Australia's first museum, founded in 1827, with natural history, dinosaur, and Aboriginal cultural galleries across a heritage sandstone building on College Street facing Hyde Park.
The Australian Museum on College Street, facing Hyde Park, was established in 1827, making it the oldest museum in Australia. Its collections span natural history, mineralogy, and one of the country's most significant collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural material, alongside a well-regarded dinosaur gallery featuring full skeletal casts and fossils found across Australia.
The museum underwent a major renovation completed in 2020 (branded 'Project Discover'), adding a new grand entrance hall, expanded galleries, and improved accessibility throughout the heritage sandstone building. General admission to the permanent collection is free, a policy introduced by the NSW government, while ticketed international touring exhibitions are held periodically in dedicated gallery spaces. The museum runs a regular program of talks, workshops, and school-holiday activities aimed at families.
| Admission | Adult Free general admission (special exhibitions AUD 15-28 / approx. USD 11-20) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10AM-5PM |
| Typical visit | 1.5-3 hours |
| Best time | Weekday morning, outside school holiday periods |
| Getting there | 5-minute walk from Museum or St James train stations |
| Address | 1 William St, Sydney NSW 2010 |
Good to know
- Best for
- family, culture, history
Location
1 William St, Sydney NSW 2010
-33.8734, 151.2113 View on map
Highlights
- See full dinosaur skeleton casts and fossil galleries
- Explore one of Australia's largest Aboriginal cultural collections
- Let kids explore the hands-on Search & Discover space
- Browse the mineralogy and natural history galleries
- Rest at the rooftop terrace cafe overlooking Hyde Park
Tips for visiting
- Permanent galleries including the dinosaur and mineral halls are free — only touring blockbuster exhibitions charge admission
- The Wild Planet and skeleton galleries are the most popular with children — visit these first if travelling with kids to beat tour groups
- Check the daily program board for included talks and touch-table sessions, often run by museum educators at set times
- The rooftop terrace cafe has a view over Hyde Park and is a good rest stop midway through a visit
When to visit
Visit on a weekday morning outside NSW school holidays for the quietest galleries.
Accessibility
The museum is fully wheelchair and pram accessible with lifts to all levels, following its 2020 renovation. Accessible restrooms and a sensory-friendly quiet room are available.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Australian Museum free?
Yes, general admission to the permanent galleries is free. Only special ticketed exhibitions, which run periodically, require a paid ticket.
How much time should I plan for a visit?
Around 1.5 to 2 hours covers the main galleries; families with children who want to linger at interactive exhibits should allow up to 3 hours.
Is the museum suitable for toddlers?
Yes, there is a dedicated Search & Discover space with hands-on activities suited to young children, plus pram access throughout the building.