1. The new Australian Museum
    Photograph: Australian Museum/James Horan
  2. The new Australian Museum
    Photograph: Australian Museum/James Horan
  3. The new Australian Museum
    Photograph: Australian Museum/James Horan
  4. The new Australian Museum
    Photograph: Australian Museum/Alistair MacDougall
  5. The new Australian Museum
    Photograph: Australian Museum/Alistair MacDougall
  6. The new Australian Museum
    Photograph: Australian Museum/Alistair MacDougall
  7. The new Australian Museum
    Photograph: Australian Museum/Alistair MacDougall

Australian Museum

Explore an expansive collection at Sydney's museum of natural history
  • Museums
  • Darlinghurst
Alice Ellis
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Time Out says

The Australian Museum, the country's oldest museum, established in 1827 right here in Old Sydney Town, is the custodian of 21.9 million specimens and cultural objects, including Indigenous and Pacific collections, a precious stones collection and the permanent 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum exhibition.

The Musuem had an extensive $57.5 million reno in 2020, which opened up 3,000 square metres of new public space. 

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.

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 Aboriginal culture and history, and get informed about important issues including the Stolen Generations and deaths in custody.

Museum entry is free, however some touring exhibtions may have a cover fee.

Want more? These are the best museums in Sydney

Details

Address
1 William St
Sydney
2010
Price:
Free entry
Opening hours:
Daily 10am-5pm; closed Christmas Day

What’s on

Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru

You can see one of the most impressive gold collections to ever tour the globe right here in Sydney, at the Australian Museum's exclusive blockbuster summer exhibition – which is now sticking around until May 2025. Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will take you back in time, showcasing more than 130 artefacts that give us a glimpse into the daily lives, spiritual practices and extraordinary achievements of societies in ancient Peru. In addition to the stunning gold collection, you’ll also find other priceless treasures on display, including exquisite jewellery and funerary objects unearthed in royal tombs. The exhibition dives into the rich histories of the diverse and varied ancient civilisations that originated in this enthralling region, including their fascination with natural life cycles, birth, death and human sacrifice. (Our team took a deeper dive over here, and in the video below.) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Sydney (@timeoutsydney) Want to get more out of your visit? You can upgrade your visit to Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru with a thrilling VR experience alongside the exhibition, which takes you on an expedition to the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. With cutting-edge technology, you’ll explore this UNESCO World Heritage site from the comfort of 360-degree motion chairs, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and sensations of this mysterious city in the sky, all without leaving Sydney....
  • History
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