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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

Founded in 1845, the Australian Museum is the fifth oldest natural history museum in the world, with a vast collection of plant and animal specimens, fossils, dinosaurs and cultural artefacts from indigenous communities across Australia and the South Pacific.

An ambitious AU$60 million renovation project has transformed a well-loved institution into something truly outstanding, and the smart new gallery spaces now allow the museum to host major travelling exhibitions.

There is a full program of tours, talks and special exhibitions, plus a wide range of educational activities for children, such as the Prehistoric Playground. General admission is free.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The museum is a short walk from the city centre – on the other side of Hyde Park. If you are at Town Hall station just follow Park Street until it meets William Street.

For those coming from Paddington or Surry Hills you will need to walk down College Street past the ANZAC memorial and Sydney Grammar.

Audio guides are available for major exhibitions and the gallery also runs a full program of events during the year, including lectures, workshops and guided tours. There are many special activities just for kids. See the museum website for details.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, seven days a week. It runs special exhibitions and events throughout the year, highlighting aspects of the collection and tackling pressing issues, such as climate change and the loss of species in Australia.

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

QT Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.6 miles]

Located in Sydney’s retail and entertainment hub, this stylish and beautifully-run hotel makes a cosy home from home for anyone visiting the harbour city.

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Larmont Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 miles]

A contemporary hotel with affordable rooms in the heart of trendy Kings Cross, close to the city centre and good transport links. An ideal base for sightseeing away from the crowds.

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Crystalbrook Albion

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 miles]

Located in trendy Surry Hills, this cheerful little hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city, and for those who prefer an edgy, local vibe.

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Spicers of Potts Point

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.9 miles]

A character-filled boutique hotel set in three grand Victorian terrace houses. A convenient location for sightseeing, in one of Sydney’s nicest residential suburbs.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Sydney

New South Wales, Australia

One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Sydney Mardi Gras Parade

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[0.8 miles]

An extraordinary and unique cultural spectacular – Sydney’s world-famous Mardi Gras parade sees 65,000 glammed-up marchers, 160 outrageous floats and tens of thousands lining the streets.

Best for ages: Any | Free | 2-3 hours

Kayaking on Sydney Harbour

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.4 miles]

See some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks – including the Opera House – from the water, with a kayak tour around the world’s most beautiful natural harbour.

Best for ages: 4+ | £70 | 2 hours

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