10 Best Museums in Sydney

The Australian National Maritime Museum is a popular attraction on the waterfront of Sydney's Darling Harbour. As one of the largest and most diverse in-water fleet museums in the world, there are some incredible ship replicas to explore. 

The museum also has 6 permanent galleries detailing the history and workings of the Royal Australian Navy. It features frequent temporary exhibitions, with a 3D cinema showcasing informative documentaries. Feeling peckish while exploring the museum? Check out the onsite Ripples Maritime Museum, which offers western fare like burgers and paninis. 

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is one of the country’s leading modern art galleries. Located at Circular Quay, the museum is housed inside the former Maritime Services building of late Art Deco design. It showcases more than 4,000 pieces of art from Australian artists, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

With a permanent collection and ever-changing temporary exhibitions, it showcases different art forms and techniques. Optional and free guided tours take place every day. Inside, you can find MCA Café, which offers a modern Australian menu and scenic views of the Sydney Harbour.

The Australian Museum is one of Australia’s oldest museums, having been founded in 1827. Its permanent exhibitions include expansive zoological and anthropological collections, with more than 21 million objects and specimens.

The Australian Museum is free to enter year-round, making it accessible to everyone. Families might enjoy the Prehistoric Playground and children’s activities. With late opening hours on Wednesday, it offers great night entertainment for those who prefer to learn about the natural world during their stay in Sydney. 

The Powerhouse Museum is a modern museum that focuses on science, innovation, and design. It occupies an old converted electric tram in Sydney's Ultimo inner city suburb, around 750 metres south of Darling Harbour. The museum features more than 500,000 items spanning Australian social history, science, technology, transport, and space exploration. 

Some of the temporary exhibitions showcase the Indigenous history, photographic exhibitions, fashion displays, and Australian transport history. The museum has free entry, with guided tours available for those with special needs.

The Hyde Park Barracks is a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Sydney. The former prison details Australia’s convict foundation, its impact on Aboriginal communities, and subsequent immigration history. It displays over 4,000 original artefacts and includes interactive audio technology to guide you through the museum.

A visit lets you follow the footsteps of real prisoners, including their personal stories and belongings. It’s a rare opportunity to learn more about Australia’s colonial past in an authentic way. There's a fee to enter the Hyde Park Barracks, with discounts for family tickets, children and concession.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales displays contemporary, historical, and native art. Founded in 1871, it is housed in a classical-style complex on Sydney Harbour. Since its expansion, it has spread across 2 buildings connected by a public garden.

Although it's one of Australia’s leading art institutions, entry is free to allow just about anyone to learn about the local art scene. With various exhibitions, you can explore a range of art mediums and eras, including modern and Aboriginal art. Free daily guided tours are available, while free performances, films, and special events take place on Wednesday nights.

The Rocks Discovery Museum is a great place to learn about the history of The Rocks area of Sydney. Housed in 3 buildings dating back to 1844, the museum includes archaeological artefacts recovered from the area to tell the history of the waterfront precinct from pre-colonial days to today.

There are 4permanent exhibition rooms, with an engaging virtual tour taking you through the stories of the area and the impact of European settlement. It has a strong emphasis on showing local Aboriginal history through artefacts and photographs. It’s particularly popular for families and school excursions to inform younger generations of the local history.

The Mint in Sydney is one of Australia’s oldest surviving public buildings. Originally part of Governor Macquarie’s hospital for convicts, it later became the first branch of the Royal Mint outside of London. The old coin factory is now home to the Caroline Simpson Library and Research Collection, the Bullion Café, and a public space for hire.

While not much of a museum in terms of traditional displays and exhibitions, it’s a popular attraction for those interested in colonial architecture and landmark buildings. Inside, many of the rooms are still intact, offering an insight into the history of the building. The Mint is free to enter year-round.

The Justice and Police Museum, which occupies an 1890s police station, focuses on Sydney’s dark past. It’s one of the best ways to learn about the history of crime, policing, judges, and illegal activity. Through an impressive archive of photographs and artefacts, you get to learn about notable criminals like bushrangers, gangs, and smugglers. 

You can even visit the 1890s holding cells, offices, charge rooms, and courts to get a feel for the long history of the underworld of Sydney. Only open on weekends, the Justice and Police Museum is easily reached on foot from Circular Quay.