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Speciality Museums in Sydney

THE 10 BEST Sydney Speciality Museums

Speciality Museums in Sydney

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • EGRoss85
    Dumfries and Galloway, UK79 contributions
    Stunning place with such helpful guides. Loved it.
    I spent about 5 hours here. It was a lovely sunny day and is a wonderful location.
    The range of craft to visit is fantastic. The guides were so knowledgeable and keen to answer questions. I was even given the opportunity to go aboard the boat sailed by the first woman to have sailed unaided round the world in 1988 which was something I remember happening and was inspired by at the time.
    Lunch was simple and delicious sat looking at yachts. What’s not to love?
    I loved the shed 7, which I imagine some miss but as a keen dinghy racer in the UK I was intrigued to see how boat design had develop in Australia.
    Review of: Australian National Maritime Museum
    Written 2 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • M N
    Melbourne, Australia32 contributions
    Great presentation!
    Friendly, helpful staff and headsets which made the Hyde Park Barracks come alive.
    We both enjoyed our visit immensely and were very impressed with the variety and standard of all the displays.

    Review of: Hyde Park Barracks
    Written 22 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maddy S
    Newcastle, Australia7 contributions
    Fantastic
    Although it was a little hot and crowded, the set up of the establishment and the figures themselves are awesome. I particularly loved learning about the history of madame tussaud herself!
    Review of: Madame Tussauds Sydney
    Written 30 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lena r
    Canberra, Australia12 contributions
    The Rocks - Sydney, Susannah Place
    Another wonderful tour. A hidden gem in the Rocks. The tour guide was wonderful, and the tour was quite leisurely (for older people too). Another piece of Sydney history here. The little corner shop was so sweet and decorated beautifully in items from history. Loved the carpet beaters!! A free tour - great.
    Review of: Susannah Place
    Written 10 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Daydream44832470856
    7 contributions
    Fascinating!
    I come to the Justice and Police Museum every time I visit Sydney. The exhibitions are always fascinating and the setting in the old Police Station, court room and cells are what truly makes this a must do when in Sydney.

    My only complaint is the opening hours. Please please please open more than just of a weekend. So many people miss out because they are there mid week. I watched many people walk away disappointed because you were closed!
    Review of: Justice & Police Museum
    Written 28 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mairwen1
    United Kingdom9,315 contributions
    Small, Free Museum Near Circular Quay
    This is a tiny museum, just 5 minutes walk from Circular Quay. A visit will take less than an hour. Entry is free so if you are in this part of the city, it can be worth a look but I wouldn’t go out of my way.
    The highlight here is a display of the 11 ships of the First Fleet. This small section is really good. The models are detailed and we were intrigued by the stories of the First Fleeters, especially the group of enterprising convicts who set up a coin counterfeiting ring below the decks and under the noses of the officers.
    The other point of interest is that the museum’s located on the site of the original Government House. Nothing remains of the structure. Instead, a white outline in the forecourt and the ground floor shows the outline of the former building, like a ghost of where it once stood.
    A model on the second floor shows what the building would’ve looked like - a sprawling white colonial house. Remnants of china, glassware and pottery found in the ground and piping are also on display.
    However the museum is short on artefacts and lacks substance. It is heavily reliant on videos and temporary exhibitions. It all just feels a little bare and what’s there, feels padded out.
    I’d been keen to see a new temporary exhibition on Barangaroo, but there was disappointingly little information on Barangaroo, the woman. Instead, it was an interpretative display, themed around Barangaroo rather than being about Barangaroo herself.
    Facilities include a kids’ indoor play area on the top level and a cafe, bathrooms and bookstore on the ground floor.
    Overall, this is not a go-to destination. There’s just not enough here to plan a day around. However if you are in the area, it’s worth swinging by and having a look.
    Review of: Museum of Sydney
    Written 27 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alison S
    Sydney, Australia2,268 contributions
    Sydney Contemporary Modern Art Show.
    This was an excursion with the Art Gallery of NSW.
    It was fabulous.
    Amazing collection of artists and their works from all over Australia and the World.
    Artists talks, corridors filled with wonderful works and visitors eagerly seeking views and Art works.
    Great feeling of excitement ☺️ and success.
    Well worth a visit.
    Good to go by train - 10 minute walk from Redfern.
    Yalumba Bistro good place to eat.
    Review of: Carriageworks
    Written 8 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter M
    Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
    Reserve Bank Museum
    This museum is in the Reserve Bank Building and has the history of Australian currency since the first settlement was established in 1788 through to the present day. Notes and coins are displayed. It is free to visit. The Reserve Bank Building was bult 1961-1964 and is on the State Heritage Register.
    Review of: Reserve Bank of Australia Museum
    Written 2 May 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Izzy v
    5 contributions
    Closing end of Feb 2020!
    Take a final opportunity to see this 'historic' museum before the exhibitions are relocated to the new Chau Chak Wing museum upon its completion. There are only 2 more weeks left before the old museum closes its doors forever :(
    Review of: Nicholson Museum
    Written 12 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cg2792
    England, UK2,587 contributions
    Quick Stop
    Only stopped here for a few minutes. The building is absolutely stunning and definitely worth stopping to take a photo of. Loved the history of the building with it starting life with the aim of being a horse stable. Glad they decided against it as it must be a stunning location for students attending.
    Review of: Sydney Conservatorium of Music
    Written 2 June 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yiyi268
    Sydney, Australia24 contributions
    Day out at the Sydney Bus Museum
    The first time I visited this museum. Volunteers ran the Museum, and the vintage buses and modern vehicles were cool. What a big collection they house there for viewing. Some of the vintage buses and vehicles you could even walk in and have a tour around on your own to take photos. They also have a lot of small buses on display in the shop. Some are for viewing only, and some can be purchased. If you are a collector of these, it's a must-visit. Some are very rare. The vintage bus rides that come with the museum ticket were also a bonus.
    Review of: Sydney Bus Museum
    Written 18 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jacquitohc
    Auckland Central, New Zealand807 contributions
    Opal, Opals, Opals - Museum was a surprise
    The National Opal Collection, houses a huge collection of opal jewellery, and a museum of opals as well (complimentary to visit) –fascinating & mesmerizing. Bewildering array of info and beautiful designs, natural solid opals, black, light and boulder opals, much more - staff were very knowledgeable. (I have gait/walking challenges (stroke), wear a legbrace.)
    Review of: The National Opal Collection
    Written 27 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jack B
    1 contribution
    You'll love this tour if you've ever seen stage magic
    I booked a tour with my two young daughters (8 and 12) on a recent trip to Sydney. I loved it! James (the guide) was fantastic. He has a great personal history with magic and shares his love for this art and the history behind it.

