Museums, Science and Culture

Discover intriguing, extraordinary and wonderful things in Sydney’s museums, among the most popular attractions in the harbour city. You’ll find everything from dinosaurs and ancient artefacts to colonial and indigenous history, tall ships and warships, and even one of Don Bradman's cricket bats.

The Australian Museum, established in 1827, is the nation's oldest museum and contains one of the biggest collections. Near Hyde Park and city centre shops, the museum is home to 10 complete dinosaur skeletons, interactive displays for youngsters, and hosts regular blockbuster exhibitions.

Nearby is the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, one of Australia's 11 World Heritage-listed convict sites. Near Circular Quay is the Museum of Sydney, which is built on the site of the first Government House. You'll see remains of Governor Arthur Phillip's official residence in the forecourt and foyer. 

The Rocks Discovery Museum tells the story of The Rocks, from pre-European days to today. The Powerhouse Museum, near Darling Harbour, is great for interactive technology displays. Always popular is the Australian National Maritime Museum, where you can climb aboard a submarine.

Board the Watsons Bay-bound ferry or a Captain Cook hop-on hop-off service at Circular Quay and alight at Garden Island for the Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre, housed in heritage buildings. You’ll see the conning tower of a Japanese midget submarine that attacked Sydney Harbour in 1942.

Top sports museums are the Sydney Cricket Ground Museum and the Rugby League Museum, both in Moore Park, a quick bus ride from near Museum Station in Hyde Park. The SCG Museum is part of the SCG Experience Tour and includes the Members Pavilion and a walk on the legendary oval.