Best 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."

"Before the light rail returned to Sydney, trams were something that many people believed was a Melbourne thing unaware that Sydney had an extensive tram system in place. It makes sense then that the Sydney Tramway Museum is Australia’s oldest tramway museum and the largest in the southern hemisphere. The Sydney Tramway Museum boasts quite a collection of trams including Sydney trams from 1896 to 1997 as well as trams from across Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne, Ballarat and Adelaide) and even from overseas such as San Francisco, Nagasaki, Berlin, Munich and Milan."

"The Sydney Tramway Museum is the oldest museum of its kind in Australia and is a fantastic family-friendly destination. For anyone who has wondered what it would be like to get on board a tram in the early 20th century..."

"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..."

"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."

"It may be booked up until next winter, but if you manage to secure a table at Tetsuya’s, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. The venue is geared towards special occasions on account of its ambitious central dining concept: a 12 course, $220 set menu for groups of ideally four to six people. Chef Tetsuya’s kitchen takes natural, seasonal Australian and Japanese ingredients (including fresh waterlily directly flown in from Japan, a unique flavor in Sydney) and employs classic French techniques to execute world class dishes."

"Few of Sydney’s most established fine dining icons maintain the same level of credibility as when they were the centre of every dining conversation. If there was any exception, it’s Tetsuya’s. The famously expensive Kent Street restaurant may have had to share its allure with several prestigious venues in more recent times, but very little can dim what Tetsuya Wakuda and, more recently, Josh Raine, have created."

"From the lush Japanese sculpture garden to the four swanky dining areas, it’s not sore on the eyes either. The real star, of course, is the food. At Tetsuya’s, they marry Japanese seasonal flavours with time tested French techniques and Australian produce."

"In the heart of the bustling Crows Nest restaurant district lies Le Bouchon, a complete Café and Bistro destination that brings a taste of traditional French cuisine to the Lower North Shore. This is one of the best French restaurants in Sydney and features unique decor and an exclusive private function area. Le Bouchon is the perfect place to enjoy an intimate dinner or just a simple after work drinks."

"Used in Lyon to refer to bistros that are well-known for authenticity and conviviality, expect something of this nature from Le Bouchon café and bistro on Willoughby Road in Crows Nest."

"Some hotel restaurants are surprisingly good at breakfast, and Gowings Bar & Grill at the QT Sydney delivers. The breakfast menu features a variety of egg dishes like huevos rancheros, truffle scrambled eggs, and the Growings Breakfast plate packed with sausage, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, and more. For something lighter, order the watermelon salad with pomegranate, mint, and ricotta."

"But before hand, drop by the Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf for a pre-show drink; its terrace boasts some of the best views in the city. Get a good night's sleep at one of Sydney’s countless city hotels – in fact, you’ll find the elegant Pier One Sydney Harbour right next door."

"If your accommodation is in the Sydney CBD, which I recommend so you’re centrally located to make the most of your short visit, either have breakfast at your accommodation or consider Gowings Bar & Grill inside the QT Hotel, or the Alpha Gourmet Cafe and then head to Circular Quay!"

"With views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, historic Clark Island is a picnic spot like no other, near Double Bay in the eastern suburbs."

"Bare Island is located to the south-east of Sydney and is one of the most scenic destinations in the city. The island is an iconic part of the country and is listed in the State Heritage Register due to its status in..."