Australian Museum

Visit the Australian Museum (AM), a leading cultural attraction in Sydney with lots to see and do

Floodlit facade of the Australian Museum in Sydney
Floodlit facade of the Australian Museum in Sydney cc licensed photo by Newtown grafitti

Australia’s first ever museum founded in 1827, The Australian Museum offers visitors a great opportunity to explore nature and culture.

"With a mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change, the Australian Museum (AM) is internationally recognised as a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. From transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs – the AM’s year-round program of lively events and exhibitions aim to shine a spotlight on issues important in society today."

An impressive 22 million objects and specimens are on exhibit in the museum's vast collection.

Some attractions you will not want to miss include stories of indigenous Australians, skeletons and facts about insects and dinosaurs. Be sure to check out the precious stones, minerals, fossils and meteorites to give you a great geological perspective of our planet. Another great attraction of the museum is the specimens of native Australian mammals, reptiles, birds and fish. There is also a broad spectrum of both land and marine environments about whose stories are worth hearing. Here, you also get to enjoy numerous artefacts from indigenous Australia, as well as the Pacific.

First Nations guides can teach you about the cultures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Visitors can also learn from scientists and thought leaders at regularly scheduled talks and performances.

Visitors may take flash and video photography in all the permanent and most temporary exhibitions other than the Westpac Long Gallery and First Australians galleries.

Round out your visit with a meal at the No. 1 William rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal and panoramic views of Hyde Park, Sydney Harbour and Cathedral Square.

General entry to the Australian Museum is free.

Nearby attractions: Hyde Park, Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Sydney Town Hall, St. Andrew's Cathedral, St. Mary's Cathedral, and Sydney Tower.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Australian Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: 1 William St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia

Phone: (02) 9320 6000

Official Website: Australian Museum

Australian Museum Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating It is free and you should add it to your checklist if you are visiting Sydney. There is a lot to see. The reconstruction of the dinosaurs is realistic. You can see how much detail they try to recreate. Many other things to watch inside. During my visit there was a special exhibition called Ramses happened. It is nice but for that we need to buy a separate ticket.
Pasindu Ranasinghe - in the last week

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5 Star Rating I recently visited the Australian Museum and was impressed by the variety of exhibits they have on display. The best part? Entry is free! There are many interactive elements, including the chance to touch different animal textures, which adds a hands-on experience that both kids and adults can enjoy. I made my way up to the top level, where signs promised a "harbour view." However, it turns out that to fully enjoy the view, you likely need to dine at the restaurant located there. So, the view comes with a catch. That said, there's also a nice café area with a section for kids, making it convenient for families to grab a bite while the little ones eat and play. Overall, it's a great way to spend a day in the city, especially if you're looking for free activities. There's something for everyone, and it’s a perfect outing for families or anyone curious about history, nature, and more.
Karolein Domadyous - in the last week

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5 Star Rating The Australian Museum in Sydney is a great place to visit with a variety of interesting exhibits, from nature to culture. It’s well-organized and easy to explore, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. The museum features different sections on topics like culture, nature, and animals. It also has good restaurants and clean toilets, making your visit comfortable. A must-see if you're in Sydney! Also,I visited interesting section Ramses & Gold of Pharaohs exhibition at this museum.
Sami Ra - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Very busy during school holidays but doesn't detract from the experience. Plenty to see for free, will be a bit easier to navigate when the renovations are completed. Special exhibitions are best booked prior - today they were all sold out
Robyn Workman - in the last week

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Directions

Train Line Nearest Station Walking Time
T2 , T3 or T8St. James or Museum7 minutes
L2, T1, T2, T3 or T4Town Hall7 minutes

How to get to Australian Museum by Train

By Train: exit at St. James Station; and walk south through Hyde Park then left (east) on Park Street, or at Town Hall Station and walk north on George Street and right (east) on Park Street, or at Museum Station and follow the park to Park and College Street (either is about a 7 minute walk).

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