If you're keen on history, museums, and local culture, Sydney has many different things that can stimulate your brain while exploring and learning about this fascinating city and country. We've highlighted a few of the different attractions, experiences and museums that are a must do when a history buff is visiting Sydney.
Feast your eyes at the Art Gallery of NSW
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- Houses a diverse and extensive collection of art, including Australian, Aboriginal, European, Asian, and contemporary works
- A magnificent architecture combines historic and modern elements, providing a visually striking backdrop to the art on display
- Serves as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs that foster creativity and appreciation for the arts
Free: Entry to the Art Gallery is free and does not require a ticket. There are no charges or tickets required to visit most of the displays and exhibitions.
Duration: People typically spend a few hours in order to take in all the artworks
Location: Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney CBD
Suitable for: Teenagers, Young Professionals, Adults, Couples, Seniors, History buffs, Visitors interested in culture and museums
The Art Gallery of New South Wales is a cultural treasure trove that boasts a wide-ranging collection, featuring iconic Australian, Aboriginal, and European masterpieces. Set against the backdrop of its captivating architecture in the heart of Sydney, the gallery offers visitors a visual delight and a rich tapestry of art across centuries and continents. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the gallery's dynamic exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs provide an ever-evolving and enriching experience, ensuring that it remains a must-visit cultural gem for all.
Harbour Bridge Audio+Puzzle Tour
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- Outdoor 'escape-room' style puzzles
- Audiobook quality commentary
- Deep historical insight into the bridge and it's construction
Paid: $39 per tour kit, suitable for up to 3 people
Duration: Approx 2 hours
Location: Dawes Point and surrounds
Suitable for: Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, History buffs, Visitors interested in culture and museums
This Sydney Harbour Bridge Tour has been put together by a former Bridgeclimb climb leader/guide, and offers detailed information and Sydney Harbour Bridge facts, as well as entertaining stories and facts about the bridge and it's construction. A great way to learn about the bridge and have some fun at the same time!
Visit the MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) at Circular Quay
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- Showcases an ever-evolving collection of modern artworks
- Hosts thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge perspectives and spark conversations
- Situated by Sydney's iconic Circular Quay, the museum's prime location treats visitors to stunning harbor views
Free: Free to enter, although some exhibits have additional costs
Duration: Normally from 1 hour to a few hours
Location: Circular Quay
Suitable for: Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, History buffs, Visitors interested in culture and museums
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney captivates visitors with its ever-evolving collection of cutting-edge artworks, offering a dynamic exploration of modern creativity across various mediums. Situated by Circular Quay, its prime location provides not only artistic inspiration but also breathtaking views of Sydney's iconic harbor.
Audio + Puzzle tour of Sydney's Highlights
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- Learn about Sydney history, Aboriginal culture, the Bridge and the Opera House
- Understand how the convicts came to Australia, and the impact colonisation had on the indigenous people
- This self-guided tour has audiobook quality commentary and puzzles to solve along the way
Paid: $39 per tour kit, suitable for up to 3 people
Duration: Approx 3 hours
Location: Start on the Harbour Bridge, and finish at the Opera House
Suitable for: Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, History buffs, Visitors interested in culture and museums
The Sydney Highlights is a great introduction to Sydney and Australia, and takes you from the middle of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Opera House. You'll learn about Sydney Harbour and Australian History, the Bridge and Opera House, early Sydney settlement and convict life, and Aboriginal History. As you explore, you'll also solve puzzles that will encourage you to interact with your surroundings to solve the puzzles.
Look out over the bridge and harbour from Observatory hill
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- Beautiful spot for sunrise, daytime, or sunset
- Close to the CBD and the historical Rocks area
- Book a night tour of the observatory and see the universe up close
Free: Going to Observatory Hill is free, going inside for a tour costs $36 adults / $24 children
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Location: Observatory Hill, Sydney
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, History buffs, Visitors interested in culture and museums
Visiting the Sydney Observatory is a celestial journey that grants stargazers a chance to explore the night sky through powerful telescopes and learn about the wonders of the universe from knowledgeable astronomers. It's a captivating experience that combines education with awe-inspiring views of the cosmos, making it a favorite destination for both astronomy enthusiasts and curious visitors.
