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Top 10 Specialty Museums in Central Business District, New South Wales
Sydney offers plenty of historical and contemporary Australian flavor. The marvelous Sydney Opera House looks like a great origami sailboat, floating peacefully in a harbor. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of The Rocks and then take in a street performance on the Circular Quay before heading into the Museum of Contemporary Art. The views from the Sydney Tower Eye observatory are epic – use this chance to get to know the layout of the city from high above.
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1. Hyde Park Barracks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,112 reviews
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in the heart of Sydney, the Hyde Park Barracks is an extraordinary living record of early colonial Australia. Originally built to house convicts, the barracks has also served as an immigration depot, asylum, law courts and government offices. Today, you can discover the stories of the Hyde Park Barracks through a self-guided immersive experience that will feel like stepping back in time. Using our groundbreaking interactive audio technology, you’ll follow in the footsteps of real people whose lives were touched by this place – male convicts, immigrants and women in need, as well as the Aboriginal nations that were impacted by colonial Australia.
Reviewed By 338siddharthb - Seattle, United States
I came here last year in November, when it wasn't closed. I didn't pay the 12$ admission regardless, as it was very high but there is a lot to see in the grounds itself without entering the museum. This is the site where the "undesirables" were kept in prison camps in the famed "Australia as a prison convict colony" after Sydney stopped being an open air prison, people complained and put them in these barracks. Look in the original prison, see the crumbled rooms and stop by at least once to see this relic from Sydney's old colonial past.
2. Australian National Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,025 reviews
We share stories of the sea. Visit us in Darling Harbour to explore tall ships and beautiful boats, dive under the sea on a submarine, discover contemporary exhibitions and enjoy creative family activities.
Reviewed By rohintonmn - Mumbai, India
We visited three ships,the HMAS Vampire,the submarine HMAS Onslow and the sailing ship James Craig.Of the three,I can especially recommend the submarine and the sailing ships as a must-see because we had Mr.Gavin to explain and explore with us in the submarine.Also,I can't forget another lady who advised us with a deadpan expression to watch our steps in the sub and that we have to follow Mr.Gavin and if Mr.Gavin fell, we were not to follow him! I cannot recall the name of another nice guy who took us through the sailing vessel but he explained really well the history of the ship.The sailing ship can be booked for excursions, etc
3. Reserve Bank of Australia Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Banknotes are an important representation of a nation's cultural identity, values and history. Illustrated with a selection of historical objects and digital interactives, the Reserve Bank of Australia Museum tells the story of Australia’s banknotes in the context of Australia's economic and social history from the colonial period to the present day.
4. Sydney Conservatorium of Music
5. Justice & Police Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 248 reviews
These historic police buildings once hosted infamous criminals like bushranger Captain Moonlight and sly-grog queen Kate Leigh, as Sydney's police and magistrates kept law and order. Walk through the corridor of cells, check out the chilling collection of criminal weapons and hundreds of photos from forensic archives. Open Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.
Reviewed By newyork64 - Carlisle, United Kingdom
I have been here before 4 years ago. The displays change. This is a must see. The displays are fascinating. The photographs are the best criminal mugshots I have ever seen. The quality of the photograph and detail are remarkable given the time period. This Museum has an impressive and totally unique archive. I love the low key commentary that portrays a fearsome time for cops and crim's alike. The death masks are also interesting. The scary items of weaponry are a sight to behold. A well though out and fabulous display. The re enactment of a court case where you can dress up and participate is very special and gives everyone an insight into the macabre world. I recommend this to every one that visits. The limited opening days are a problem though. You need a mid week day or two. I rank this alongside Fremantle Gaol in W.A and Port Arthur in Tasmania as one of the premier convict destinations.
6. First Government House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
The Museum of Sydney now stands on the site of First Government House. Built on Gadigal land in 1788, the house was home to the British colonial Governors until it was demolished in 1845. It was from this place that all major decisions effecting the growth of the colony and early Australia were made. The Museum of Sydney includes several displays that explore the history of First Government House including archaeology, views of the original foundations, a model and a recreation of the front facade. Open daily. Closed Christmas Day.
