The Archibald Prize 2025 is the perfect excuse for a family day out!
We love Geelong Gallery and there’s something truly special about seeing Australia’s most celebrated portrait prize up close. The 2025 Archibald exhibition is bursting with colour, creativity, and stories that will spark conversations.
The portraits are bold and thought-provoking, and there’s often something new that catches our kids’ attention. This year’s show features 57 finalist artworks, each chosen for its ability to capture the essence of its subject, whether a famous face or a local hero.
A Family-Friendly Experience of the Archibald Prize Geelong
First up, don’t miss the Kid’s Trail, a free activity booklet available at the entrance. We pick one up for our youngest and it turns the exhibition into a fun art treasure hunt — encouraging them to look closely, count details, and talk about what they see.
The Archibald Prize exhibition takes us about an hour to get through.
For toddlers and preschoolers, the Gallery Tots program (Fridays, 9.30–10.00am) is a lovely way to introduce art through storytelling and play-based activities. It’s free but bookings are essential, and children must be accompanied by an adult. It’s a gentle, interactive start to exploring the gallery environment without any pressure to stay still for long.
Families who prefer a quieter visit can book a Relaxed Session, held before regular opening hours. These sessions are perfect if you have children who benefit from a calmer environment with fewer crowds and softer lighting.
Related post: 39 Best Things to Do in Geelong with Kids
Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
Geelong Gallery has gone the extra mile to make the Archibald accessible for all visitors. Large print labels are available to download onto your device, and there are audio and Auslan tours via the Art Gallery of NSW website — just bring your own headphones. We find the audio descriptions a great way to deepen our understanding of certain portraits, especially with older kids keen to know more about the artists’ stories.
Timed entry tickets help keep the gallery comfortable and crowd-free. We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes before your session — you’ll need about an hour to explore at a relaxed pace.
Extend Your Visit — Eat, Drink, and Play Nearby
Geelong Gallery is perfectly positioned in the city’s vibrant arts precinct, so it’s easy to make a full day of it. You’ll find plenty of family-friendly places nearby for lunch or a treat. If you show your Archibald ticket, you can also enjoy special offers at local venues, such as:
- Tutti Café – a lunch menu inspired by Archibald artworks and a $10 coffee and cake special.
- Caruggi – Archibald-themed cocktails and mocktails.
- Anther Distillery – 10% off all products and total bill (for the grown-ups).
We grab lunch nearby, then spend some time in Johnstone Park— it’s the perfect spot for kids to run around after being indoors.
Making Faces
Geelong Gallery is also hosting Making Faces — Beci Orpin (until Monday 9 February 2026), an interactive installation in the Gallery’s Learn Space.
Bright, playful, and full of hands-on creativity, this colourful exhibition invites children and families to explore portraiture in imaginative new ways.
Entry fees apply, but it’s well worth adding to your visit, especially if you’re bringing little ones.
Getting There
The Geelong Gallery is at 55 Little Malop Street, right by Johnstone Park.
- By Train: Just a 3-minute walk from Geelong Railway Station.
- By Car: Around 60 minutes from Melbourne CBD.
- By Bus: A short walk from Geelong Railway Station or the Moorabool Street interchange.
- By Ferry: If you want to make a day trip of it, Port Phillip Ferries runs weekend services from Docklands to Geelong. The gallery is a 15-minute stroll from Cunningham Pier, and ferry + gallery ticket packages are available.
We’ve done the train and ferry options before — it’s such a fun way to travel with kids and makes the day feel like a mini adventure.
Tickets and Entry Details
The Archibald Prize 2025 runs from Saturday 30 August to Sunday 9 November 2025.
- Adult: $24
- Concession: $20
- Child: $13
- Members: $17
Tickets are timed and should be booked online at to avoid queues. You can also buy tickets in person, but online is much easier — especially on weekends.
AGNSW Members receive free entry upon showing a valid membership card.
Don’t Forget to Vote!
Before you leave, don’t miss the chance to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award. You can scan the QR code at the exit to have your say — it’s always fun to see whether your favourite portrait matches the popular vote.
Archibald Prize Exhibition FAQs
When is the Archibald Prize 2025 showing at Geelong Gallery?
From Saturday 30 August to Sunday 9 November 2025.
Do I need to book a time slot?
Yes, tickets are timed to manage visitor numbers and avoid long waits. Book online in advance to secure your preferred time.
How long should we allow for our visit?
Most families will spend around an hour exploring the exhibition.
Can I bring a pram?
Yes, the gallery is pram-accessible and has lifts.
Are the Wynne and Sulman Prizes on display too?
No, Geelong Gallery is only hosting the Archibald Prize 2025 finalists.
Is there a People’s Choice Award?
Yes — you can vote once per person via QR code at the exit.
Are there any special programs for kids?
Yes! Pick up a free Kid’s Trail for self-guided fun, or join Gallery Tots on Fridays (ages 18 months–4 years).
Is it worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely. The exhibition is vibrant, engaging, and full of portraits that spark questions and conversation. The kid-friendly activities make it accessible and fun for all ages.
