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Museum of Sydney

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Museum of Sydney

A modern museum built over and around the remains of Australia's first Government House, the Museum of Sydney celebrates the people and events that have shaped the character and soul of this city. In 1788, Governor Phillip chose this site for his official residence. It quickly became the centre of the colony's administrative and social life, and an important focus of the first contact between the Gadigal people and the colonisers. The physical remains of the colony's first government house and archaeological relics from the colony's first year of existence can be glimpsed through glass openings in the museum forecourt and foyer. This is the oldest evidence of its kind in Australia. On the Museum forecourt, there is also Edge of the Trees, a site-specific installation created by artists Fiona Foley and Janet Laurence. This award-winning public art installation evokes the cultural and physical history of the site, before and after 1788: a pivotal turning point in Australian history when contact and invasion/colonisation took place. Today, through a diverse and changing program of exhibitions and events, this museum interprets the history of this symbolic place and tells the city's story. Explore the museum's creative activity space! It's the perfect spot for children, and families to join in hands-on activities, workshops, and self-guided experiences inspired by our current exhibitions and displays.

Sydney NSW

0.1 km away

Customs House

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Customs House

Customs House is built on the land of the traditional Indigenous owners, the Eora people, and is the site of the First Fleet landing. It is one of the most significant buildings in the history of European settlement in Australia. The historically and architecturally significant building has undergone a complete refurbishment and is home to a collection of unique exhibits. Customs Square, at the entrance to Customs House, is a piece of Australian history. Paving in the square depicts the original tidal zone as it was at the time of the First Fleet landing. The major refurbishment has transformed all five floors of one of Sydney's finest colonial buildings into a dynamic public facility and meeting space. It includes Customs House Library, housing a collection of over 400,000 items. Visitors to the library can experience a combination of both contemporary and traditional library spaces spanning over three floors. Café Sydney, on the rooftop of Customs House, is Sydney's quintessential "room with a view" where you can enjoy fine dining, either indoors or on the terrace. Admire Circular Quay and the sparkling harbour with impressive views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Circular Quay NSW

0.1 km away

Culture Station — Image credit: Sydney Opera House

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Culture Station

The Culture Station is your one-stop shop for information on Sydney's leading cultural attractions. Whether you are a local or a visitor, come to the Culture Station to uncover the city's best exhibitions, events, venues and more. Conveniently located on Sydney's harbour foreshore next to Circular Quay train station, the Culture Station team provide independent advice on cultural attractions in Sydney, including transport options, opening times and how to obtain tickets for shows and special events. The Culture Station is a free service, operated by the NSW Government, and is a great place to come for advice and tips before you start a Culture Walk.

Sydney NSW

0.1 km away

Gateway Sydney — Image credit: Gateway Sydney

Shopping and Markets

Gateway Sydney, Circular Quay

Day ready, night ready and fun ready, Gateway Sydney is located on the doorstep of some of Sydney’s major attractions where it welcomes office workers, Sydneysiders and tourists all year round. A landmark dining destination where people and the daily rhythm of the city come together, right in the heart of bustling Circular Quay. Food, glorious food, is at the forefront of the Gateway offer, a boutique showcase of Sydney’s best foodie fare in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Three impressive glass-fronted levels, spanning nearly all tastes, all continents and all group sizes. Cult Sydney favourites rub shoulders with heritage listed pubs and flagship global concepts, along with one of Sydney’s few rooftop bars, boasting a laid-back city vibe and equally impressive vistas. Welcome to the Gateway Sydney experience.

