Free Museums 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’re a fan of cutting-edge Australian and international modern art, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) on the western side of Circular Quay is an absolute must. Housed in an impressive art deco building right at the waterfront, the MCA is dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting the work of today’s contemporary artists. The building alone is enough reason to visit this museum."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is a cultural marvel and houses a brilliant range of contemporary art. The venue is free to visit and children are warmly received. Throughout both the school term and the Sydney school holidays, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia offers a range of family fun activities."

"The Sydney Observatory is worth a visit just for the views across the harbor of the iconic Harbour Bridge and the city skyline. Completed in 1859, it was initially used for timekeeping and evolved to play an essential role in charting the southern sky. If you visit during daylight hours, you can use a solar telescope to see the Sun, some of the Southern Hemisphere's brightest stars, the Moon or Venus."

"Set in beautiful gardens overlooking Sydney Harbour, the ever-enchanting Sydney Observatory never gets old for either little or big kids!. The museum and education centre is an astronomy hub with famous telescopic domes for exploring the sky with experienced guides. At night, you could see stars, planets in the solar system, the Moon or even nebulae that are light-years away."

"Sydney Observatory was built on a hill above the Rocks in 1858 and is a sandstone building surrounded by a lovely garden. It wasn’t just about seeing the stars – back then it was essential for navigation, meteorology and timekeeping. These days, you can walk around the grounds of Sydney Observatory and see the basic museum exhibitions for free."

"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."

"Built to be “the Empire’s Greatest Theatre” at the peak of the Jazz Age, the State Theatre combines Gothic facades with a neoclassical interior and baroque auditorium, giving visitors a glimpse of the show business of yesteryear. The theatre is referred to as the “Palace of dreams”. Seating 2,034 people and filled with an impressive collection of classic art, including work by William Dobell, sculptures and stunning chandeliers, if you want to learn more amount this amazing property, book one of their guided tours."

"The State Theatre hosts loads of shows throughout the year ranging from musicals to comedies to burlesque so there’s something for everyone. As you’ll just be passing by, for now, make sure you take a look in at the beautiful art deco foyer."

"KFC is a subsidiary of YUM! Brands, with 24,000 KFC restaurants globally. YUM! operates the KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger. While KFC Australia owns and operates 50 restaurants across the country, the business is characterised in Australia with having groups of franchise owners with large blocks of restaurant numbers in regions."

"A summer essential for any Sydneysider, Camp Cove Swims’ colourful bikinis have been the go-to for a more sustainable beachside look since 2013. Produced down the coast in Jervis Bay, this brand is not only made locally but is designed to minimise its impact on the planet. Created with longevity front of mind, the lining of Camp Cove togs is made from regenerated nylon from rescued fishing nets that were heading for landfill."

"Escape from the crowds with a day spent at the secluded, picturesque Camp Cove. Nestled in Sydney Harbour’s National Park, near South Head, this hidden gem boasts harbour views and calm waters. This tranquil, relaxed environment makes Camp Cove the ideal spot to swim, snorkel, kayak or even scuba dive."

"Secluded, rarely crowded, and relaxed, Camp Cove is perhaps the most underrated of Sydney’s beaches. But that’s okay, because it simply means you’re likely to have a generous patch of sand all to yourself. Pack your snorkel, as the calm water makes for prime skin diving conditions."