Learn more about the story of Chinese-Australians with this guide to Melbourne’s Chinese Museum
Did you know that the Chinese-Australians in Melbourne have a significant and long history that dates back to the 1850s? It all started with the discovery of gold (commonly referred to as the Gold Rush), which drove the first wave of Chinese migration to Victoria.
Early migrants faced strict laws and racism, but were able to settle along Little Burke Street, which later developed into Melbourne’s Chinatown.
Eventually, the Chinese Museum was built there to preserve and celebrate the early struggles that led to the thriving Chinese-Australian community in Melbourne, and it’s a great place to start if you want to learn more about their history.
Where is the Chinese Museum?
Image Source: Google Maps
The Chinese Museum (Officially the Museum of Chinese Australian History) is one of the top attractions within the Melbourne Chinatown. It’s meant to document and preserve the history and culture of Chinese-Australians.
How to get to the Chinese Museum
Via bus: Bus lines 252, 302, 304, 907, and 908 all have stops at Cohen Place, which is the closest to the museum.
Via train and tram: For trams, routes 86 and 96 pass by Stop 7, which will only take a short walk to get to the museum. For trains, take a city loop train to Parliament Station. You can just walk to the museum from there.
Via taxi/ride-sharing platforms: You can take a taxi or a ride-sharing vehicle directly to the museum. Just let the driver know about the destination.
Via private car: Using your Google Maps or Waze app, type “Chinese Museum” or “Museum of Chinese Australian History” and it’ll show you the best route to get there.
The museum itself doesn’t have its own parking space, but you can find paid parking at nearby establishments such as the Comedy Theatre and The Paramount Centre.
What to do and see in the Chinese Museum
1. View historical exhibits
Media credit: Chinese Museum
Website: http://www.chinesemuseum.com.au/
Address: Chinatown Melbourne, 22 Cohen Pl, Melbourne
Phone: +61396622888
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The exhibits are the heart of the museum, where they display records and artifacts of migration, invention, and artistry. Every floor showcases a different theme, exploring the deep-rooted relationship between China and Australia.
At the top floor lies the “One Million Stories” exhibit, which showcases the 200-year journey of migration. There’s also the “Finding Gold” exhibit, showcasing life during the Australian gold rush.
The museum offers more exhibits that are truly immersive and interesting. But overall, there are about 8,000 pieces of artifacts displayed, ranging from clothing, tools, documents, and more.
2. Join adult group tours
Media credit: Chinese Museum
The museum offers guided tours for groups of 10 or more. Through these tours, you’ll learn about Australia’s Chinese culture and experience the community.
To top it off, these tours aren’t limited to the walls of the museum.
You can also tour Melbourne’s Chinatown or make it a 2-in-1 package, combining your museum visit with a walking tour at this historic place.
And not only that, after the tour, you can extend it further with a Yum Cha lunch experience arranged by the museum for you!
3. Join traditional art workshops
Media credit: Chinese Museum
If you’re interested in arts and crafts, you’ll surely enjoy the art workshops at the museum. You’ll get to learn how to craft traditional Chinese art pieces.
Some of the workshops are dragon puppet making, Chinese paper cutting, Chinese knotting, and so much more.
While most of these sessions are for schools, they can also be held for adults upon request.
4. Visit the library
Media credit: Chinese Museum
If you’re curious to find out more about the Chinese-Australian heritage, you’ll find your answers at the museum’s private library.
You’ll find fiction and non-fiction books, theses, and academic papers about the Chinese settlement in Australia.
Although it’s commonly used by staff and volunteers for the development of exhibits and public programs, it’s available to the museum members by appointment.
This membership isn’t free, but it’s pretty affordable for an annual subscription. You’ll also get other perks aside from library access, like free entry and invitations to exclusive events.
What’s nearby
1. Melbourne Chinatown
Media credit: Melbourne Chinatown
Website: http://chinatownmelbourne.com.au/
Address: Little Bourke St, Melbourne
Phone: +61474043600
Operating hours: 24 hours
Since you’re visiting the museum anyway, why not tour Chinatown as well? It’s where the Chinese Museum is located, and you’ll get to explore and know more about the vibrant Chinese community here.
The street is laced with red and gold, the aroma of food fills the air, and if you get lucky, you might even witness events and festivals.
Frankly, a visit to the museum isn’t complete without experiencing Chinatown because it offers more than the exhibits and documents; you’ll get to live the history.
2. Adventure rooms
Media credit: Adventure Rooms Melbourne
Website: https://adventurerooms.com.au/melbourne-rooms/
Address: The Causeway, Basement/306 Little Collins St
Phone: +61396500423
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday 11:45 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 11:45 pm
- Sunday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
If you want something challenging that would put your mind to the test, the Adventure Rooms are just a short stroll away from the museum. They offer games that put you and your group into an escape room, and race against the clock to solve clues and break free.
Each room has a different theme, and you’ll be given 60 minutes to complete the challenge. It’s a great way for families and friend groups to bond and work together.
There are themes like mysterious laboratories, prison break, mafia mystery, and more.