    What I didn't realize is how much I personally would love it since I haven't been very excited about magic since I was my kids' age. But I loved hearing the secrets behind some of the most iconic acts performed... seeing the props and how they work... touching the props... standing on stage, etc.

    At the end of our tour, James showed my daughters how to do a great card trick.

    His stories were fascinating and funny.

    Here's what could have been a little bit better:

    - Even though the minimum amount of lighting properly set the mood, it did make some of the tour hard to fully appreciate. And my daughters kept looking at me as if to say "Is this OK or is my anxiety justified?". There's nothing scary about James or the setting... but they're young girls in a new place, with low lighting, and someone they just met.

    - My daughters had not previously seen a stage show. If I'd known what kind of magic tricks were going to be revealed I would have made sure to show them a YouTube clip or two of stage magic such as a woman getting sawed in half or an assistant transforming into a tiger and then reappearing in the audience. But without that context, their young minds weren't as "blown" as mine was. They still enjoyed it... but if you see the secret before you've seen the trick, you don't have the same WOW moment.

    - I found the location a bit hard to find, even with Google maps, but maybe that's because I'm new to Sydney.

    But even with those slight negatives... I give this five starts.

    If you were ever fascinated by magic (even as a child) or if you would like to see behind the scenes and know how some of the magic is really done then you'll love this tour.
    Review of: Australian Museum of Magical Arts
    Written 24 October 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maria G
    Cape Town Central, South Africa12 contributions
    Amazing experience
    I was there on Thursday the 10th August, and I was elated by the excellent service at the main entrance when my students got the chance to speak with Archaeologist Lise Pyers.

    Not only is she very knowledgeable and sociable , but also a caring host.
    My students were very happy about the whole experience thanks to her guidance and services.

    I’ll definitely visit again with other classes from ILSC School.

    I highly recommend the place as an excursion destination for both locals and tourists as well.
    Review of: Chau Chak Wing Museum
    Written 12 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter G
    Canberra277 contributions
    This IS about the Royal Australian Navy
    Some of the reviewers seemed disappointed there wasn't more (or possibly something different). It is about the RAN and right next to the major naval base on the East coast. So it's much preferable that "you" have an interest in either the military maritime origins of Australia or the Navy itself.

    It provides much thoughtful background on the major ships, boats and sailors of the RAN since 1901 (and some NSW colonial vessels). And how former enemies can be reconciled.

    A major Naval event in 1914 was HMAS Sydney fighting the Imperial German raider Emden and destroying it. There are many relics of this engagement. Both the Australian and German navies have had successive vessels with the same name and when the latest Emden was laid off (about 10 years ago), Germany donated its commemorative plaque of the 1914 fight - carried by all later Emdens - to this museum.

    There are many other small and large items demonstrating what being an Australian sailor meant (my father was one). You can also see graffiti of the First Fleet of 1788 on rocks close by.

    The cafe serves excellent coffee and food too.
    Review of: Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre
    Written 24 February 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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