Australian Museum
Visit the Australian Museum (AM), a leading cultural attraction in Sydney with lots to see and do
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: NoAustralian 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 – 9:00 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 out of 5
A must-visit in Sydney! I absolutely LOVED it. Absolutely incredible! This museum is free, modern, and simply breathtaking. The children's area is unbelievably well-designed, making it a fantastic experience for families. Everything is beautifully curated, ethical, and emotionally moving—a perfect blend of history, innovation, and storytelling.
I was genuinely blown away by how well-executed and engaging it is. And the fact that such an amazing place is completely free makes it even more impressive.
Ludmilla Maia - 2 weeks ago
Great museum where most of the displays are free to view. Other than the main attraction this museum is free to the public. It has both stairs and elevators inside, making it easy for visitors to get around. It also provides a café area for snacks and drinks with plenty of seating. The gift shop has an array of items for all price points.
If you want to visit the current main attraction I’d advise booking ahead to make sure you can get in.
Overall a lovely museum and with a few hours to visit.
Jennifer Brown - 3 weeks ago
I have now been quite a few time to this sophisticated, very modern, convenient and beautiful museum in the centre of Sydney. What always surprises me is the amount of kids I meet there each time, meaning our future generation is interested in history, culture, art.
The staff there is super helpful and friendly.
Just yesterday I attended a mind-blowing Machu Picchu Exhibition with some relicts of 4000 years of age.
Thank you for being outstanding.
Oksana Roma - a week ago
Easy to get to especially via public transport.
Very clean and spacious, easy to get around the exhibitions, great access for disabled and wheelchairs.
Exhibitions themselves are absolutely amazing, such beautiful artefacts form so many different places.
The touring Exhibitions are some of the best I've seen.
Well worth the visit
Karina Heckenberg - 3 weeks ago
Incredible! Just go. The museum's permanent collection is free. Special exhibitions require a ticket and entry fee. The museum is large and one could spend hours here. There is a great kids area with activities and reading nook. The museum has a large sitting area and cafe in addition to a gift shop.
L Dilley - a month ago
Directions
| Train Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| T2 , T3 or T8 | St. James or Museum | 7 minutes |
| L2, T1, T2, T3 or T4 | Town Hall | 7 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).
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Australian Museum:
Photo Gallery
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A Mammoth Display at the Australian Museum cc licensed photo by Ben Newcomer -
Enjoying an evening at the Australian Museum Photo by Anna Kucera courtesy of of the Australian Museum -
Enjoying an evening at the Australian Museum Photo by Anna Kucera courtesy of of the Australian Museum -
Enjoying an evening at the Australian Museum Photo by Anna Kucera courtesy of of the Australian Museum -
Photo Credit: JC Merriman - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: David McDonald45 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JC Merriman - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: David McDonald45 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JC Merriman - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JC Merriman - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JC Merriman - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JC Merriman - cc license via Flickr
Video
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