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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Australian Museum Sydney
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Australia's oldest museum, offering free entry to vast zoological, anthropological, and dinosaur exhibits, including life-sized LEGO creations.
"A gem hiding in plain sight, offering free entry and a 'Night at the Museum' vibe!"
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
Level 1
Explore the rich heritage and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A deeply insightful experience.

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
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
Navigating the Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🦖 LEGO Dinosaur Fun
Don't miss the incredible life-sized LEGO brick dinosaurs, a highlight for many visitors.
👶 Kid-Friendly Amenities
The museum offers pram parking and a cafe, making it suitable for families with young children.
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.
🌙 Night Owls Program
Experience the museum in a calmer setting during special evening events designed for autistic adults and others.
🦖 LEGO Dinosaur Fun
Don't miss the incredible life-sized LEGO brick dinosaurs, a highlight for many visitors.
👶 Kid-Friendly Amenities
The museum offers pram parking and a cafe, making it suitable for families with young children.
🗺️ Plan Your Visit
With three levels of exhibits, check the museum map online to prioritize your must-sees.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Australian Museum is committed to accessibility. Lifts are available to access all levels, and accessible restrooms are provided.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the impressive LEGO brick dinosaurs,
the extensive Indigenous Australian culture exhibits, the diverse animal displays on the ground floor, and the fascinating dinosaur skeletons.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.
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.
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.
The museum offers restrooms, a cafe, a gift shop, and accessible facilities including lifts and accessible restrooms.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Generally, eating is restricted to designated areas like the cafe. It's best to check the museum's policy on outside food and drinks.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
The LEGO dinosaurs are a huge hit for photos.
The grand architecture of the museum itself, the diverse animal displays, and the Indigenous art and artifacts offer many visually interesting opportunities.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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit