Museum
The Johnston Collection
The Johnston Collection · Wikimedia Commons · CC0Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Johnston Collection is a hidden gem in Melbourne, housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion. Unlike typical museums, it offers a deeply personal experience through guided tours that reveal the elegance of Georgian, Regency, and Victorian decorative arts. The collection, amassed by the late William Johnston, features fine furniture, porcelain, silver, and textiles, all arranged in room settings that evoke the lifestyle of Melbourne's early wealthy settlers. Visitors are struck by the attention to detail and the stories behind each piece. The tour begins at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park Hotel, where guests gather before being escorted to the nearby house. With a limit of just eight people per tour, the experience feels exclusive and immersive. The gardens are also a highlight, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of East Melbourne.
Don't miss
- Guided tour of the historic house with period room settings
- Exquisite collection of Georgian and Victorian furniture
- Fine porcelain, silver, and decorative arts
- Beautifully manicured gardens
- Intimate small-group experience (max 8 people)
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit The Johnston Collection
You can visit on your own (Paid entry, check official site for tour times and booking. Reservations are essential due to limited capacity). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inEnglish Melbourne Walking Tour4.9★ · 35 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$18 per personSee dates →
Most bookedUltimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture4.9★ · 1,562 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$92 per personSee dates →
Top ratedMelbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops5★ · 146 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$36 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Getting there
Know before you go
- Tours are by appointment only and fill up quickly, book well in advance.
- Photography is not allowed inside the house to preserve the collection.
- Comfortable shoes recommended as the tour involves standing and walking.
- A small gift shop is available with unique souvenirs.
A bit of history
The collection was established by William Johnston, a wealthy antiques dealer and philanthropist, who bequeathed his home and its contents to the public. The museum opened in 1990, offering a rare glimpse into the domestic life of Melbourne's elite in the early 20th century.
Common questions
How do I get to The Johnston Collection?
The tour meets at Pullman Melbourne on the Park Hotel, 192 Wellington Parade. The museum is a short walk from there. Use tram routes 48 or 75, or walk from Parliament Station.
Can I visit without a booking?
No, all visits must be pre-booked as tours are limited to small groups.
Is photography allowed inside?
No, photography is not permitted inside the house to protect the delicate artifacts.
How long is the tour?
The guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, plus time to explore the garden.
Is the museum suitable for children?
The tour is more suited to adults and older children interested in history and decorative arts.
Are there any dining options nearby?
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants along Wellington Parade and in the surrounding East Melbourne area.
More attractions in Melbourne
