Must-visit museums in Sydney

Museums in the city

Museum of Sydney

One of the dozen Museums of History NSW venues helping celebrate NSW heritage, the Museum of Sydney was built around Australia's first government house to preserve the stories of one of the most pivotal locations in the country's early history. The state's founding governor, Arthur Phillip, called this location home, and for decades it hosted some of the most important legal events that shaped Sydney, NSW and Australia. Visitors can view original parts of the building as well as a rotating series of exhibitions and events that dive into the state’s colonial history, including a favourite based on the First Fleet ships.

Getting there: Just steps from the Circular Quay train station, ferry wharf, light rail station and bus stops. Parking is limited in the area, so we suggest taking public transport.

Museum of Sydney, Sydney City

Justice and Police Museum

You'll have no trouble respecting the authority of the Justice and Police Museum, which solves the mysteries of some of the state's darkest tales. One of the great Sydney history museums, it occupies the former home of the Water Police and the site of some of the biggest legal proceedings of 1800s New South Wales. The museum offers a peek into that past with everything from original holding cells to forensic evidence from notorious crimes. It’s also a great day out for kids, with plenty of eye-opening and educational activities for little ones.

Getting there: As with the Museum of Sydney, the best way to get here is via public transport to Circular Quay – from here, it’s a short walk to the museum.

Justice and Police Museum - Credit: James Horan/Sydney Living Museums

Powerhouse Ultimo

The Powerhouse Ultimo prides itself on having a contemporary focus on arts, science, innovation and design. There are several permanent exhibitions, complemented by changing temporary exhibitions and displays, many offering a deep dive into Australian culture. Look forward to regular tours, workshops, forums and other special events held throughout the year.

Getting there: Take the train to Central Station or light rail to Paddy’s Markets and walk down, or catch the 501 bus, which stops right outside the museum. Paid parking is also available in the area.

Please note: Powerhouse Ultimo is temporarily closed as it undergoes a significant heritage revitalisation that will deliver new and expanded spaces to showcase the museum's renowned collection and present exclusive international exhibitions. Powerhouse will continue to present programs at Powerhouse Castle Hill and Sydney Observatory during this time.

Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo

Australian National Maritime Museum

Set sail for adventure at the beloved Australian National Maritime Museum, a pillar of Darling Harbour. There's always fun afloat with a range of rotating exhibitions, not to mention permanent fixtures and a fleet of vessels to climb aboard and explore. An experience unlike other museum visits, this is a chance for the whole family to see what it's like to live, work, battle and explore on – and under – the high seas.

Getting there: The museum is just a 20-minute walk from Town Hall Station, there’s a light rail stop across the road, the 389 bus stop just outside the door or there's paid parking nearby.

Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour

Australian Museum

As if the name didn't give it away, the Australian Museum is what many consider to be the crown jewel of the Sydney museum scene. The country's oldest museum (coincidentally located next to the country's oldest park) re-opened bigger and better than ever in late 2020 after major refurbishments. Today, it houses a staggering collection of more than 20 million pieces, including a sizeable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection celebrating our First Nations history and contemporary culture. Regular events and workshops are an added bonus.

Getting there: Take a train or bus to Town Hall, St James or Museum stations, all of which are a short walk away. There are also several parking garages nearby, some with discounted parking for museum visitors.

Australian Museum, Sydney City

Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Just a short jaunt from the Australian Museum sits the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, which transports you back to the convict history upon which much of modern-day Australia was built. Set in an original building constructed to house convicts in NSW’s early colonial days, the museum offers an immersive, interactive tour that takes advantage of audio and video technology for a next-level museum experience.

Getting there: St James and Martin Place stations are a short walk away, while bus stops on nearby Elizabeth Street and Macquarie Street are also good options. There is also a paid car park at the Domain.

Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney City

Museums around the city

Sydney Jewish Museum, Darlinghurst

Since opening in 1992, the Sydney Jewish Museum has been teaching visitors about the Holocaust and its long-lasting impacts through more than 12,000 artefacts and 1,000 testimonials. But its lessons don't stop there, as it also hosts extensive, detailed exhibits on the history of Judaism and Jewish involvement in Australia's military.

