Museums in Sydney

A passion for the past? Then head for Sydney’s museums, which are among the city’s most popular attractions, showcasing everything from dinosaur skeletons to cultural artefacts.

Explore Sydney’s fascinating museums

Visit the Sydney Cricket Ground Museum and see sporting legend Don Bradman’s 1946 bat and his Baggy Green cap. Convict history comes to life at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum on Macquarie Street, a stroll from the Art Gallery of NSW.

The Sydney Jewish Museum is a short walk from Kings Cross train station.

The Hyde Park Barracks Museum, one of Australia’s 11 World Heritage-listed convict sites. Also on Macquarie Street is the State Library of NSW, which has beautiful maps documenting early European exploration.

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 family friendly Rocks Discovery Museum tells the story of The Rocks from pre-European days to the present.

The Powerhouse Museum, near Darling Harbour, focuses on applied arts and sciences, with plenty of interactive experiences. Always popular is the Australian National Maritime Museum, also at Darling Harbour, where you can explore a tall ship or submarine and browse galleries of maritime memorabilia.

Top destinations for sports fans are the Sydney Cricket Ground Museum and the Heroes and Legends Rugby League Museum, both in Moore Park. The SCG Museum is part of a guided tour that includes the Members Pavilion and a walk on the legendary oval.