Sydney NSW

0.1 km away

Governor Phillip and Macquarie Towers

Landmarks and Buildings

Governor Phillip and Macquarie Towers

One Farrer Place is arguably Australia’s finest premium grade office complex, comprising the landmark Governor Phillip Tower and Governor Macquarie Tower. With over 80,000 square metres of office space, One Farrer Place is the ideal corporate location with its unmatched position in the heart of Sydney’s financial district, unparalleled harbour views, a rich history and sophisticated design.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Altmann and Cherny Opal Specialists — Image credit: Altmann and Cherny Opal Specialists

Shopping and Markets

Altmann and Cherny Opal Specialists

Altmann and Cherny are an Australian-owned family jewellery business. They have earned a reputation that extends to international recognition and respect as leading opal specialists. Visitors to the Sydney showroom receive a hands-on opal experience from the staff who are renowned for their caring, attentive and informative service. Their emphasis is education, not a hard sell.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

POLICE COURT 1885 outside above Police Court entrance, Justice & Police Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Justice and Police Museum

Step into the 'dark side' of Sydney's past and uncover tales of smuggling, theft and illegal immigration with a visit to the station and courts that once made up one of the city's busiest legal hubs. Crooks and cops, thugs and judges, locals and drifters, the guilty and the innocent have all left their stories here. With its 1890s holding cells, offices, charge room and courts, the Justice and Police Museum draws you into a world of crime, punishment and policing, from bushrangers, sly grog and razor gangs to forensics. A vast archive of crime scene photography and mug shots reveals more than a century of underworld Sydney. The buildings were constructed from Sydney sandstone quarried from Bennelong Point, where the Sydney Opera House stands. The museum offers wheelchair access via a ramped entry from Albert St. Once inside, there is access for people with wheelchairs to most areas, including the main exhibition gallery, police court and accessible toilets. Videos are narrated, and tours for blind or visitors with vision impairment can be provided. Assistance animals are welcome.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

History House — Image credit: History House

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

History House

The beautiful History House is the home of the Royal Australian Historical Society. The Society holds regular seminars and events, which are open to non-members, as is the library. The Library holds the only comprehensive computerised index to the Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society, which has been publishing scholarly articles on Australian history since 1906. Computer databases also list over 12,000 items held in the library, and extensive press clippings and photographic holdings. The friendly staff will be able to assist you in your research.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

History House, the location of the Royal Australian Historical Society

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Royal Australian Historical Society

The Royal Australian Historical Society (RAHS) is the nation's oldest historical organisation. It was founded in Sydney in 1901 and its first patron was David Scott Mitchell, the Australiana collector and Mitchell Library benefactor. Initially with a strong focus on Sydney's European history, the Society's membership has excelled in promoting local and community history. History House has been the home of the Royal Australian Historical Society since 1970. RAHS host diverse events throughout the year delving into Australian history with a focus on making this knowledge accessible to all. You can find the calendar at their website. There is also a library available inside where you can delve into key resources. There is a small fee for the general public to access the library.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

Government House Sydney

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Government House Sydney

Government House is one of the finest examples of Gothic revival architecture in New South Wales. Sydney's first Government House was located in Bridge Street (on the site of the Museum of Sydney) at Sydney Cove, occupied by the first Governor of NSW, Governor Arthur Phillip. The original house served for nearly 50 years as the colony's political, ceremonial and social centre, but it became worn down. The current-day Government House, completed in 1845, was designed by Edward Blore, architect to William IV and Queen Victoria who worked on Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The Gothic revival style design was influenced by the Governor's Stables, completed in 1821 (now the Conservatorium of Music located at the main entry gates to Government House). Today, the House holds a significant collection of portraits, furniture, decorative arts and historic memorabilia. Visitors should undertake the tour to see Government House's magnificent State Rooms, the historic works of art that adorn the walls and to experience the opulence of Vice-Regal furniture. Located inside the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the House is the official residence of the Governor of NSW. It was home to 28 Governors from 1845 to 1996, and Australia's first five Governors-General from 1901 to 1914.

