Australian Museum, Sydney - museum of contemporary art Australia
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Australian Museum Sydney

4.6
·12k reviews·Darlinghurst, Australia

Australia's oldest museum, offering free entry to vast zoological, anthropological, and dinosaur exhibits, including life-sized LEGO creations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Australian Museum, Sydney - museum of contemporary art Australia

Australian Museum Sydney

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Australia's oldest museum, offering free entry to vast zoological, anthropological, and dinosaur exhibits, including life-sized LEGO creations.

4.6
(12k reviews)

"A gem hiding in plain sight, offering free entry and a 'Night at the Museum' vibe!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free General Admission

Entry is free for adults and children year-round! Only special exhibitions may require a ticket.

🌙 Night Owls Program

Experience the museum in a calmer setting during special evening events designed for autistic adults and others.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

LEGO Dinosaurs

LEGO Dinosaurs

Various exhibition spaces

Life-sized LEGO brick dinosaurs that will amaze kids and adults alike. A unique and fun display!

Indigenous Australian Culture

Indigenous Australian Culture

Level 1

Explore the rich heritage and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A deeply insightful experience.

Animal Exhibits

Animal Exhibits

Ground floor

Discover a vast array of Australian and global fauna, from insects to mammals. Educational and engaging for all ages.

Dinosaur Skeletons

Dinosaur Skeletons

Ground floor

Marvel at impressive dinosaur skeletons that bring prehistoric giants back to life. A must-see for dinosaur enthusiasts.

Planning Your Visit

Free Entry & Special Events

Good news for budget travelers! The Australian Museum in Sydney offers free general admission year-round for adults and children. Keep an eye out for special ticketed exhibitions, but the core experience is accessible to all. Some unique events, like 'Night Owls,' cater to specific audiences and require booking.

Navigating the Museum

With three levels of exhibits, plan your visit to make the most of your time. The museum is known for its zoological and anthropological collections, including impressive dinosaur displays and Indigenous Australian culture exhibits. Consider checking the museum map online beforehand to prioritize what you want to see.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Wed & Fri evenings (special events)
Why
Unique 'Night Owls' experience
Crowd
Medium
When
School holidays
Why
Family-friendly activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Check out how we built the life-size LEGO brick dinosaurs that are in the Australian Museum in Sydney! #lego #brickman #jurassicworld
@brickmanexhibitions
96.8K likes • 1.2M views

🎯 Free General Admission

Entry is free for adults and children year-round! Only special exhibitions may require a ticket. TikTok

🌙 Night Owls Program

Experience the museum in a calmer setting during special evening events designed for autistic adults and others. TikTok

edit: I WAS WRONG they do morning ones 4x a year but this night one was a test of sorts. you can write them saying how much you'd love for them to do more! big ups to @Australian Museum for putting on...
@angharadyeo
33.8K likes • 137.5K views
For Father’s Day this year, @kat_marion spoilt me by taking me to the @relicsexhibitions at the @australianmuseum !! It was such a fuuuuuun time. We then had a stopover at Butter Surry Hills (no video...
norm.lugtu
30 likes • 820 views

🦖 LEGO Dinosaur Fun

Don't miss the incredible life-sized LEGO brick dinosaurs, a highlight for many visitors. TikTok

👶 Kid-Friendly Amenities

The museum offers pram parking and a cafe, making it suitable for families with young children. Reddit

13/50 FREE things to do in Sydney 🚊 nearest train station: Gadigal or Town Hall Entry is FREE for adults and children, year round. Only some limited edition exhibitions are ticketed but all 3 levels ...
@franmagiera
26.5K likes • 364K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free General Admission

Entry is free for adults and children year-round! Only special exhibitions may require a ticket. TikTok

🌙 Night Owls Program

Experience the museum in a calmer setting during special evening events designed for autistic adults and others. TikTok

🦖 LEGO Dinosaur Fun

Don't miss the incredible life-sized LEGO brick dinosaurs, a highlight for many visitors. TikTok

👶 Kid-Friendly Amenities

The museum offers pram parking and a cafe, making it suitable for families with young children. Reddit

🗺️ Plan Your Visit

With three levels of exhibits, check the museum map online to prioritize your must-sees. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(12k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Australian Museum Sydney for its free general admission and engaging exhibits, particularly the impressive LEGO dinosaurs and rich Indigenous Australian collections. While some find the cafe a bit pricey, the overall experience is highly regarded as educational and enjoyable for all ages, making it a top free attraction in Sydney.

