Sydney Museums
The Australian Museum was opened to the public in 1857 and has resided in its current building ever since. Australia's first museum, this historic sandstone building is home to extensive collections of natural science and cultural artefacts.
The museum specialises in the fields of natural history and indigenous research, community programs and exhibitions. It has an enormous collection of more than 14 million specimens, including 5 million insects, 1 million archaeological objects and 70,000 rocks and minerals.
Explore Australia's past inhabitants, discover more about the Earth and its place in the Solar System, or learn more about the sea life that call Sydney Harbour home.
Check out their ever-changing calendar of temporary and visiting exhibitions, special events and performances. The museum also hosts an exceptional calendar of activities and workshops for children.
| Where: | 6 College Street, Sydney (opposite Hyde Park). |
| Open: | Daily from 9.30am to 5.00pm. Closed Christmas Day. |
| Admission: | Adult $10, Children $5 (5 to 15 years), Under 5's are free. Concession card holders and Students $5. Family (2 adults and 2 children) $25. Family (1 adult and 2 children) $17.50. |
| Phone: | +61 (0)2 9320 6000 |
Sitting inside an old power station constructed in 1902 to power Sydney's tram system, the Powerhouse is a science and technology museum that promotes the principle of interaction.
Go on a voyage of discovery as you stroll through the exhibitions exploring science, technology, human achievement and decorative arts. Watch the exhibitions come alive before your eyes and learn how everyday items really work.
Walk through the old boiler house, with its towering smokestacks, and see the turbine and engine houses, and discover the role the building originally played. There are plenty of activities for the kids, with lots of opportunities for them to use their hands and interact with the exhibitions.
Featuring 22 permanent exhibitions, more than 250 interactive displays and an ever-changing program of exhibitions, visitors can experience virtual reality 3D theatres, science experiments, touch screen monitors and informative audio commentary.
| Where: | 500 Harris St, Ultimo, walking distance to Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Central Station, Broadway bus station, and Paddy's Markets Monorail Station. |
| Open: | Daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Closed Christmas Day. |
| Admission: | Adult $10, Children (5-15years) $5, Children under 5 are free. Concession Card Holders $6. Family Pass (2 adults and up to 3 children or 1 adult and up to 5 children) $25. |
| Phone: | +61 (0)2 9217 0111 |
| Website: | The Powerhouse Museum |
The Museum of Sydney sits upon the site of Australia's first Government House, built in 1788 as the home and office for the new colony's Governor, Arthur Phillip. The museum explores the rich, vibrant history of Sydney from its humble beginnings to the bustling metropolis it is today.
Step inside and explore the remnants of Australia's first Government House. Gaze through the floor to the uncovered pipes and foundations below, or view the full size recreation of a section of the house.
The museum explores colonial and contemporary Sydney through exhibitions of objects, artefacts and pictures. Stare in amazement as a giant video screen portrays panoramic views of Sydney from 1788 until today and watch the remarkable change that has taken place.
Please note:
No Photography is permitted in the Museum.
All floors have disabled access. A hearing aid loop is available in the AGL theatre, and large print guides are available.
| Where: | Corner of Bridge and Phillip Streets, Circular Quay. |
| Open: | Daily from 9:30am to 5.00pm, except Christmas Day & Good Friday. |
| Admission: | Adult $10, Child and Concession $5, Family Pass $20. |
| Phone: | +61 (0)2 9251 5988 |
| Website: | The Museum of Sydney |
The main purpose of the Sydney Jewish Museum is to document and educate on the history of the dark period of the Holocaust. The museum offers visitors the chance to explore this period of history and the events surrounding it.
This dignified and moving environment features audiovisual displays of those affected and the impact it had, as well as images and artefacts from the area. It presents visitors with an overview of the best and worst of humanity and challenges the perceptions of democracy, morality, social justice and human rights.
The museum also documents Jewish life in Australia from the arrival of the First Fleet until the present time.
Browse the unique range of gifts in the Museum Gift Shop, or dine on Jewish delicacies in the Kosher Café.
| Where: | 148 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst. |
| Open: | Sunday to Thursday 10.00am to 4.00pm, Fridays from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Closed Saturdays and Jewish Holy Days. |
| Admission: | Adult $10, Students and Seniors $7, Children $6. Family (2 adults and children under 16) $22. |
| Phone: | +61 (0)2 9360 7999 |
| Website: | The Sydney Jewish Museum |
Read diary excerpts, see old clothing and precious mementos as you explore the history of sea journeys, from the convict era to the massive modern cruise liners of today. View relics from ships that wrecked along the coast line, and discover what conditions were like for immigrants making the voyage to Australia.
Step on board the HMAS Vampire, a retired Royal Australian Navy destroyer, or take a peak at Australia II, winner of the 1983 America's Cup. Explore a replica of Captain Cook's ship, the HMB Endeavour. Voyage underwater and climb down into the heart of the HMAS Onslow, a navy submarine.
