Culture, art and heritage

Embrace the great indoors and uncover a world bursting with colour, intrigue, and romanticism. 

The corridors of art galleries transport you to a time long ago, a time familiar, even a time hoped for. 

The stories that are secured on the walls or behind glass are many and varied: dramatic, thought-provoking, subtle, intricate, controversial.

Victoria’s art galleries are among the most impressive in the land. It's time to explore some of the best.    

1. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

Put simply, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s premier art gallery, delivering world-class collections across two sites. Outstanding European, American, and Asian art is among the 70,000-plus works at NGV International, which also hosts significant temporary exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia has more Australian art than anywhere in the world. Enjoy a gripping historical journey that extends from the colonial era to present day.

Parks nearby: BIG4 Dandenong Tourist Park or BIG4 Melbourne Holiday Park.

2. Art Gallery of Ballarat

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is one of Australia’s best regional galleries and is a visual reminder of the wealth that flowed during Victoria’s gold-rush days. The nation’s oldest regional gallery has a booming Australian collection that guides you through an extensive period and features works from some of our biggest artists.

Parks nearby:  BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park or NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park.

3. Bendigo Art Gallery

Earning just as much attention as its Goldfields neighbour is Bendigo Art Gallery. It delivers a visual feast thanks to a wide variety of art, including incredibly striking pieces as well as a series of works concentrating on the local goldfields. To complement this permanent collection, Bendigo has an exhibition program that’s the envy of many.

Parks nearby: BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park, BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park, or BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks - Bendigo

4. Castlemaine Art Museum

The art deco-style Castlemaine Art Museum is a great attraction for a rainy day. Another Goldfields region gem, its focus is on Australian art, notably important works from the late 1800s from some of the nation’s most revered artists.

Park nearby: BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park.

5. TarraWarra Museum of Art, near Healesville

Modern Australia is the focus at TarraWarra Museum of Art, a stunning building located in the scenic surrounds of the Yarra Valley wine region. Open since 2003, TarraWarra emerged on the back of a superb private collection and has thrived ever since. 

Park nearby: BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park.

6. Benalla Art Gallery

Beat the winter chill with a visit to Benalla Art Gallery. This popular Victorian gallery has an almighty collection, and the works of big-name Australian artists – including Arthur Streeton, Sidney Nolan, and Frederick McCubbin – give it immense appeal. A quality assortment of indigenous art provides further reason to visit.

Park nearby: BIG4 Wangaratta North Cedars Holiday Park.

7. The Convent, Daylesford

The Convent highlights the region’s penchant for indulgence. This attraction is housed in a restored 19th-century Victorian mansion, and variable eye-catching art is spread over three levels. If the weather is kind, this vantage point provides spectacular views over Daylesford and surrounds that are as pretty as a picture.

Park nearby: Daylesford Holiday Park.

8. Shepparton Art Museum

A brand-new, four-storey site opened in November 2021 and houses an impressive selection curated over time. The crowning jewel is a huge Australian and international ceramics collection, which grabs much attention. Supporting this is captivating contemporary art among many other pleasing finds. As a bonus, the new building features a rooftop viewing deck.

Park nearby: BIG4 Shepparton Park Lane Holiday Park or Shepparton Holiday Park and Village.

9. Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery

This coastal region is peppered with alluring galleries, led by Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery. If the weather is preventing you from witnessing the region’s natural beauty firsthand, this attraction offers a fine alternative. There is a pronounced local focus where works allow you to admire the peninsula’s endless eye candy through the eyes of revered artists.

Park nearby: BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park.

10. Hamilton Gallery

Highly regarded for its fine and decorative arts collection, Hamilton Gallery is a must-visit attraction in the Grampians region. Striking silver and glass objects form part of this internationally important collection, and elsewhere a solid assortment of Australian paintings can be admired.

Parks nearby: Grampians.

11. Geelong Gallery

If Mother Nature is giving this city a hard time, a stroll through Geelong Gallery will lift the spirits. A plethora of visual delights are housed in this grand historical building; and spacious viewing areas brilliantly showcase the diverse collection. Don’t miss iconic works of local sights that have been captured by renowned artists.

Parks nearby: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon and BIG4 Bellarine Holiday Park.

12. Warrnambool Art Gallery

Diversity is a feature of the Warrnambool Art Gallery, which has a history dating to 1886. The various artistic styles and extensive heritage ensure it’s a gallery with widespread appeal.

Parks nearby:  BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks - Warrnambool, NRMA Warrnambool Riverside Holiday Park and BIG4 Port Fairy Holiday Park.

Don’t just picture yourself on holidays – begin your cultural escape with BIG4. It starts here.

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