Australian Museum

Overview The Australian Museum, located in central Sydney, is Australia's first museum, featuring a large collection focused on natural history and culture. The museum's permanent exhibitions cover a wide range of subjects, including dinosaurs, Australian wildlife, minerals, and First Nations cultures. General admission to the museum's permanent galleries is free for all visitors.

Designed to cater for families, the museum includes interactive elements and dedicated learning and play spaces for children. Key galleries popular with children include the Dinosaurs exhibition, which features life-sized models and skeletons, and Surviving Australia, which showcases native animals. In addition to its permanent displays, the museum frequently hosts special ticketed exhibitions and runs a variety of school holiday programs, workshops, and events for different age groups.

Highlights

• Dinosaurs Gallery: An extensive collection of dinosaur skeletons and life-sized models.
• Burra: A dedicated learning and play space for children that uses an immersive journey to teach about the environment and First Nations culture.
• Interactive Exhibits: Numerous hands-on displays are integrated within galleries, allowing children to touch specimens and engage with digital activities.

Community Sentiment (The "Vibe")

What parents like: The museum is noted for its family-friendly design, with many exhibits accessible to young children without needing to be picked up. Parents appreciate the dedicated kids' spaces, the interactive and hands-on nature of many exhibits, and the free general admission. The presence of two cafes and ample facilities is also a positive.

What to watch out for: The museum can become very busy and noisy, particularly during school holidays and on rainy days. While general entry is free, special exhibitions and some school holiday programs require paid tickets that are best booked in advance. There is no public car parking available on-site.

Logistics & Tips

Best for: All ages, with specific areas and programs targeted at different groups: the 'Burra' learning space is suitable for younger children, including babies and toddlers, while school holiday workshops cater for ages 5 to 16.

Facilities: Café and kiosk, toilets, baby change rooms, parent's room, pram and wheelchair accessibility throughout, lifts to all levels, and a museum shop.

Note: General admission is free, and bookings are not typically required for entry to the permanent galleries. Special exhibitions may require a purchased ticket. The quietest time to visit is generally just after opening at 10 am on school term weekdays.