Australian Museum

The Australian Museum, on William Street near Hyde Park in central Sydney, is the oldest museum in the country, founded in 1827. A grand, much-loved institution, it spans natural history and cultures across its many galleries, making it one of the city's most engaging and rewarding days out for families, the curious and culture lovers alike.

There's an enormous amount to explore, from dinosaur and skeleton displays and the Wild Planet gallery of animals to significant First Nations cultural collections and a rolling program of major temporary exhibitions. The breadth and quality of the collection — within a beautifully restored heritage building — reward a proper, unhurried visit.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 13,000 reviews, it's an overwhelmingly admired institution. General entry, opening hours, special exhibitions and any events vary, and it gets busy during school holidays, so it's worth checking current details and considering booking ahead before you visit — and allowing a good few hours, as there's far more to see across its galleries than you might expect.