Top 100 best museums in New South Wales

Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove River in Sydney Harbour , New South Wales , Australia. Cockatoo Island is the largest of several islands that were originally heavily timbered sandstone knolls . Originally the Island rose to 18 metres (

Taronga Zoo, located in the suburb of Mosman, is the largest zoo in the Australian city of Sydney. It is home to a wide variety of animals and offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world's most fascinating creatures. The zoo is easily accessible and provides a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

This large aquarium houses more than 700 species of marine animals. It is divided into 14 different habitat zones. One of the most popular zones is surely the Dugong Island. Hear one of the talks to learn more about this animal. Sea Life is housed in the same complex as WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Mad

The Australian Reptile Park is a unique attraction located in Somersby, New South Wales, Australia. It is situated approximately 60 km northwest of Sydney in the Central Coast region. This amusement park and reptile center offers a unique experience for visitors, providing them with the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of reptiles.

The Koala Park Sanctuary is a privately owned wildlife park situated in West Pennant Hills, a northern suburb of Sydney. The park is known for its collection of koalas and other Australian animals and is set in a rainforest-like area. It exists to showcase Australian native animals and birds and educate the public about them. The park receives about 400,000 guests annually.

The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) is a maritime museum that was established in 1991. It is located in Darling Harbour, Sydney, and is managed by the Australian government. This museum is one of the six museums directly managed by the federal government and is the only one located outside the Australian capital territory.

The Sydney Observatory is situated on Observatory Hill in the heart of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This location offers a unique vantage point for observing the night sky and is easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

Harper's Mansion is a heritage-listed house located in Berrima, New South Wales, Australia. It is now a house museum that is recognized for its Georgian design. The mansion is a property of the National Trust of Australia (NSW), which acquired it in 1978. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 1 March 2002.

Situated in the heart of the historical district of Sydney, this gallery houses a nice selection of contemporary art that is presented in an engaging way. A special section is dedicated to Australian Aboriginal art. Don't forget to check the events section on the official website to see the temporar

The Museum of Sydney is a historical collection and exhibition, built on the ruins of the house of the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip. This location gives the museum a unique historical significance, as it stands on the site of the first Government House of Australia, constructed in 1788. The original house was later abandoned, and its foundations were uncovered by archaeologists in 1983. The new museum building was designed by architects from Denton Corker Marshall and is part of the Governor Phillip Tower development.

Three floors packed with history of the most magical district in Sydney. Learn about the development of the area, from pre-European era to the present. The exhibitions are interactive and highly engaging, kids will love it. Explore various archaeological artefacts and hear stories about events and p

The Eden Killer Whale Museum is situated in the beautiful coastal town of Eden, New South Wales, Australia. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the museum and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Wild Life Sydney Zoo, previously known as Sydney Wildlife World, is a wildlife park situated in the Darling Harbour precinct. This location is on the western edge of Sydney's central business district in Australia. The zoo offers a unique experience of Australian wildlife within the heart of the city.

Madame Tussauds Sydney is a renowned wax museum located in the picturesque Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia. The museum is conveniently situated on the Aquarium Wharf, making it easily accessible for tourists.

The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, located in Coffs Harbour, is a 20-hectare oasis that offers a blend of natural coastal forests, beautifully planted gardens, discovery walks, and picnic areas. This makes it an ideal location for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day in a beautiful setting.

Susannah Place is a historic site located in the heart of Sydney's The Rocks district. It was originally a grocery store and workers' cottages, but has since been transformed into a museum. This heritage-listed site offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, showcasing the evolution of Western occupation over 160 years, particularly the urban working-class community.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales, situated in Sydney, Australia, holds the distinction of being the most significant public gallery in Sydney and the fourth largest in the country. This makes it a notable destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a wide range of exhibits and collections to explore.

Hyde Park Barracks is a historical site located at the southern end of Macquarie Street in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is conveniently situated near the northeastern corner of Hyde Park, opposite Queens Square, and next to the Sydney Mint. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

The White Rabbit Gallery is a contemporary art museum situated in the heart of Sydney, specifically in the inner-city suburb of Chippendale, New South Wales, Australia. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city.

Featherdale Wildlife Park is a zoo located in Doonside , Sydney , Australia. The park is located in Sydney's west, approximately 40 km (25 mi) from Sydney's CBD. The park contains various species native to Australia, and is known to be one of the world's largest collections of Australian fauna . The

The Australian Museum in Sydney, established in 1827, is the oldest museum in Australia. It primarily focuses on natural history and anthropology, housing extensive collections in zoology (vertebrates and invertebrates), mineralogy, paleontology, and anthropology. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore Australia's rich natural and cultural heritage.

