Travel bucket list idea:
Copyright Abram Powell. Courtesy Australian Museum
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.
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.
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.
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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. Home to the eye-popping Opera House and the indescribable Sydney Bridge Climb.
