8 Under-the-Radar Museums in Sydney

Immerse yourself in the convict experience of Australia’s early white settlement and its impact on First Nations people at this UNESCO World Heritage–listed site in the center of Sydney. The Barracks were originally built to house convicts and were later used as a women’s immigration depot and asylum. The museum tells the stories of the men, women, and children who passed through its doors via immersive audiovisual displays. It also houses one of Australia's largest archaeological collections, with over 4,000 original artifacts from the 1800s.

Don’t miss: Having a (brief) lie down in one of the convict hammocks.

One of the Museums of History NSW, Susannah Place is a terrace of four small houses in the heart of the Rocks that were built by Irish immigrants in 1844. This museum of Sydney’s working-class heritage tells the stories of the more than 100 families who called this place home for around 150 years. It offers a rare glimpse into the past with even the many layers of paint, wallpaper, and floor coverings preserved.

Don't miss: A visit to the still-functioning corner store.

Comprising the Halls of Silence, Memory, and Service, this memorial to the spirit and legend of the ANZACs (Australia and New Zealand Armed Corps) is a tribute to the sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women and their families. Located in South Hyde Park, it is also one of the most beautiful examples of art deco style in Australia. The memorial holds a significant collection of over 7,000 objects relating to the ANZACs, such as medals, badges, uniforms, field equipment, photographs, documents, manuscripts, and books.

Don’t miss: Looking up to the 16 sentinels atop the external buttresses representing the units of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).

True crime fans rejoice—this museum of Sydney’s underworld is for you. Home to collections of mug shots, weapons, and crime-scene photos as well as holding cells, courts, and charge rooms, the Justice and Police Museum draws visitors into the history of crime, policing, and punishment in the city. It is housed in three 19th-century buildings that served as the Water Police Station, Water Police Court, and Police Court, once Sydney’s busiest policing complex.

Don’t miss: The NSW Police Forensic Photography Archive.

A unique experience in Sydney, the Museum of Fire stands as a testament to the heroic efforts of firefighters in the local community. A highlight is the museum's vehicle collection featuring hand-drawn, horse-drawn, and motorized fire fighting appliances from the late 18th century to the present. Take the chance while you are out in Penrith to enjoy a cruise through the ancient Nepean Gorge, part of the Blue Mountains National Park.

Don’t miss: Going for a fire engine ride—but make sure to ring ahead and book your spot.

The Museum of Human Disease requires a strong stomach, with exhibits about hundreds of diseases and their complications including HIV/AIDs, cancer, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, genetic diseases, and the effects of drugs. It also highlights the effects of lifestyle factors on the human body, with over 2,500 diseased tissue specimens on display. The museum is located on the campus of the University of New South Wales.

Don't miss: The virtual reality artery walkthrough.

Opened in 2020, this purpose-built museum houses three important collections at the University of Sydney—the Nicholson Antiquities Collection; the Macleay Collections of natural history, ethnography, science and historic photography; and the University Art Collection. Get up close and personal here with artifacts from ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt, as well as art of First Nations people and works of leading contemporary artists. It's truly one of the hidden gems of Sydney.

Don’t miss: The Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait, and Pacific Islander cultural objects and photographs in the Macleay collection.

This studio was the workplace and home of celebrated Australian artist Brett Whiteley (1939–92), creator of many famed works including the Almost Once matches sculpture in the Domain. Here, experience the atmosphere of the space—the studio with his unfinished paintings, art equipment, and collections of reference books. The living area has memorabilia such as photographs, objects, postcards, furniture, his music collection, and sketchbooks. For more under-the-radar art, take a street art tour of nearby Newtown.

Don’t miss: The graffiti wall with quotes and images from the artist.