The Australian Museum has an international reputation in the fields of natural history and indigenous research, community programs and exhibitions. The Museum was established in 1827 and is Australia's first museum, with unique and extensive collections of natural science and cultural artefacts.

A Brief History
The Australian Museum is Australia's oldest museum: a museum of natural history and anthropology, its collections cover invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, mineralogy and palaeontology, and anthropology.

The Australian Museum was founded in 1827 when Earl Bathurst, Secretary of State for the Colonies, wrote, on 30 March, to Lieutenant-General Darling, Governor of New South Wales:

"It having been represented to me that it would be very desirable were the Government to afford its aid towards the formation of a Publick Museum at New South Wales where it is stated that many rare and curious specimens of Natural History are to be procured.. I am disposed.. to allow a sum, not exceeding 200 per annum... to be dispersed for the purpose of assisting in the accomplishment of this object"

A museum had earlier been planned in 1821 by the newly formed Philosophical Society of Australasia, and some specimens collected, but the Society folded in 1822. A new impetus came with the arrival, in 1826, of Alexander Macleay, entomologist and Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, appointed as NSW Colonial Secretary. Macleay, along with other prominent Sydney figures, lobbied for a museum.

A Brief History of the Collectors
From the beginning of European settlement, the curious specimens of the strange flora and fauna encountered were collected. The great interest by European naturalists in this 'land of contrarieties', together with the growing competitive imperial acquisitiveness of the great museums, saw large shipments of specimens of flora and fauna sent back to Europe, where descriptions and studies were published in the scientific literature. The small convict colony lacked naturalists to describe the new world encountered.

In 1827, when the idea for a museum was proposed, the impetus came from the desire to procure the 'many rare and curious specimens of Natural History' for naturalists in England. The early museum collections were acquired solely for display - for the edification and entertainment of the public. In 1832, Dr George Bennett, medical practitioner and naturalist, visited the Museum and described the infant institution in his 'Wanderings in New South Wales...'[1834]:

'the ornithological collection is by far the best, both for the number, and being beautifully stuffed and 'set up' in attitudes... There are also several of the mammalia, and reptiles of the colony in the collection.'

Facilities

Parking
There is no parking on site. Coaches can drop off in College Street.

Shop
All major credit cards accepted (except Diners). Purchases can be mailed overseas (shipping and handling charges apply). Shop opening hours 9.30am to 16.45pm

Restaurant and Functions
A Sydney icon, Australias first Museum offers a selection of extraordinary venue combined with a superior level of personal and professional service.
Cocktails, dinners, conferences, product launches and workshops can be seamlessly accommodated and tailored to suit your needs.

Other Facilities
There are baby change rooms and disabled toilets on site. Disabled access to all levels of the Museum (disabled entrance via William Street).

Times:
Open 9.30am to 16.45
(Museum is closed by 17.00)

The Australian Museum is open every day except Christmas Day(25December)

Entrance via College Street

Customers must present voucher on arrival at the museum at the College Street Entrance.

Child ages 5-15 years.