2. QV
Media credit: QV Melbourne
Website: https://www.qv.com.au/
Address: Cnr Lonsdale Street
Phone: +61392079200
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Just about a block away from the Museum, you can transform a simple museum visit into an ultimate shopping spree at QV. Named after Queen Victoria, QV is a place with hubs of dining, shopping, and entertainment.
If you’re into shopping, you’ll find brands like Uniqlo, Country Road, and JB Hi-Fi. There are also smaller boutiques offering local and handcrafted items.
But food is where QV really shines. The dining options are pretty vast, ranging from quick bites and cafés to international cuisines and fine dining.
Then there are entertainment options like arcades and lifestyle spaces like gyms and wellness studios.
Where to eat near the Chinese Museum
1. Hofbräuhaus
Media credit: Hofbräuhaus Melbourne
Website: http://www.hofbrauhaus.com.au/
Address: 18-28 Market Ln, Melbourne
Phone: +61348322205
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Visiting the museum and touring the surrounding attractions can be exhausting, and calls for a hearty meal that refuels your stomach and spirit.
Hofbräuhaus is one of Melbourne’s oldest German restaurants, that’s been open since 1968. It’s known for being lively and serving big plates of German delights and steins of beer.
Aside from German classic meals like schnitzels and wurst, the place is always buzzing with live entertainment and games.
It’s the place where you’ll get to experience a real Oktoberfest!
So, if you’re going to dine here, you’ve got to work up an appetite. This is a place for those who know how to appreciate the noise and Germany’s version of comfort food.
2. Stalactites Restaurant
Media credit: Stalactites Restaurant
Website: http://www.stalactites.com.au/
Address: 177/183 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Phone: +61396633316
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday 11:00 am – 12:00 am
- Friday to Saturday 11:00 am – 2:00 am
If you’re more into Greek food, the Stalactites Restaurant is another long-standing dining place in the area that’s been serving since 1978. The name isn’t just for show, since they have a ceiling of “stalactites” that give the restaurant a cave-like vibe.
The menu revolves around classic Greek comfort food. There are gyro platters, grilled meats, and their bestselling souvlakis.
There’s even a banquet option for groups or families of five or more.
They’re open 24 hours, so they’re an ideal spot for a great meal any time of day.
3. Hakata Gensuke
Media credit: Hakata Gensuke
Website: http://www.gensuke.com.au/
Address: 168 Russell St, Melbourne
Phone: +61396636342
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:30 am – 10:00 pm
If ramen is calling your name, Hakata Gensuke is a go-to spot for that warm and comforting bowl, offering 20 different flavors of ramen.
The flavors of their ramen are inspired by Hakata, Japan. The broth is simmered for 24 hours, resulting in a rich and full-bodied flavor.
To top it all off, the toppings are fresh, and the meat slices are melt-in-your-mouth tender.
The bottom line is, your choices matter here. You can choose your noodle texture and customize your own toppings and add-ons.
Where to stay near the Chinese Museum
1. Rydges
Media credit: Rydges Hotels
Website: https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/melbourne-vic/melbourne-cbd/
Address: 186 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC
Phone: +61396620511
Rydges is one of the most convenient and closest options to the Chinese Museum, with just a short walk away. And it’s not just the museum; the Chinatown, malls, and major attractions are also within reach.
The rooms here are spacious and equipped with amenities like smart TVs and coffee makers. It’s even fancier if you choose the suites, as you’ll get to enjoy a kitchenette, lounge room, laundry space, and more.
If we talk about facilities, they have a gym, a rooftop pool, and their own restaurant, which is perfect if you’re after a bed and breakfast service.
2. Grand Chancellor Hotel
Media credit: Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
Website: https://www.grandchancellorhotels.com/hotel-grand-chancellor-melbourne
Address: Chinatown Melbourne, 131 Lonsdale St,
Phone: +61396564000
Another excellent option that sits close to the museum is the Grand Chancellor Hotel. This four-star hotel offers rooms that come in a variety of categories: classic, superior, and premier.
Expect clean, comfortable, and well-equipped rooms that are ready to welcome you after a long day. Some of the higher-tier rooms even offer exceptional views of the city.
They also have other facilities like a fitness center, conference rooms, and their very own rooftop pool.
You won’t have to worry about food and drinks, as they also have their own bar and restaurant. While it’s a given that most guests will prefer to explore dining options around Chinatown, it’s a great touch, especially for breakfast.
3. Brady Hotels & Apartments
Media credit: Brady Hotels and Apartments
Website: https://www.bradyhotels.com.au/central-melbourne/
Address: 30 Little La Trobe St, Melbourne
Phone: +61396509888
The apartment-style rooms at Brady Hotels are more compact and private, but still comfortable and stylish. The windows are floor-to-ceiling, which is perfect if you’re after capturing impressive views of the surrounding area from a unique perspective.
It’s perfect for travellers who are staying longer, as the hotel offers options such as studio and 2-bedroom units.
All units come with free Wi-Fi, Chromecast, a kitchen, and laundry facilities.
Brady Hotels is another great option due to its prime location near top attractions in Melbourne, including the Chinese Museum.