Best Museums in Manly

"While the mere mention of the word "museum" may instantly cause a cloud of boredom to pass across the average child's face, these two quality exhibitions that are long-time staples of Sydney each go to great lengths in an attempt to appeal to people on all ends of the age spectrum. Sydney's Australian Museum, established in 1827, is the first originally-established museum in the country and has evolved over time to the point that it now puts a lot of effort into catering to kids as much as possible. Featuring numerous interactive, hands-on elements and exhibits that encourage participation rather than simple observation, kids will have fun trying out some of the displays while also hopefully learning something along the way."

"Bringing to life the perils and adventures of the sea, the Australian National Maritime Museum has a jam-packed kids calendar all year-round. During school holidays, there are plenty of activities for kids of all ages to learn about maritime, but when Family Fun Sunday rolls around (once a month), all hands are on deck with character-led tours, live performances, face painting and activities. They have Mini Mariners play space and permanent exhibits that show how families travelled on to Australia on the First Fleet and convict ships."

"Catch the ferry back to Darling Harbour where you can jump off and visit the Maritime Museum. There’s lots to see and do with collections about the history of boats and sea exploration around Australia. The permanent exhibitions and some children’s activities are free."

"Housed in a beautiful art deco style building facing Circular Quay’s waterfront, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, otherwise known as the MCA, is dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting the work of today’s contemporary artists. The museum is home to a great collection of Australian and international modern artworks and exhibitions, spread over multiple floors, making contemporary art and ideas widely accessible to a range of audiences. The MCA is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation that offers free general admission, while certain exhibitions and events are ticketed."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia celebrates the work of living artists, bringing exceptional exhibitions of international and Australian art to as many people as possible – welcoming over a million visitors each year – in the belief that art is for everyone. Find creative opportunities for families to discover contemporary art and participate in fun and playful learning experiences together. They offer a range of free and ticketed programs for families with kids aged 0–12 years."

"Wander through galleries of exciting modern art from leading Australian and international artists at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA). Grab a coffee at the rooftop cafe and sculpture terrace and enjoy the stunning harbour view. The MCA runs lots of free and small donation activities for kids throughout the year too, from their monthly Sunday Family Fun Days to a drop in activity room and school holiday crafts."

"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."

"Built in the 1850s, Sydney’s copper-domed, Italianate sandstone observatory squats atop Observatory Hill, overlooking the harbour. Inside is a collection of vintage apparatus, including Australia’s oldest working telescope (1874), as well as background on Australian astronomy and transits of Venus. Also on offer (weekends and school holidays) are child-focused tours (adult/child $10/8), including a solar telescope viewing and planetarium show. Bookings are essential for night-time stargazing sessions, which come in family-oriented (adult/child $22/17) and adult (adult/child $27/20) versions."

"Speaking of underappreciated places, the Sydney Observatory is not something you should overlook. There’s nothing more calming and inspiring than gazing at the stars and just enjoying the vastness of space at night. This can also be a great learning experience for your little ones as they learn about science, technology, and so much more."

"Sydney Observatory was built in 1858 on a hill above The Rocks and was used for decades for research into astronomy and weather conditions. It was also crucial for navigation, meteorology and timekeeping. The observatory is still an important scientific site but is used mainly as a museum these days."

"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."

"Indulge in elegant, a la carte dining at Omeros on the Beach restaurant, on the ocean side of the corner of Ramsgate Road and Grand Parade. Surrounded by an interior of crisp white, diners are treated... "Each meal is a culinary journey."

"The perfect beachside location, Blackwood Pantry keeps it light and casual. This whole place flows from inside to the outside sitting area. Pop down for breakfast with classics like French toast or lunch with a chicken salad."

"Pyrmont fave Bistro Clementine has relaunched with a fresh menu direction courtesy of new Head Chef Bilent Peel (Café Paci, Sixpenny and Rockpool), and a revised vision from owner Eric Morris. You can still expect to savour the inventive Euro-fare that this neighbourhood gem is well-known for, packaged up into an elevated yet affordable dining experience. Focussed on delivering their new weekday breakfast and lunch offering in their stylish venue, their new evening and weekend service will kick off soon."

"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."

"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."