Visit the exciting Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
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- Explore around a warship and into the captains quarters
- Climb beneath the water in a submarine
- Learn about Australian maritime history
Paid: $25 for adults, $15 for children under 15
Duration: Normally 2 to 3 hours
Location: National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, History buffs, Visitors interested in culture and museums
The museum offers a fascinating exploration of the country's rich maritime history, showcasing an impressive collection of vessels and maritime artifacts. It's an engaging and educational experience that allows visitors to connect with Australia's seafaring heritage while admiring beautifully preserved ships and immersive exhibitions.
Explore some of Australias oldest pubs in The Rocks
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- Historical charm, offering a glimpse into Sydney's colonial past with their well-preserved architecture and rustic interior
- Many pubs host live music, comedy nights, and cultural events, providing a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere
- The Rocks' pubs often serve traditional Australian fare and craft beers, allowing patrons to savor the flavors of the region
Free: Free to explore and enter, beer/wine starts about $10, Meals start about $20
Duration: 1 hour to a couple of hours
Location: The Rocks, Sydney CBD
Suitable for: Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, History buffs, Visitors interested in culture and museums
Visiting a pub in The Rocks is like stepping into a living piece of Sydney's history. The charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and rustic interiors create a nostalgic atmosphere that immerses you in the city's colonial past. As you enjoy a pint of local craft beer or savor traditional Australian cuisine, you can't help but feel the warm and welcoming spirit of this iconic neighborhood, where locals and tourists come together to share stories and create memorable moments.
Explore Australian history at the Australian Museum
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- Showcases an extensive collection of Indigenous Australian artifacts, dinosaur fossils, and cultural exhibits
- The museum offers engaging and interactive exhibits that cater to visitors of all ages
- The museum frequently hosts world-class temporary exhibitions on topics ranging from natural history to contemporary art
Free: Entry to the museum is free
Duration: You'll want to spend 2-4 hours to really take in everything displayed
Location: Australian Museum, beside Hyde Park
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Geocachers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, History buffs, Visitors interested in culture and museums
Nature, science and culture meet at Australia’s first museum. Complete with immersive exhibitions and interactive experiences, a visit to the Australian Museum is the perfect day out for families, kids of all ages and the young at heart – plus General Admission is now free! As Australia’s first museum, it is home to over 21 million scientific specimens and cultural objects in their collections. You can discover the natural history and culture of Australia and the Pacific, right here in Sydney.
Do a tour of the Opera House to lift the curtain behind the scenes
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- One of Sydney's most iconic buildings
- Gain an understanding what happens behind the scenes of the Opera
- Learn about the construction and problems the Opera House faced
Paid: Tickets are about $43 per adult, $23 per child
Duration: The tour takes approx 1 hour
Location: Sydney opera House, beside Circular Quay
Suitable for: Teenagers, Young Professionals, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, History buffs, Visitors interested in culture and museums
Be guided through the spaces and venues of the Opera House as your tour guide touches on the history and magical stories from the past fifty years and how the Opera House came to be. There is multiple tours available, including tours dedicated to historical, backstage and back of house, archtectural, food and school tours.
See the inner harbour with a ferry ride to Parramatta
- Explore the Parramatta river with a ferry ride
- See the stunning shorelines of the worlds largest natural harbour
- Finish in Parramatta, a cultural and business hub of Sydney
Paid: Tickets are approx $8 per person
Duration: Ferry trip takes approx 1hr 20min
Location: Circular Quay Ferry Wharves
Suitable for: Kids, Teenagers, Young Adults, Adults, Couples, Seniors, History buffs, Visitors interested in culture and museums
While many tourists do the Manly ferry (and rightly so), one of the less known but almost as nice ferry rides is the ferry to Parramatta. Catching the ferry to Parramatta is a scenic voyage that allows passengers to relax and enjoy the picturesque views along the Parramatta River, passing through charming suburbs and lush green landscapes. It's a leisurely and convenient way to explore Sydney's outskirts while avoiding the hustle and bustle of city traffic.