World by City

Museums & galleries

Museum of Sydney

Open in Maps
Museum of Sydney

Museum of Sydney

The Museum of Sydney is a historical site located at the intersection of Phillip Street and Bridge Street. It is built on the location of the first governor's residence from 1788. Visitors go here to learn about the early colonial history of the city and the interactions between the first settlers and the indigenous population.

Getting There

The museum is located within the central business district. From the city centre, it is accessible via a short walk or a brief trip on public transport. Depending on your starting point in the CBD, the journey typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to explore the exhibits and the site of the original governor's residence.

When to Visit

Visiting during weekday mornings often avoids the larger crowds. As an indoor attraction, it is suitable for any season, including rainy days. The site can become crowded during school holiday periods.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, this museum can be combined with other nearby sites within walking distance:

  • Aurora Place (0.2km)
  • Deutsche Bank Place (0.4km)
  • State Library of New South Wales (0.4km)
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (0.4km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Museum of Sydney

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Museum of Sydney Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Sydney hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Good to visit alongside

Aurora Place

Views & landmarks

Aurora Place

A 41-story mixed-use commercial and residential building on Phillip Street in Sydney. Designed by Renzo Piano, its modern facade makes it a landmark of the city skyline.

0.2 km away

Deutsche Bank Place

Views & landmarks

Deutsche Bank Place

Deutsche Bank Place is a 240-meter, 39-story skyscraper in Sydney's central business district, located on Phillip Street opposite Chifley Tower. Built between 2002 and 2005, it lets you admire modern architecture designed by Norman Foster.

0.4 km away

Real visit photo State Library of New South Wales

Museums & galleries

State Library of New South Wales

A library located on Macquarie Street in Sydney, near Shakespeare Place. The European-style historic Mitchell Library building stands alongside the modern Dixson Library, making it interesting to compare the two architectural styles.

0.4 km away

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Museums & galleries

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

The Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney is located in the Rocks area near Circular Quay, showcasing contemporary artworks from Australia and around the world. It's a place to enjoy art alongside harbor views.

0.4 km away

Sydney Mint

Museums & galleries

Sydney Mint

This is considered one of the oldest public buildings in central Sydney. Before it opened as a mint in 1854, it was part of the Sydney Hospital building, nicknamed the "Rum Hospital."

0.6 km away

MLC Centre

Views & landmarks

MLC Centre

A skyscraper located on Martin Place in Sydney that has stood as an iconic landmark of the city center for decades. Though its name has changed, it remains one of Sydney's most recognizable buildings.

0.6 km away