The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney is recognized as Australia's largest and most renowned museum. It is home to a vast array of exhibits that showcase numerous discoveries and inventions of the human mind. This museum is a testament to human creativity and innovation, offering a unique opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of human ingenuity.

Mogo Wildlife Park is a privately owned zoo located in Mogo, a town on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia. This small zoo is known for its focus on exotic species, unlike most small Australian zoos. It is a member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association and has been successful in breeding programs for endangered species.

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is a sanctuary for wildlife located in Calga, New South Wales, Australia. This park provides a safe haven for a variety of native Australian birds, mammals, and reptiles, as well as farm animals.

The Sydney Jewish Museum is a history museum situated in the suburb of Darlinghurst in Sydney. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture of the Jewish community in Australia.

The Old Government House in Parramatta, located on the outskirts of Sydney, Australia, served as a country residence for the first ten governors of New South Wales from 1800 to 1847. This historical building offers a glimpse into the early colonial period of Australia, making it a significant site for those interested in history.

The Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre serves as the maritime museum of the Royal Australian Navy. It is conveniently located within the Public Access Area on the northern end of the Garden Island naval base in Sydney. This location allows visitors to easily access the museum and explore the rich history and heritage of the Australian Navy.

The Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve is a unique garden in Sydney that specializes in Australian native plants. Established in 1970, the garden is a tribute to Joseph Banks, a naturalist and patron of the sciences who collected many botanical specimens around Botany Bay. The garden covers an area of 2.2 hectares and features 4 kilometers of sealed paths, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the beauty of native Australian flora.

Elizabeth Farm is a significant historic site in Sydney, Australia. It was the residence of John Macarthur and his wife Elizabeth, who were pioneers in the production and sale of merino wool in the country. This makes it a place of interest for those keen on understanding Australia's early economic history and the beginnings of its wool industry.

Macquarie University , contains nine museums, galleries and collections on its main North Ryde campus, each focusing on various historical, scientific or artistic interests. All are open to the public and offer educational programs for students at primary , secondary and tertiary levels.

Experiment Farm Cottage, located at 9 Ruse Street, Harris Park, City of Parramatta, Sydney, Australia, is a heritage-listed former farm and residence that now serves as a house museum. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into Australia's past, showcasing one of the country's oldest standing residences, built around 1834. The cottage is situated on the site of Experiment Farm, Australia's first European farmstead, which was established through the country's first land grant.

The Sydney Tramway Museum, operated by the South Pacific Electric Railway, holds the distinction of being Australia's oldest tramway museum and the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. It is conveniently located in Loftus, a suburb in the southern part of Sydney. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of tramways in Australia and beyond.

The NSW Rail Museum is the main railway museum in New South Wales , Australia. A division of Transport Heritage NSW , it was previously known as the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM) and Trainworks . Transport Heritage NSW has divisions located in Thirlmere, New South Wales , where the

Breakwater Battery , was a coastal defence battery at Port Kembla , New South Wales , Australia during World War II . Constructed in 1939 to provide protection for Port Kembla from enemy shipping and submarines. Two 6 inch Mk XI gun emplacements with related underground facilities were constructed n

Symbio Wildlife Park is a privately owned, medium-sized zoo situated in Helensburgh, New South Wales. It is conveniently located south of Sydney and is in close proximity to the City of Wollongong. This makes it an accessible destination for tourists visiting these areas.

The Sydney Bus Museum is a non-profit transportation museum situated in the suburb of Leichhardt in Sydney, Australia. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of buses in the region, providing an educational and engaging experience for visitors.

The Australian Fleet Air Arm Museum , formerly known as Australia's Museum of Flight , is a military aerospace museum located at the naval air station HMAS Albatross , near Nowra, New South Wales . The museum was opened in 1990, although efforts to preserve artifacts related to Australia's naval avi

The Museum of the Riverina, located in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia, is a local history museum. It offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the region, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the area's past and its impact on the present.

The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is a 416-hectare (1,030-acre) botanical garden located in a hilly area of the southwestern Sydney suburb of Mount Annan , between Campbelltown and Camden , New South Wales . It is the largest botanical garden in Australia, specializing in native plants, wit

The Justice and Police Museum, located at 4-8 Phillip Street on the corner of Albert Street in the Sydney central business district, is a heritage-listed site. It was formerly a water police station and courthouse. This location offers a unique insight into the history of law enforcement and justice in New South Wales, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, law, and policing.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, often referred to as Dubbo Zoo, is a large-scale zoo located near Dubbo, in New South Wales, Australia. The zoo first opened its doors to the public on the 28th of February, 1977. It was established with the aim of providing more living and breeding space for large animals such as elephants and antelopes, which required more space than was available at the Sydney site.

The RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre is an aviation museum located at the RAAF Base Wagga, situated on the Sturt Highway in Forest Hill, New South Wales. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the history of the Royal Australian Air Force.

The Richmond Vale Railway Museum operates a railway and museum located at the heritage-listed Richmond Main Colliery south of Kurri Kurri , New South Wales . The museum is a volunteer non-profit organization, formed in 1979 with the aim of preserving the Richmond Vale railway line and the mining her

Billabong Zoo, located in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia, is a 10-acre wildlife park and koala breeding centre. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of Australian and exotic animals. The park is not only a popular tourist destination but also plays a crucial role in the breeding of koalas.

Shoalhaven Zoo, previously known as Nowra Animal Park, is a popular animal park located on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the diverse wildlife of Australia in a beautiful coastal setting.

This gallery is simply awesome - filled with pictures of Sydney sunrises, beaches and surfing. The real spirit of Australia!

The Australian Inland Botanic Gardens (AIBG) is a vast botanical garden and arboretum spanning 152 hectares. It is situated in the regions of The Mallee and Sunraysia in New South Wales, Australia. The garden is unique in its focus, with half of its area dedicated to the cultivation and preservation of Australian flora.

The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum, located at 14-20 Norman Lindsay Crescent in the Blue Mountains town of Faulconbridge, is a heritage-listed former residence and farmlet. Today, it serves as an art gallery, tourist attraction, and museum. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the life and work of the Australian artist and writer, Norman Lindsay.

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, previously known as Hunter Valley Zoo, is situated in the beautiful region of Nulkaba, New South Wales, Australia. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife of Australia and beyond.

Fighter World is an aviation heritage centre located at the RAAF Base Williamtown, north of Newcastle, New South Wales. This Australian not-for-profit organization is dedicated to preserving the history of fighter operations of the RAAF. It's an ideal destination for those interested in aviation history and heritage.

The Hay Gaol, located at 355 Church Street in Hay, New South Wales, Australia, is a heritage-listed site that once served as a prison and is now a museum. This historical site offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the evolution of the penal system in Australia from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.

The Monte Cristo Homestead is a significant historical site located in the town of Junee, New South Wales, Australia. This double-storey late-Victorian-style manor was constructed by local pioneer Christopher William Crawley in 1885. It stands on a hill overlooking the town, offering a glimpse into the past and the rich history of the region.

The Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame is a cultural exhibition that is permanently dedicated to the sport of cricket and the Australian cricketing legend, Sir Donald Bradman. This museum is a tribute to the game and the man who made a significant impact on it, making it a place of interest for cricket enthusiasts and those interested in the history of the sport.

Birdland Animal Park is a wildlife park that is situated on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the diverse wildlife of Australia in a natural setting.

The Valley Heights Rail Museum is a significant historical site located in Valley Heights, New South Wales, Australia. It is conveniently situated just 300 metres north-west of the Valley Heights railway station, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum offers a unique insight into the history of railways in Australia, showcasing a variety of exhibits and providing educational and recreational opportunities.

Don Bank, also known as the Don Bank Museum, is a heritage-listed former residence that has been transformed into a house museum. It is located at 6 Napier Street, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style and living conditions of the mid-19th century.

Miss Porter's House, located at 434 King Street in Newcastle West, is a heritage-listed former residence that now serves as a house museum. The house was constructed by John T. Owen and is currently under the ownership of the National Trust of Australia (NSW). This Edwardian home stands as a distinctive piece of architecture in an otherwise non-residential area, offering a glimpse into the early twentieth-century middle-class urban lifestyle.

Fort Scratchley, once a coastal defence installation, now serves as a museum. It is situated in Newcastle East, a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales in Australia. This historical site offers visitors a glimpse into Australia's military past, with its origins dating back to 1882 when it was built to defend the city against a potential Russian attack.

The New England Regional Art Museum, also known as NERAM, is situated in Armidale in the New England region of New South Wales. It is renowned for its extensive and valuable collection of Australian art, which is the second largest regional public collection in NSW. The museum's collections are valued at over A$25 million, making it a significant cultural asset in the region.

The National Motor Racing Museum (NMRM) is a significant destination for motor racing enthusiasts. It is situated in the city of Bathurst, in the regional area of New South Wales. This location is approximately 200 kilometers west of Sydney, making it a feasible day trip for those staying in the city. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Australia's motor racing history.

The National Museum of Australian Pottery is situated in the town of Holbrook, New South Wales. It is home to an extensive collection of over 2000 pieces of domestic Australian pottery, which were crafted in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This vast collection provides a unique insight into the history and evolution of Australian pottery.

The Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum is a preservation site for the former Junee Locomotive Depot. This depot was a significant railway station located on the Main Southern line in Junee, Australia. The museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of the railway system in the region.