Free Museums in The Phoenix

"explores the relationship Australia maintains with its surrounding waters; the nation depends on these seas and oceans for transportation, commerce, defense and even recreation. The museum features themed exhibitions divulging how Australia and its people, including indigenous cultures, have been affected by the water. One such exhibit, "Sea Journeys," details the experiences of people first brought to Australia as prisoners."

"Worth popping into if you’re in the Darling Harbour area, it’s possible to see the permanent exhibits free of charge, including taking a look at the display of boats outside in the harbour itself. A pleasant way to kill a couple of hours and if you pay the entry fee you can see a couple of extra exhibits and get the opportunity to explore the boats."

"The Australian National Maritime Museum is a distinct attraction that is strategically located at the far end of spectacular Darling Harbour. This family-friendly attraction is a popular choice for visitors who would..."

"Affectionately known as the MCA, Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art is one of our absolute favourite places to go - it is just so family-friendly!. While we love their ever-changing schedule of fantastic exhibitions, they also run family tours and kid's activities to introduce mini creatives to art. We recommend Art Safari or Art Baby for a perfect family day at the museum and the Bella Family program for families with special needs."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art holds Australia's premier collection of painting, photography, sculpture and multimedia work by living artists, both international and Australian. Current exhibitions include surveys of the work of Destiny Deacon, Michael Armitage and Shaun Gladwell. The museum occupies the former Maritime Services Board Building, an imposing art deco space completed in 1952."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) houses an ever-changing line-up of thought-provoking exhibitions and events. It showcases contemporary art from both Australian and international artists. Both established and emerging artists are all well represented as the MCA attempts to display the diversity of contemporary art in its various forms."

"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 by famous convict architect Francis Greenway, Sydney’s Conservatorium, part of the University of Sydney, began life as a Gothic picturesque stable for Governor Macquarie. Known as “a palace for horses”, the building was so expensive it caused Macquarie to be recalled to Mother England. Today you can visit the building to attend one of the many concerts put on by students or stroll the outside when touring the Botanic Gardens."

"Sydney’s premier music school is on the edge of the Royal Botanic Garden. The building looks like a castle but was actually originally built as stables for the nearby Government House. Because it’s a school, not all areas are open to the public but you can see three levels of the atrium."

"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."

"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."

"The Sydney Observatory is an iconic part of the city’s skyline, and one of the most popular attractions close to the city. The Observatory is located within a beautiful sandstone building right in the middle of..."

"From high tea with incredible harbour views to creative floral designs, you can find everything you need on Military Road and its surrounds. Twenty minutes from the heart of Sydney's CBD is a lovely Mosman village with boutique stores, harbour views, busy restaurants and cosy bars — and of course, the family favourite Taronga Zoo. Mosman is known for its always-busy Military Road, relaxed cafe culture and popular nearby bathing spots like Balmoral Beach and the clothing-optional Cobblers Beach."

"Mosman | Sydney and Surrounds | NSW | Shopping | Attractions | find |"

"Mona Vale’s Modus Operandi is an all-in-one venue, think brewery, restaurant, bar and live music venue. Their core range beers, from pale ales to porters, are brewed on site and are available to sample alongside their delicious pub-style menu. With daily food specials and live music on the weekend, Modus Operandi is a popular hangout."

"The Bottle shops at The Royal, The Newport and Allawah Hotel are open for pick up and take away and guests can also order from Merivale’s online Bottle Shop and an extensive range of wine, cocktails and spirits chosen by Merivale’s drink experts, delivered to their door."

"Young Henry’s are the trendsetters in the Inner West brewery scene. They have a well-earned reputation for their top-notch brews and community vibe. The Tasting Bar is open seven days a week and on the weekend, you can expect a crowd basking in the beer, beats and bites."

"The perfect beachside location, Blackwood Pantry keeps it light and casual. This whole place flows from inside to the outside sitting area. Pop down for breakfast with classics like French toast or lunch with a chicken salad."

"There's something very Hamptons-like about this airy cafe set beside the sand at the intimate little Shelly Beach near Manly Beach. Naturally, avocado toast (with tomato, feta, and basil on sourdough) makes the breakfast line-up here, as do Asian-inspired dishes like a sesame rice bowl with poached eggs, avocado, edamame, pickles, and raw spicy salmon. You can keep things extra-simple with fruit salad and yogurt with muesli or indulge childhood nostalgia with the Dr. Seuss-inspired green eggs and ham."

"If you’re taking the ferry north to check out Manly Beach, definitely plan for lunch at The Boathouse. It’s got that whole beachy indoor-outdoor vibe, with gorgeous views of Shelly Beach. I loved their smoothies, and we had some delicious (albeit small-portioned) fish and chips here."

"An all-day drinking and dining destination with absolute beachside views, Corretto Dee Why on The Strand brings a slice of Europe to Sydney's northern beaches. Embracing aqua tones reminiscent of the ..."