Australian Museum
1 William St., Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales
While you could always venture into the outback in search of Australia’s natural wonders, the Australian Museum makes getting up close to the wild a whole lot easier. Wander through air-conditioned hallways filled with more than 40,000 artifacts, including examples of rare native minerals and exotic tropical birds.
Spread out over two floors—complete with cafes, a museum shop, and event space—this museum is worth visiting if you want to get a better understanding of Australia, beyond the cities. Many of the exhibits here focus on Australian wildlife or delve deep into the nation’s Aboriginal roots and link contemporary time to the far-off past. Admission tickets are available online for those who want to save time by pre-booking.
- Discounted admission is available for children aged 5-15; kids under 5 visit free.
- The museum is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, with accessible restrooms.
- There are a number of free mobile apps that you can download ahead of time to enhance your visit.
The museum is located at the corner of College and William streets, across from Hyde Park, opposite St. Mary’s Cathedral. If you’re coming by train, it’s best to get down at St. James Station, Museum Station, or Town Hall Station, all of which are a short walk away.
The Australian Museum is typically open every day, and gets the bulk of its visitors in the late morning and early afternoon, particularly on weekdays, when school groups often stop by. Weekends tend to be less busy. Check the website for special exhibits.
Just around the corner from the Australian Museum sits Hyde Park, the oldest park in the city. This huge space features multiple monuments, statues, fountains, and water features. It's a great place to stroll or picnic throughout the year and plays host to plenty of local events, including the Sydney Festival and ANZAC day celebrations.
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