Sydney NSW

0.2 km away

experience for all ages

Amusement and Theme Parks

Sydney Flight Simulator

Sydney Flight Simulator is a professional training device introducing Aviation knowledge to everyone with the guidance of a real Flight Crew in an extraordinary flight experience with no age restrictions. The customer can learn how to fly an Airbus 320 replica simulator Like real Pilots, selecting anywhere on the planet Earth to see the site in any weather circumstances, surrounded by 11 metres 270-degree projector screens to be immersed inside the view. Sydney Flight Simulator sessions prices include five people, so you can share it with friends or family members at no extra cost and swap the Captain seat. Sydney Flight Simulator prices include a photo session in the cockpit with a Pilot uniform.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

Garden Palace gates

Landmarks and Buildings

Garden Palace Gates

As you walk up Macquarie Street, see one of the last remaining reminders of the Garden Palace which once stood in the Botanic Gardens. The enchanting Garden Palace was purpose-built to house the Sydney International Exhibition but after the fair it continued to be used for government offices, the occasional event, and a government repository for records and a cultural store. The Garden Palace burnt down on 22nd September 1882.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

Elysia Wellness Retreat Day Spa

Spas and Retreats

Elysia Wellness Retreat Day Spa

Relax and Refocus in Elysia Wellness Retreat Day Spa. A haven of relaxation, beauty and healing, the Day Spa at Elysia offers over 50 therapies and treatments, which are designed to nourish your body, mind and spirit. To make the most of your time with them, the relaxation lounge with a complimentary spa and steam room is the perfect place to start. In keeping with their holistic and natural approach to beauty, their carefully selected practitioner-only products will leave your skin feeling and smelling divine. Their purpose is to take care of you and deliver unique and unforgettable experiences.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness

Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness arrives in Sydney for the first time—after captivating 58 million visitors over 175 cities. Explore real human specimens, interactive features like the Anatomical Mirror, and discover how joy transforms the body. A powerful, inspiring journey through anatomy, emotion, and health that will change how you see yourself—inside and out. Get your tickets today for Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness!

The Rocks NSW

0.3 km away

New cultivars are tested in the Trial Garden to see which are best suited to Sydney's conditions. — Image credit: Botanic Gardens of Sydney.

Parks and Gardens

Trial Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's Trial Garden tests new cultivars from plant breeders across the globe to discover which will thrive in Sydney's unique growing conditions. The Gardens horticulturists run annual experiments here. Over 12 months, each plant here is assessed for resilience, beauty and performance in response to real-world conditions. Come and see this fascinating array of plants yourself near the Conservatorium Gate. From this work, Botanic Gardens of Sydney produce a guide to the year's top performing annuals, perennials and natives that have flower power, vigour and pest resistance best suited to the local climate—helpful information for Sydney's plant-growers.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

The Conservatorium of Music

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Conservatorium of Music

Music is a vibrant part of any society. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music, also known as 'The Con', was established in 1915 and is the music school of The University of Sydney. For over a century, the conservatorium has led music education and supported outstanding musical performances, from classical to contemporary.

Sydney NSW

0.3 km away

MCA building from Circular Quay, 2017, — Image credit: Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) presents, collects and engages with the art of now. Guided by the principles of belonging, connection and influence, they aim to be the defining platform for contemporary art and ideas in Australia and beyond. Located on Sydney Harbour at Tallawoladah, home to stories, art and culture for over 65,000 years, the MCA contributes to the continuity of culture on their site. They connect the widest possible public to contemporary art through their Collection, exhibitions, events, creative learning and access programs. Their evolving Collection of over 4,500 artworks is the only public collection in Australia dedicated to the work of living artists, with over a third represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Free guided tours of exhibitions are conducted each day, visit the information desk on Level One for the scheduled times. The MCA Store is one of Sydney's unique shopping destinations specialising in Australian and international contemporary art and culture publications, while the MCA Cafe at Tallawoladah offers modern Australian cuisine with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour.

The Rocks NSW

0.3 km away

Experience the Palace Rose Garden between September and May for a stunning, colourful display. — Image credit: Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Parks and Gardens

Palace Rose Garden

The Palace Rose Garden, easily accessible from Sydney's CBD, is a romantic symphony of colour and scents. This area is a delight year-round, with green lawns and benches to rest upon. It's a lovely spot to literally stop and smell the roses, which are in bloom from September to May. It's a popular spot for weddings as well. The rose bushes are interspersed with plants that complement their colours and attract beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybirds. Thanks to the Garden's horticulturalists and scientists working together, the Rose Garden is alive with vibrant colour and buzzing bees.

