Best History Museum in Sydney

"Beneath a soaring roof, the Maritime Museum sails through Australia’s inextricable relationship with the sea. Exhibitions range from Indigenous canoes to surf culture, immigration to the navy. The worthwhile ‘big ticket’ (adult/child $32/20) includes entry to some of the vessels moored outside, including the atmospheric submarine HMAS Onslow and the destroyer HMAS Vampire. The high-production-value short film Action Stations sets the mood with a re-creation of a mission event from each vessel. Excellent free guided tours explain each vessel's features."

"The Australian National Maritime Museum is situated at the northern end of Darling Harbour and appeals as a distinctive indoor/outdoor attraction to offer entertainment for the whole family. This museum introduces you to the maritime world as you enter the journey of underwater warfare aboard the submarine; explore the last of the big gun destroyers; marvel at...Read more"

"The Australian National Maritime Museum is a great attraction particularly for families with kids. Join a guided tour or let the kids get their hands on some of the interactive displays. Find out what life was like above and below water through interesting exhibitions."

"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."

"Who doesn’t love a FREE museum especially if it expands your knowledge of a particular place!. Located in a restored 1850s sandstone warehouse, the Rocks Discovery Museum provides the story of The Rocks from pre-European days through to today. We’ve had the privilege of visiting when Aboriginal elders were on site, teaching both Striker and Sunshine about the seasons of Sydney and how the traditional owners caught fish on the harbour."

"Divided into four displays – Warrane (pre-1788), Colony (1788–1820), Port (1820–1900) and Transformations (1900 to the present) – this small, excellent museum, tucked away down a Rocks laneway, digs deep into the area's history on an artefact-rich tour. Sensitive attention is given to the Rocks’ original inhabitants, the Gadigal (Cadigal) people, and there are interesting tales of early colonial characters."

"Although small in size, the Quarantine Station Museum has big appeal as it shares a lesser-known history of the arrival of European settlers. Inside the Quarantine Station you will learn what new arrivals had to go through before they were free to leave and start their new life. You can choose from a variety of guided tours including a ghost tour or a walking tour that takes in much of the surrounding beautiful bay on Sydney’s North Shore."

"Housed in the Reserve Bank of Australia building at 65 Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD, the Reserve Bank of Australia Museum has the complete collection of Australia’s issued banknotes on display. The museum tells the story of Australia’s social and economic development through the life and work of its central bank and our nation’s banknotes. The museum is part of the Sydney Cultural Kilometre which consists of nine cultural organisations, museums and galleries located in Sydney’s CBD."

"The Museum tells the story of Australia’s banknotes against the background of the nation’s economic and social development, from before Federation through to the current era. Opening Times: Currently closedTicket Prices: Admission is freeAddress: 65 Martin Pl, Sydney Website: museum.rba.gov.au"

"Museum Of Sydney, Hyde Park Barracks, Justice & Police Museum, Vaucluse House, The Mint, Elizabeth Farm, Susannah Place, Rose Seidler House, Rouse Hill Estate, Elizabeth Bay House, Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection,Head Office, The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street Sydney, NSW 2000Ph 02 8239 2288Email info@slm.com.ausydneylivingmuseums.com.auA group of 12 museums, houses and gardens that will take you on a remarkable journey through time and place to experience a whole other life."

"Explore maritime history at the Australian National Maritime Museum which provides an in-depth look at the country’s history on its waters and how this played out in the transport, commercial and recreational sectors. Themed exhibitions provide a glimpse into the people and places that had an impact on Australia’s maritime history. The Powerhouse Museum is one of the most amazing places to visit when in Sydney."

"When I was little I was taught that museums are a place to look and wonder – no touching. The Sydney Living Museums are a little different which makes them some of the best of the museums in Sydney to visit with kids. You see, the Sydney Living Museums have been frozen in time."

"Rich in Sydney’s working class history, Susannah Place is a terrace of four houses which, over the course of nearly 150 years, played host to over 100 families. The stories of these families are represented in the largely unchanged houses, along with the history of The Rocks and Sydney. Visiting with or without kids, it’s fun to learn what it was like to live during that era, how the children lived and what was expected from them."