7. Madame Tussauds Sydney
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,758 reviews
Get up-close and personal with your favourite celebrities and become the star of the story with their new immersive experiences. Heroes Unite! The Justice League have swooped into Madame Tussauds Sydney and they need your help to save the world! Wield the power of Wonder Woman’s wrist gauntlets, help Superman lift a real helicopter and summon Batman with the Bat Signal and power up The Flash into battle – now open, only at Madame Tussauds Sydney! Step into the spotlight and accept your MTV best newcomer award presented by superstar Adele, kick goals with soccer legend Tim Cahill or get your selfie with two of Australia's hottest stars - Chris and Liam Hemsworth. From posing with the stars and experiencing the all-new interactive features, Madame Tussauds Sydney is open daily from 10am and promises start-to-finish fun in the heart of Sydney’s CBD in Darling Harbour. For more information and to book tickets, visit the official Madame Tussauds Sydney website.
Reviewed By renatawrightart - Perth, Australia
Lots of fun for all ages and all interests. The wax figures included historical figures, royalty, sports stars, movie stars, singers and politicians. It's nice that you can take your own photos which keeps the cost down.
8. Museum of Sydney
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 464 reviews
Enjoy our latest exhibitions, the fascinating archaeological remains at the site of the colony's first Government House built in 1788 and see award winning contemporary sculpture 'Edge of the Trees'. Journey though Sydney's 200+ year history and learn about the people, places and cultures that have made it such a cosmopolitan city. Closed Christmas Day.
Reviewed By ianjoy2020 - Forde, Australia
Staff were very friendly and helpful. Exhibition of Marion Mahony Griffin was excellent, in that it was detailed and inspirational. I ended up buying her biography; Making Magic, The Marion Mahony Griffin Story. The exhibited models and information of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge were also an eye opener. Could have stayed another hour or more to absorb what was displayed. It's well worth a couple of hours visit to this small museum that children would find interesting too.
9. The National Opal Collection
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 59 reviews
The award winning National Opal Collection is amongst Australia’s most fascinating attractions, where you will discover the incredible link between opal and the dinosaur.As you enter you are surrounded by dioramas of Australia’s outback and then taken through time from the dinosaur age to modern day opal production. Exhibits show how bones of prehistoric creatures can become opalised. Adjoining the museum is the spectacular showroom with Australia’s largest range of opals and opal jewellery.
Reviewed By Colo_Traveler05
We knew we wanted to buy some opal jewelry when we planned our trip to Sydney. But we wanted to make sure that we got good quality opals. We were referred to the National Opal Collection and we checked it out. Everything was first class. First, we first saw a short film about opal jewelry and then checked out the showroom. We felt very comfortable that we were getting good quality stones and weren't getting ripped off. That made all the difference in the world. Make sure you keep your paperwork handy when you leave the country. You may be able to get your GST back and that will save some money.
10. The Mint
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 27 reviews
Financed with 45,000 gallons of rum, Governor Macquarie’s ‘Rum Hospital’ provided 200 beds for convict patients. Today the Mint houses Sydney Living Museums' head office, venue hire spaces, a restaurant, shop and cafe, and is also home to the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection. The Rum Hospital building and selected spaces are open to wander through during business hours, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Closed public holidays. Closed 24 Dec 2019 - 5 Jan 2020.
Reviewed By petermY2777LY - Melbourne, Australia
This was built between 1811-1816 as the Rum Hospital. The Sydney Mint took the southern wing of the Rum Hospital over in 1854,following the discovery of gold and until 1927 all gold found in New South Wales was turned into bullion and currency here. It was restored in 1982 and opened as a branch of the Powerhouse Museum. Today it houses Sydney Museum's head office,is home to the Caroline Simpson Library. It is run by the Historic House Trust. There is a Mint Shop where you can buy ceramics and artworks,homewares and a vast array of books
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