Getting there: The 311 and 389 buses both stop close to the museum. Kings Cross Station is less than a 10-minute walk and Museum Station is a 15-minute walk. There's also limited metered street parking and the nearby St Vincent's Hospital car park.

Sydney Jewish Museum, Darlinghurst

Qtopia, Darlinghurst

The largest museum and cultural centre for queer history and culture in the world, this welcoming space is devoted to the memory, education and celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, and hosts a program of events and performances. Housed in the heritage-listed former Darlinghurst Police Station, Qtopia opened in 2024 with 18 exhibitions spanning five major themes: HIV/AIDS, human rights, sexuality and identity, media representation and First Nations stories.

Getting there: Bus lines 200, 311, 333, 396 and 440 stop near Qtopia Sydney. The walk from both Kings Cross and Museum stations is approximately 15 minutes in duration.

Inside QTopia, the largest museum and cultural centre for queer history and culture in the world, Darlinghurst

Sydney Cricket Ground Museum, Moore Park

It's hard to talk about Australian culture without mentioning the huge role sport plays in it. As the state's most historic sporting venue, the Sydney Cricket Ground has been the site of many of the country's greatest sporting triumphs. The SCG Museum, part of the SCG Tour, paints a picture of some of the most memorable athletic moments on Australian soil, with one-of-a-kind memorabilia and first-hand accounts of the people who lived it.

Getting there: The Moore Park light rail stop is close to the gates and a number of buses also run past the SCG. Paid parking is also available.

Sydney Cricket Ground

Museums further afield

Museum of Fire, Penrith

Step inside Penrith's aptly named Museum of Fire to be immersed in the intriguing world of – you guessed it – fire and firefighting. Traversing the history of firefighting in Australia from military brigades to the formation of Fire and Rescue NSW as the organisation we know them as today, a visit makes for a fun-filled day out with the family. The junior firefighter’s area is a particular highlight, featuring fire safety activities, puzzles, books, toys and fire truck cabins which the kids can climb into. And perhaps most excitingly: fire engine rides are available on scheduled days (so be sure to check dates and book ahead of time).

Getting there: The Museum of Fire is a 50-minute drive from the Sydney CBD. Free onsite parking is available.

Museum of Fire, Penrith

NSW Rail Museum, Thirlmere

Sure to be a hit with all Thomas the Tank Engine fans, venture back in time with Australia’s largest collection of heritage rolling stock and a diverse range of interactive exhibits at the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere. On weekends and during school holidays, jump aboard the regular heritage train rides; climb aboard the cab of an old steam locomotive, a mail van and a prison van; and visit the Great Train Hall to see an impressive collection of locomotives, carriages and wagons. Also don’t miss the chance to view ‘behind the scenes’ maintenance of the heritage fleet at the Roundhouse.

Getting there: Located approximately 95km from the CBD, by car the NSW Rail Museum is about one hour and 15 minutes from the city. 

NSW Rail Museum, Thirlmere

Powerhouse Castle Hill

Powerhouse Castle Hill is the new home for the storage, conservation and display of the Powerhouse Collection, which includes more than 500,000 objects. It has been constructed to international museum standards and features a visible store, allowing public viewing into the 3,000-square-metre Large Object storage area that stores the museum’s transport collection. Open and free to the public every weekend, education programs, workshops, talks and exhibitions will be hosted in the new space.

Getting there: Located approximately 36km from the CBD, Powerhouse Castle Hill is about a 40-minute drive from the city, and offers onsite parking. Alternatively, the closest metro station is Hills Showground, and bus routes 601, 626, 633 and 651 run throughout the day from Hills Showground to the TAFE, Green Road bus stop.

Powerhouse Castle Hill

Camden Museum, Camden

The Camden Museum offers a deep dive into Australian Aboriginal history. Located at the intersection of three tribal councils, the story of Camden is intricately interwoven with that of the nation as a whole. Learn more about it through hundreds of documents and artefacts donated to the museum over the years.

Getting there: Located about 70 kilometres southwest of the CBD, the Camden Museum is around an hour's drive from the city.

Camden Museum, Camden