"A great place to spend the day learning the evolution and history of the different animals and birds. The exhibits showing the different cultural life of many tribes in the world also provide new knowledge and insights. The dinosaur section is quite interesting. Exhibits are well presented in an orderly arrangements."

Ty lee

"It's free, not paid

It's a "must visit" in Sydney.

Kids enjoy it a lot.

It's a fabulous place, at free of cost - no entry tickets, they're maintaining this place so well. We feel in Awe visiting this place. All ages would love it.

You all can check the videos to see how beautiful it is. And when we see it live, we will enjoy every moment of it. It becomes a very memorable trip to this place, so don't miss it and it's free too.

The whole space is modern, spacious and beautifully curated, interactive and suits all ages."

Anusha M

"Went to the Lego Relics exhibition. It was excellent. The staff were very helpful in booking us into a session and the exhibition itself was interesting and fun to look at. Highly recommend for families who like Lego."

EN CEE

What People Like

Free general admission
LEGO dinosaurs
Indigenous culture exhibits

What People Dislike

Cafe prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Australian Museum Sydney is located at 1 William Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010. It's easily accessible by public transport. The nearest train stations are Museum Station and Town Hall Station, both within walking distance. Several bus routes also stop nearby. TikTok

While there isn't dedicated museum parking, there are several public car parks in the vicinity, including the Domain Car Park and Secure Parking locations. It's often more convenient and cost-effective to use public transport. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum is well-served by public transport. Museum Station is a short walk away, and many bus routes stop along William Street and nearby Oxford Street. TikTok

From Darling Harbour, you can walk to Town Hall Station and take a short train ride to Museum Station, or it's a pleasant walk of about 20-30 minutes. Buses are also an option. Reddit

Yes, the Australian Museum is committed to accessibility. Lifts are available to access all levels, and accessible restrooms are provided. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, general admission to the Australian Museum Sydney is free for adults and children year-round. Some special, limited-edition exhibitions may have a separate ticket price. TikTok

The Australian Museum is typically open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially on public holidays. Reddit

For general free admission, booking in advance is usually not required. However, for special ticketed exhibitions or specific events like 'Night Owls,' advance booking is highly recommended. TikTok

While general admission is free, group bookings for special exhibitions or guided tours might be available. It's best to contact the museum directly for group rates and information. Reddit

The 'Night Owls' program is a special evening event, often designed for autistic adults and others seeking a calmer museum experience. It typically runs from 6 PM to 9 PM and requires booking. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the impressive LEGO brick dinosaurs,TikTok the extensive Indigenous Australian culture exhibits,Reddit the diverse animal displays on the ground floor, and the fascinating dinosaur skeletons. TikTok

Yes, the Australian Museum is very family-friendly. It features engaging exhibits like the LEGO dinosaurs and animal displays, and has amenities like pram parking and a cafe. TikTokReddit

To fully explore the museum, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you're focusing on specific exhibits or attending a special event, you might need more time. Reddit

The museum often offers guided tours, particularly for special exhibitions or specific collections. Check their website or inquire at the information desk upon arrival for schedules and availability. Reddit

The museum offers restrooms, a cafe, a gift shop, and accessible facilities including lifts and accessible restrooms. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Australian Museum has a cafe on-site. While convenient, some visitors note that prices can be a bit on the higher side. Reddit

Generally, eating is restricted to designated areas like the cafe. It's best to check the museum's policy on outside food and drinks. Reddit

The museum is located in Darlinghurst, an area with a wide variety of cafes and restaurants. You'll find many dining options on William Street and nearby Oxford Street. Reddit

The cafe typically offers a range of light meals, snacks, coffee, and beverages. The menu can vary, so it's best to check their offerings on the day of your visit. Reddit

While specific options can vary, cafes often have some vegetarian or gluten-free choices. It's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe staff about your dietary needs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of the Australian Museum. However, flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain exhibits to protect the artifacts. Always look for signage. TikTok

Yes, flash photography is usually not allowed, especially in areas with sensitive displays or artifacts. Tripods and selfie sticks might also be restricted. Commercial photography requires prior permission. TikTok

The LEGO dinosaurs are a huge hit for photos.TikTok The grand architecture of the museum itself, the diverse animal displays, and the Indigenous art and artifacts offer many visually interesting opportunities. TikTok

Similar to photography, personal video recording is usually allowed, but without flash. For professional filming or extensive video projects, you'll need to seek permission from the museum. TikTok

The dinosaur skeletons and the LEGO brick dinosaurs are incredibly photogenic. The detailed dioramas of Australian wildlife and the vibrant displays of Indigenous culture also make for compelling shots. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Australian Museum is a fantastic choice for families. Its free general admission makes it an accessible outing, and the LEGO brick dinosaurs are a guaranteed hit with children of all ages.TikTok The ground floor features a wide array of animal exhibits that are both educational and captivating for young minds. The museum also provides practical amenities like pram parking and accessible restrooms, making the visit smoother for parents. Reddit

Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds, allowing your children more space to explore and engage with the exhibits. The museum's layout is generally easy to navigate, and the variety of displays ensures there's something to spark every child's curiosity, from prehistoric giants to the wonders of the natural world.