Sydney NSW

0.4 km away

Former site of the Sydney Free Public Library

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Former site of the Sydney Free Public Library

The former site of the Sydney Free Public Library is located on the corner of Bent Street, Sydney. The NSW Government purchased the collection of the Australian Subscription Library (established in 1826) in 1869 and abolished the subscription fee, creating the first publicly accessible library in New South Wales. This collection is now the foundation of the State Library of NSW, located on the corner of Shakespeare Place and Macquarie Street.

Sydney NSW

0.4 km away

Qantas House

Landmarks and Buildings

Qantas House

Standing on the corner of Hunter and Elizabeth Street is the imposing Qantas House building. The much-loved city landmark is an architectural icon of its time. Designed for Qantas Empire Airways by Felix Tavener of Rudder Littlemore & Rudder Architects in 1957, it was entirely constructed using locally sourced materials, a visible symbol of Australian enterprise. Historically significant as the first world headquarters for Qantas which at the time was Government-owned and Australia's only international airline. A quintessential Sydney building that represents a brave future and a strong sense of history and of place.

Sydney NSW

0.4 km away

Cadmans Cottage

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Cadmans Cottage

Built in 1816, Cadmans Cottage is one of only a handful of Sydney buildings that remain from the first 30 years of the colony. Over the years this sandstone cottage has been a water transport headquarters, a sailors' home and a water police station, among other things. It used to be beside the water, but since the construction of Circular Quay the harbour has 'moved' 100 metres away. From March 2013 the booking and information centre at Cadmans Cottage will not be available.

The Rocks NSW

0.4 km away

Matthew Flinders statue, Macquarie Street forecourt

Landmarks and Buildings

Matthew Flinders statue

Matthew Flinders was a naval navigator, chart maker and explorer who was the first European to circumnavigate the Australian Continent (New Holland) in the ship 'Investigator', in 1802. His colleague, Bungaree, is often overlooked in the retelling of this story. Bungaree, who was born around 1775 and died in 1830, is notable as the first Aboriginal Australian to circumnavigate the continent with Flinders during their voyages of 1802 to 1803.

Sydney NSW

0.4 km away

The enthralling Australian opal gemstone - Opal Minded 'Othello' for the impressive individual — Image credit: Opal Minded

Shopping and Markets

Opal Minded

Established in Sydney in 1989, Opal Minded is a high-end fine jewellery maison dedicated exclusively to Australian opals. They are the only jewellery company in the world that owns their own opal mines, located in Jundah-Opalville, Queensland, particularly renowned for producing the finest quality opals. Explore their unrivalled opal jewellery collection at the Opal Minded boutique located in The Rocks, a historic precinct of Sydney and a must-visit destination. One-of-a-kind opal pieces are designed in-house by distinguished Creative Director and accredited valuer, Dr Renata Bernard. Renata is available by appointment for bespoke services at the Opal Minded studio in The Rocks. Whether you are looking to surprise your loved one with an opal engagement ring or to treat yourself to a unique piece, embark on the bespoke opal journey at Opal Minded. With a highly qualified team of two gemmologists and opal specialists, Opal Minded is reputed for its guaranteed excellence in design and customer service. Opal Minded is in the business of creating happiness by the way of Australian opals. So if the "why" and "how" matters to you as much as the "what" of the opal world, Opal Minded is the opal destination for you.

The Rocks NSW

0.4 km away

Indulge your senses with a visit to the Herb Garden and relax in its peaceful sandstone pavilion. — Image credit: Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Parks and Gardens

Herb Garden and Pavilion

Discover the sensory delights of the Herb Garden, where stories, scents and colour celebrate the many cultures that have shaped Australia. Wander the paths to learn how different communities have used and continue to use herbs for food, medicine and dyeing, or simply relax in the sandstone pavilion and enjoy the fragrant air. Kids of all ages will love the playful Sensory Fountain, while the Armillary Sphere Sundial offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the telling of time. This vibrant garden is both a place to explore and a peaceful spot to unwind.

Sydney NSW

0.4 km away

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