Best History Museum 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."

"If you find yourself around Circular Quay with the family, don’t forget to check out the Rocks Discovery Museum set in a gorgeous restored sandstone warehouse. The free, family-friendly museum tells the story of the historic Sydney precinct with thousands of years of history from pre-European days to the present on display. There are four fascinating permanent exhibitions, plus a unique collection of images and archaeological artefacts and fun, interactive audio and visual elements that bring the history of the area to life."

"Speaking of Sydney’s convict history, while the public buildings were built along Macquarie Street, the homes and pubs were in the Rocks. The best spot to learn about this area is at the Rocks Discovery Museum, a free museum in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse. It tells the story of The Rocks from pre-European days to the present and has a good collection of images and archaeological artefacts from the area."

"This small but exciting collection is enhanced by a treasure hunt worksheet for kids. They also run school holiday activities. Outside of holidays, a visit will keep you busy for about 30 minutes."

"Founded in 1992, The Sydney Jewish Museum itself has been beautifully designed to provide visitors with a multi-sensory experience across the exhibits and a richer understanding of the Holocaust and the history of Judaism in Australia. It is a fascinating place to visit with kids, but I do suggest speaking with the museum team when you arrive to discuss which exhibits may be confronting for your children. Opening Times: Sunday – Thursday 10.00 am – 4:00 pm | Friday and Saturday Closed |  Public/Jewish Holidays closedTicket Prices: $40.00 (2 adults and 2 students)."

"Established in 1992, the Sydney Jewish Museum houses a spectacular collection of stories and personal memorabilia from Holocaust survivors who arrived in Australia. Some artefacts in the collection include books, journals, audio and videotape recordings, art and literature related to the Holocaust, Judaism and Australian Jewish history. The purpose of the museum is to educate through history to bring attention to human rights issues, so there’s much more than just memorabilia."

"Sydney Jewish Museum is an interesting destination that specializes in the exhibits of the Holocaust. The Museum is situated in central Sydney. The artefacts of the museum reveal the description of the lives and cultures of the early Jews who had immigrated to Australia."

"Feature: A mix of Aboriginal history and artefacts from the expedition of French Explore La Perouse who reached Australia in 1788 just days after the English. Unlike many on this list, this Museum is well outside the CBD, in the coastal suburb of La Perouse. Housed in the old Cable Station, which once connected Australia to the rest of the world via telegraph, the Museum commemorates the famous La Perouse expedition, a French scientific endeavour whose ships arrived around Port Jackson at roughly the same time as the First Fleet."

"The last one on this list of free Sydney museums is not as well-known as most other museums, but La Perouse Museum at the southern end of Anzac Parade is certainly worth a visit. The museum is housed in the former Telegraph Cable Station building on the La Perouse headland, and is home to a large collection of exhibits related to the 1787–1788 expedition of a French naval officer and explorer. This expedition arrived in Australia one week after the First Fleet, and vanished without a trace months later."

"The La Perouse Museum is a heritage-listed building that tells the story of the La Perouse expedition. First opened in 1988, the museum is home to collectibles that detail the expedition, its famed arrival in 1788..."

"Once called “the finest [house] in the colony”, this sumptuous villa has a classical feel. Constructed in Greek Revival style, it was allowed to decay during the middle of the 20th Century before the villa and accompanying grotto was painstakingly restored. The property was home to Alexander Macleay and his family, and at the time they lived here, its gardens ran to the water’s edge."

"Built during 1835-1839, Elizabeth Bay House in Sydney was designed by the architect John Verge for Australia's Colonial Secretary of the time. Today, this once private house acts as a stunning example of colonial architecture. The special attraction of this house lies in the fact that it offers magnificent views of Sydney Harbour."

"Built between 1835 and 1839, the Elizabeth Bay House is a heritage-listed Colonial Regency style house that functions as a museum and grotto today. Now situated within a dense suburban neighbourhood, at the time of its construction it was surrounded by a 22-hectare (54-acre) garden."

"In 1950 when the Rose Seidler House was completed, it was ‘the most talked about house in Sydney.’ Today, this architectural treasure in the North Sydney suburb of Wahroonga is one of the cites most underrated attractions. Composed by the young Harry Seidler for his parents, the house upturned conventional suburban home design. Harry Seidler was an Austrian-born Australian architect who was the first architect to fully express the principles of the Bauhaus and modernism’s methodology in Australia."

"Soak up balmy breezes and river views at family-friendly café Fork and Spoon on Bowden Street in Meadowbank. This eatery is all clean lines with polished concrete floors, tiled counter and blond wood ..."

"Sydney’s answer to Melbourne’s iconic Lune croissants, Textbook Patisserie from pastry chef John Ralley is one for the ages. With fresh bread, cakes and danishes – this is the perfect spot to pick up a sweet treat for afternoon tea. 274 Botany Road, Alexandria"

"Get your sweet treats and caffeine fix by ordering takeaway from Textbook Patisserie. 📍 Textbook Boulangerie Patisserie, 274 Botany Rd, Alexandria NSW 2015"

"(Large) Cookies N Cream Ultimate Shake - Vanilla ice cream with lots of cream filled chocolate cookie chunks throughout"

"With a nod to its name, the ice cream here is blue in flavour and sea salt in taste. Yes, the sea salt soft serve has made this eatery a destination where desserts are done differently. Fairy floss envelopes signature blue ice cream, while toppings are the main game."

"The ethereal blue ice cream cone shot against a cloudy white-blue wall – I’m sure you’ve seen it all before. This is about as photogenic as soft serves get!. The bright blue soft serve, which is actually Sea Salt ice cream, is every bit as yummy as it looks."

"Bringing sea salt soft serve from Okinawa, Japan to the heart of Sydney, this delicious spot has some of the most unique ice-cream mixes around (and crazy toppings like fairy floss and popcorn, too)."

"(Large) Cookies N Cream Ultimate Shake - Vanilla ice cream with lots of cream filled chocolate cookie chunks throughout"