Free Museums in City of Parramatta Council

"At the Australian National Maritime Museum, you’ll find a great day’s entertainment for the whole family. There’s so much to see and do, with exhibitions that tell stories of adventure on the water—naval battles and mutiny—migrants venturing across the seas to settle on our shores—ancient saltwater traditions—modern beach culture—and aquatic sporting achievements. Make a splash at the Australian National Maritime Museum these school holidays."

"For a very different museum experience, you can’t go past the National Maritime Museum. This is also fantastic if you are looking for indoor activities for kids Sydney and surrounds, which will also be fun for the adults. The Australian National Maritime Museum is Australia’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology."

"Housed in a historic Art Deco building it contains more than 4,000 works of modern art and is dedicated to showcasing the works of living artists from Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, along with artists around the world. It displays paintings, photographs, sculptures, drawings, film, and performance art. Whilst you're indulging your creative..."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is one of the city’s must-see museums dedicated to living artists. Located on the bank of the picturesque Sydney Harbour, it’s home to a vast collection of both international and Australian masterpieces of painting, sculpture, photography and moving images. It also has a large collection of works from indigenous artists."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is a cultural marvel and houses a brilliant range of contemporary art. The venue is free to visit and children are warmly received. Throughout both the school term and the Sydney school holidays, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia offers a range of family fun activities."

"Built by famous convict architect Francis Greenway, Sydney’s Conservatorium, part of the University of Sydney, began life as a Gothic picturesque stable for Governor Macquarie. Known as “a palace for horses”, the building was so expensive it caused Macquarie to be recalled to Mother England. Today you can visit the building to attend one of the many concerts put on by students or stroll the outside when touring the Botanic Gardens."

"Sydney’s premier music school is on the edge of the Royal Botanic Garden. The building looks like a castle but was actually originally built as stables for the nearby Government House. Because it’s a school, not all areas are open to the public but you can see three levels of the atrium."

"In our view, taking a tour to Sydney Observatory hill is the second-best spot to capture a great photo of Sydney at night. It’s a million-dollar view offered free to the public. We highly recommend taking an Observatory Sydney night photography tour irrespective how many times you have travelled to Sydney."

"Sydney Observatory is great for kids fascinated by our universe and all things in it. Explore the historic site at Miller’s Point, peek through Australia’s oldest working telescope and discover more about the planets, the galaxy, and beyond. Explore the Sun, Moon and some planets through their telescopes."

"The Sydney Observatory is an Australian landmark offering some of the best views across the city. Entry is free providing access to all of the rooms other than the top observation areas where the telescopes are used for tours. One of the highlights for us was the LEGO room which is also free."

"The Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre is part of Sydney Harbour YHA in The Rocks heritage precinct of Sydney. The centre facilitates hands-on archaeology educational experiences and opens the archaeological site to the public. Opening Times: The Big Dig welcomes the general public to visit the site during daylight hoursTicket Prices: varied depending on programAddress: 110 Cumberland St, Sydney NSWWebsite:thebigdig.com.au"

"The Big Dig Cumberland Street Archaeological Site is a heritage-listed archaeological site in The Rocks. The centre is part of Sydney Harbour YHA,, and while it is no longer an “active” excavation site, it does facilitate hands-on archaeology educational experiences and opens the archaeological site to the public. The general public are welcome to visit the Big Dig site during daylight hours."

"You’ll see a great mix of architecture as well as Sydney’s Oldest pub, the Big Dig Archaeological Site underneath the YHA hostel, Suez Lane which was once run by gangs and 4 houses preserved from different decades at Susannah Place. Head to The Rocks Square for plenty of dining options or the famous Rocks Markets on Saturdays for some independent stalls and delicious food."

"A landmark building near Circular Quay, this is the location of the library. It used to be the headquarters of the Customs service and is an impressive building to walk through. One of the best features to check out is a small scale model of Sydney under the glass floor."

"A quirky flea market, Paddy’s Market is the best place for some cheap clothes, souvenirs, and antiques. The market also has a food section which has excellent fresh produce of fruits and vegetables, and also meat and seafood!. It is popular amongst tourists because of its fun vibe and atmosphere."

"Paddy’s Markets This huge market hall pretty much has everything you could imagine under it – and I mean everything!. When I visited I saw clothes, cosmetics, crafts, antiques, jewellery, fruit, veggies, hot food as well as some wacky souvenirs."

"It’s been a significant fixture in the local community, having been around now for over 150 years. Its origins date back to 1834 when then-Governor..."

"Positioned in Sydney Harbour, 1km from the mouth of Rose Bay, Shark Island – Boowambillee (booh-uhm-'bil-ee) is a picnic spot with a difference. Explore the island's foreshore, go swimming or relax in front of amazing Sydney Harbour views."

"The Harbourside Shopping Centre provides not just an amazing view because it is located close to the water edge. The magnificent view that the place provides is an absolute show stopper. You can view the amazing harbour and city skyline view which will surely take your breath away and this is one of the best places for Shopping in Sydney.Highlights: Quite interestingly, you will also find a bowling alley and laser in this shopping centre which just adds to the fun you can have in this place."

"Located in Darling Harbour, the Harbourside Shopping Centre is a fun place to shop at. Packed with stores from fashion to lifestyle, and also with bowling alleys, cinemas, and more, it is an ideal weekend destination for families, as well as friends. Tourists often come here for the nightlife, as the view from some of the restaurants here is spectacular."

"Harbourside Shopping Centre is a spectacular retail centre whose prime location makes it a favourite for shoppers and sightseers – located on the edge of the water at Darling Harbour, hence the name..."