💰 Budget Travelers

As a budget traveler, you'll be delighted to know that the Australian Museum offers free general admission year-round for adults and children.TikTok This means you can immerse yourself in its vast collections without worrying about ticket prices. While some special exhibitions might have a fee, the core experience of exploring the museum's zoological, anthropological, and dinosaur exhibits is completely free. Reddit

To maximize your free experience, focus on the permanent collections. The museum's location in Darlinghurst also means you're in an area with many affordable dining options nearby, allowing you to keep your overall Sydney trip costs down. Checking the museum's website for any free events or talks can also add value to your visit.

🌙 Night Owls & Special Interest Groups

For a unique museum experience, look out for special events like 'Night Owls'.TikTok These evenings are often designed to provide a calmer, more sensory-friendly environment, catering to specific needs such as autistic adults. They offer a chance to see the museum in a different light, often with reduced crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. Booking in advance is essential for these popular events. TikTok

Beyond 'Night Owls,' the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and talks that cater to diverse interests, from paleontology to specific cultural heritage. Following the museum's social media or checking their events calendar is the best way to stay informed about these specialized opportunities.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Indigenous Australian Culture

The Australian Museum holds one of the most significant collections of Indigenous Australian cultural heritage in the world. Their exhibits offer a profound journey into the diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You can expect to see intricate ceremonial objects, traditional tools, artwork, and learn about kinship systems, storytelling, and connection to Country.

Visitors often highlight the respectful and informative presentation of these collections. It's a space for learning, reflection, and appreciating the deep history and ongoing cultural practices of Australia's First Peoples. The museum actively works with Indigenous communities to ensure the accurate and ethical representation of their heritage. Reddit

Key Takeaways for Visitors



* Respectful Engagement: Approach the exhibits with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
* Diverse Perspectives: Understand that Indigenous cultures are not monolithic; the museum showcases the diversity across different language groups and regions.
* Contemporary Relevance: The exhibits often bridge historical knowledge with contemporary Indigenous art and issues, demonstrating the living nature of these cultures.

The Marvel of LEGO Dinosaurs

Prepare to be amazed by the life-sized LEGO brick dinosaurs that have become a major draw at the Australian Museum. Created by LEGO artist Ryan 'The Brickman' McNaught and his team, these incredible sculptures are not just visually stunning but also a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and creativity. Each dinosaur is constructed from thousands, if not millions, of LEGO bricks, showcasing intricate details and realistic poses.

These exhibits offer a fun and engaging way for visitors of all ages to connect with prehistoric life. The sheer scale and detail of the LEGO creations make them a fantastic photo opportunity and a memorable part of any visit. It's a unique intersection of art, science, and childhood nostalgia that consistently delights museum-goers. TikTok

Tips for Experiencing the LEGO Dinosaurs



* Capture the Scale: Take photos from different angles to truly appreciate the immense size of these brick beasts.
* Look for Details: Spend time examining the intricate construction and hidden elements within the models.
* Combine with Paleontology: After marveling at the LEGO versions, explore the museum's actual dinosaur skeletons for a complete prehistoric experience.

Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features

The Australian Museum is a welcoming destination for families and visitors with specific accessibility needs. The museum is fully accessible, with lifts providing access to all three levels, ensuring that everyone can explore the exhibits comfortably. Accessible restrooms are also available throughout the building. Reddit

For families with young children, the museum offers practical amenities such as pram parking, making it easier to navigate with strollers. While the cafe can be a bit pricey, it provides a convenient spot for refreshments. The engaging exhibits, from the animal displays to the LEGO dinosaurs, are designed to capture the attention of younger visitors, making it an educational and enjoyable outing for the whole family. TikTokReddit

Making the Most of Your Family Visit



* Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of the pram parking and accessible facilities.
* Engage Young Minds: Focus on exhibits that are visually stimulating and interactive for children.
* Plan for Breaks: The cafe offers a good spot for a rest and refuel, especially important for younger children.

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