Best History Museum 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."

"This family orientated museum helps you to piece together the history of Sydney's oldest neighbourhood. Located in a historical 1850's warehouse, its 3 floors take you back in time to pre-European days before gradually bringing you back up to date as you go through the Colony exhibition which covers 1788-1820, then the Port exhibition 1820-1900, and finally the Transformations exhibitions which covers the history from 1900 to the present day...."

"The Rocks Discovery Museum is open every day from 10.00 am – 5.00 pm and is located in a three-storey high restored 1850s sandstone warehouse in The Rocks. It is free to enter and walks you through the history of the are from pre-European occupation through to modern times. It is a great little pit stop if you are exploring the area."

"This small but exciting collection is enhanced by a treasure hunt worksheet for kids. They also run school holiday activities. Outside of holidays, a visit will keep you busy for about 30 minutes."

"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"

"Now dwarfed by 20th-century apartments, Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay's elegant Greek Revival mansion was one of the finest houses in the colony when it was completed in 1839. The architectural highlight is an exquisite oval saloon with a curved and cantilevered staircase. There are lovely views over the harbour from the upstairs rooms. Drop down to the twin cellars for an introductory audiovisual with a weird beginning."

"Once called “the finest [house] in the colony”, this sumptuous villa has a classical feel. Constructed in Greek Revival style, it was allowed to decay during the middle of the 20th Century before the villa and accompanying grotto was painstakingly restored. The property was home to Alexander Macleay and his family, and at the time they lived here, its gardens ran to the water’s edge."

"Built between 1835 and 1839, the Elizabeth Bay House is a heritage-listed Colonial Regency style house that functions as a museum and grotto today. Now situated within a dense suburban neighbourhood, at the time of its construction it was surrounded by a 22-hectare (54-acre) garden."

"Constructed in 1858, Rouse Hill Estate was the home of Richard Rouse, the Colonial Superintendent of Public Works and Convicts at Parramatta, and the generations of his family thereafter (six generations in total) and is an example of the ‘rude’ timber farm buildings that were found throughout rural Australia. A visit to Rouse Hill Estate is quite interesting. The site is the very place where the 1804 ‘Vinegar Hill’ convict rebellion occurred, and the kids can explore the original school that is on the site as well."

"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."

"Celebrate National Lasagna DayHomemade LasagneCome and celebrate National Lasagna Day with us at Dani and Fiori's with our homemade lasagnas made fresh in store. Call 02) 9559 7773 to order yours."

"A post shared by Kate Aberline (@kateaberline) on May 10, 2015 at 2:36am PDT. One for the pasta lovers, this little Italian haven has heavenly helpings of Boscaiola, Bolognese, Marinara, Napoletana and Sicilliana to name but a few of the regular favourites. While Allawah's Little Italy can serve you a slice of pizza that you won't forget in a hurry, its selection of fresh pasta and risotto are the stars of the show."

"For the best baked ricotta cheesecake this side of the equator, go to Pasticceria Papa - easily the one of the best cakes in Sydney. Visit one of their three locations spanning the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs of Sydney - the locals can’t get enough. All stores feature a huge display cabinet piled high with Italian cakes, desserts, and sweets, and friendly, fast service."

"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."

"Established in 1989 by Conny Dietzschold (formerly Die Weisse Galerie), Conny Dietzschold Gallery features painting, sculpture, installation, photography, video, and new media. With the focus on new tendencies in conceptual, concrete, and constructive art, contemporary art production of emerging, mid-career, and established artists is promoted. With its two locations, in Sydney and in Cologne, the gallery opened its new online part shop Multiple Box Sydney."

"Olsen Irwin, originally known as Olsen Irwin and Tim Olsen Gallery, was established in 1993. Fostering the dialogue between contemporary Australian artists and the leading European, American and Asian authors, the gallery prides itself and its relationship with the Australian contemporary art scene. Among the variously represented artists is the celebrated author John Olsen, presently regarded as Australia’s most esteemed living artist."