Australian Museum

The Australian Museum, the country's oldest museum, established in 1827 right here in Old Sydney Town, is the custodian of more than 22 million specimens and objects. That includes the Indigenous and Pacific collections, a precious stones collection and the permanent 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum and Surving Australia exhibitions. Suffice to say, you'll be well entertained on a trip here. 

Located in the heart of the city, opposite Hyde Park, and close to Museum Station and the Gadigal Metro, planning a cultural expedition is a breeze. Explore new fossils, life-size displays and interactive elements in the free exhibition that features Aussie animals from the prehistoric era, to now.

Other displays cover the Pacific Islands, Asia, Africa and the Americas, with items ranging from Aboriginal kids' toys to a tattooed chalk head from the Solomon Islands. With authenticity at its core, the Australian Museum is committed to First Nations truth telling and knowledge sharing, led by a First Nation's team. Little ones will learn too at Burra, the free learning space for younger visitors, which weaves in First Nations knowledge about burra (the eel).

The Westpac Long Gallery, dinosaurs exhibition and Wild Planet spaces are award-winning, solidifying the institution as Sydney's go-to 'dinosaur museum', among other things. Heaps of new exhibitions drop in every year, including the legendary annual National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition, alongside other large scale blockbusters, like the recent Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs and Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru.

The Musuem had an extensive $57.5 million reno in 2020, which opened up 3,000 square metres of new public space. And now, after a section was closed in 2025 for some extensive renovations, the new Surviving Australia exhibition is open, and here to stay as a permanent fixture alongside the updated Wansolmoana, Garrigarrang, Minerals Gallery collections.

Any serious museum-tripper should see a few of the local stuffed animals, and the displays should answer all your questions about Australian mammals. Visit the Indigenous Australia section for an education in 65,000 years of First Nations culture and history.

Don't miss the after-hours experiences, like the late-night Jurassic Lounge, and Early Birds for sensory-friendly mornings. 

With free general entry, it's one of the best-value days out in the city. Check it out seven days a week, all year (except Christmas day).

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