typically carry a ticket price.

What's the gallery's most famous work?

Jackson Pollock's 'Blue Poles' is probably the best-known single work, alongside a major Indigenous Australian art collection.

How long should I spend there?

Two hours for a proper visit, longer if a major touring exhibition is showing.

Is there a sculpture garden?

Yes, an outdoor sculpture garden runs along the lake side of the building, free to walk through.

Is it accessible?

Yes, the gallery is fully accessible with lifts and ramps throughout.

Your travel graph

Ready to plan National Gallery of Australia?Planning a trip soon? Add it to build an itinerary.

Reviews/Comments

No comments yet — be the first.