"A natural progression from The Rocks Discovery Museum is the Susannah Place Museum where you can actually step inside The Rocks’ terraced houses on Susannah Place, built in 1844. Restored to resemble what life was like for the working class immigrant families who lived there, you can step back in time and learn more about the daily struggles in Sydney 150 years ago. http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/susannah-place-museum"

"Even after the early years of Sydney, The Rocks continued to be a part of the city where poorer people lived – in not always pleasant conditions. Picture working-class families with basement kitchens, tiny backyards, outdoor baths, and lots of rats. The Susannah Place Museum tells their story."

"Rich in history and filled with stories, Sydney’s Jewish Museum is an exploration of Jewish history, culture and the genocide, as well as a powerful statement against racism. Walking through the museum you are able to read individual stories, see historic artefacts and learn about the plight of the Jewish people during the Holocaust. Guided tours are available four days a week, and are often conducted by a Holocaust survivor, making this museum a wonderful, immersive experience for primary and high school aged children."

"In Sydney’s lively neighbourhood of Darlinghurst, the Sydney Jewish Museum is “dedicated to documenting and teaching the history of the Holocaust,” say Lavrencic and Cullen. The museum has recently been renovated and “challenges visitors’ perceptions of democracy, morality, social justice and human rights”. It also places the Holocaust in its historical and contemporary context, giving something new and different for visitors, and explores human rights issues that still face Australia to this day."

"One of Sydney's best museums revolves around a detailed and expertly curated exhibition on the Holocaust, with sobering personal testimonies and moving objects as well as a memorial section for the 1.5 million child victims. Other sections cover the history and practice of Judaism itself and Australian Jewish history, culture and tradition. A section on the top floor examines contemporary human rights challenges, while temporary exhibitions are always excellent. There's also a kosher cafe."

"Parramatta’s first all-inclusive playground opened in early 2019. It features climbing structures, water play with a splash play area and water pumps, an elevated sandpit, an accessible carousel, swings, BBQ facilities and excellent bathrooms. Read the full review of Ollie Webb Reserve playground here."

"Your kids won't want to leave this epic playground at Strathfield!. Boasting 3 monster super slides projecting off tall climbing towers, a massive flying fox, a netted suspension bridge, and equipment for little ones too, this Sydney playground has adventure written all over it. Whether your kids are big or little, they will find something at Strathfield Park Playground to keep them entertained."

"Strathfield Park, the oldest public park in Strathfield, is home to a huge playground with three play spaces, spanning 1.5 acres. The park was renovated in 2017, with the resulting play spaces uniquely designed to compliment each other, taking into account the various ages and abilities of children who might enjoy the play equipment. Read more about visiting Strathfield Park."

"At the Eight they push the boat just that little further – there's an extra lick of attention paid to everything on offer, from the moist, sweet, tender barbecue pork to the stout little mango pancakes. The congee is excellent – all loose and glutinous with little pieces of pork and preserved egg woven through, topped with little bits of fried bread and green onion. If you're not a Chinese nanna, you might have to arm wrestle the waitress for it, but persevere."

"Already a firm contender for one of the best yum cha restaurants in the CBD, this new restaurant is a huge space serving up delicious classics. The flavours at The Eight capture the very best of contemporary and classic Chinese dishes. The menu includes a banquet, a la carte and a dedicated dim sum menu."

"Something of a Sydney celebrity in its own right, Saint Peter has gained international acclaim for its exquisite seafood and fish dishes. Head to this famed haunt for a special occasion or date night and tuck into an eclectic menu of salt and vinegar garfish, charcoal flounder and tuna cheeseburger with swordfish belly bacon."

"Restaurants Seafood Paddington"

"Luke Nguyen’s ‘Table for 2’ menu will take diners on a stunning culinary journey showcasing four of his most popular Fat Noodle dishes for $70."