Sydney Observatory
Sydney Observatory
Sydney Observatory (Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks, Sydney) – this structure, built in 1858, was originally a fort. It was eventually converted into an observatory. From the late 19th well into the 20th century, the Observatory was essential to shipping, navigation, meteorology and timekeeping, as well as to the study of the stars seen from the Southern Hemisphere. The government astronomers worked and lived in the building until 1982 — when Sydney Observatory became part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.
Today the Observatory is a museum and public observatory with an important role in astronomy education and public telescope viewing. It contains an 1874 29cm lens telescope, a 42cm computer-controlled telescope and a hydrogen-alpha solar telescope, able to be viewed through by visitors during booked sessions. There are also a virtual reality 3-D space theatre, exhibitions about astronomy, meteorology and the history of Sydney Observatory, cozy planetarium, lecture theatrette, souvenir shop and beautiful gardens.
Daytime admission for a self-guided visit to the gardens and the Observatory exhibitions is free – but does not include visits to the telescope towers, telescope viewings and 3D theatre sessions.
Day charge (for telescope/3D theatre sessions): A$8 (adult), A$6 (seniors, and children 4 to 15 years), A$22 (family of two adults & two children); night charge (for telescope/3D theatre sessions): A$18 (adult), A$14 (seniors), A$12 (children 4 to 15 years), A$50 (family of two adults & two children). Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (daily). Note: advance booking necessary for night sessions.
Surf World Gold Coast
Surf World Gold Coast
Surf World Gold Coast (35 Tomewin Street, First Floor, Currumbin, Queensland) – this is both the Gold Coast and Queensland province’s only museum dedicated to surfers. This museum has an extensive collection of surf boards highlighting the evolution of design and technology from the early 1930s to today. There’s also eye-catching photography of early surf scenes, art works such as surf movie posters and album covers, cinematography and other memorabilia. Visitors here can learn about this region’s surfing history and beach culture and check out contemporary art works and the gallery of photos showcasing today’s surfing champions. Admission: A$9 (adult), A$5 (seniors and children 4-17 years), A$25 family (two adults & two children). Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (daily).
SkyPoint Observation Deck
SkyPoint Observation Deck
SkyPoint Observation Deck (3 / 3003 Surfers Paradise Blvd., Level 77, Q1, Surfers Paradise, Queensland) – similar to Sydney Tower, this building’s observation deck affords visitors the opportunity to enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of the Gold Coast, as well as the hinterland. This turns into a chic high-altitude lounge bar on Friday and Saturday nights. Admission: A$22 (adult/daytime – A$29 for a day & nighttime with re-entry pass), A$22 (seniors/daytime — A$22 for a day & nighttime with re-entry pass), A$13 (children 5-14 years/daytime — A$16.50 for a day & nighttime with re-entry pass), A$57 (family: two adults & two children). Hours: 7:30 am – 8:30 pm (Sunday – Thursday; 7:30 am – midnight (Friday & Saturday). See SkyPoint’s website for details: www.skypoint.com.au
Queen Victoria Building
Queen Victoria Building
Queen Victoria Building (455 George Street, Sydney) — this historic building, now affectionately known as the QVB, was designed by George McRae and completed in 1898, replacing the original Sydney markets on the site. Built as a monument to the long reigning monarch, construction took place in dire times, as Sydney was in a severe recession. The elaborate Romanesque architecture was specially planned for the grand building so the Government could employ many out-of-work craftsmen – stonemasons, plasterers, and stained window artists – in a worthwhile project.
Originally a concert hall, coffee shops, offices, showrooms, warehouses and a wide variety of tradespeople, such as tailors, mercers, hairdressers and florists, were accommodated. The QVB fills an entire city block bound by George, Market, York and Druitt Streets. The dominant feature is the mighty centre dome, consisting of an inner glass dome and an exterior copper- sheathed dome. Glorious stained-glass windows and splendid architecture endure throughout the building and an original 19th century staircase sits alongside the dome. Every detail has been faithfully restored, including arches, pillars, balustrades and the intricate tiled floors thus maintaining the integrity of the building. It is now a high-end shopping center.
Powerhouse Museum
Powerhouse Museum
Powerhouse Museum (500 Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney) – this public museum has a unique and diverse collection that spans history, science, technology, design, industry, decorative arts, music, transport and space exploration. It is home to the material heritage and stories of Australian culture, history and lifestyle, providing a comprehensive insight into this rich and diverse country (boasting well over 500,000 separate items for visitors to see). An ever-changing program of temporary displays complements a range of permanent exhibitions.
The museum got its name, because it’s housed within the one-time Ultimo power station on the edge of Sydney’s central business district (which was built in 1899, and powered that city’s electric tram system until it discontinued service in 1961). Admission: A$12 (adult), A$8 (seniors & students), A$6 (children). Free for children under 4 years. Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily.
Museum of Sydney
Museum of Sydney
Museum of Sydney (corner of Bridge and Philip Streets, Sydney) – this museum (built on the historic site of the city’s first Government House – originally built in 1788), takes visitors on a journey exploring Sydney’s people, places and cultures from dreamtime to modern times (in the form of various themed exhibits and story-telling events). Admission: A$10 (adult), A$5 (seniors/children), A$20 (family: 2 adults & 2 children). Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art (140 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney) —
located at Circular Quay on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the MCA is housed in the former Maritime Services building (acting as the country’s leading museum dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting contemporary art from across Australia and around the world). Admission: free. Hours: 10 am – 5 pm (Monday – Wednesday), 10 am – 9 pm (Thursday), 10 am – 5 pm (Friday – Sunday).
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
Hyde Park Barracks Museum (Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney) — In June 1819 the Hyde Park Barracks opened to house convict men and boys working in government gangs, and over the next three decades as many as 50,000 convicts passed through its gates. With the end of transportation, the building was converted to a hostel for orphan girls escaping the Irish famine, female immigration depot and later asylum for aged and destitute women.
Today, as a museum about that building’s history, the barracks tells stories of convict Sydney, and of those since then who have had the misfortune to spend time there. The Hyde Park Barracks is one of 11 Australian convict sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Admission: A$10 (adult), A$5 (seniors & children), A$15 (family). Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily.
Gold Coast Wax Museum
Gold Coast Wax Museum
Gold Coast Wax Museum (56 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise) – this is Australia’s largest museum of its kind (displaying over 110 life-life wax figures, copies of the British Crown Jewels, and artifacts from Australia’s history. Come face to face with Presidents and former Prime Ministers, Entertainers, members of the Royal Family, Dictators, and many others whose lives have all left an indelible mark on our world. One can find dozens of others from the Arts, Politics, Entertainments, Science, Medicine, and the Military. Admission: A$29 (adult), A$27 (seniors and students 13-20 years), A$22 (children 3-13 years), A$88 (family: two adults & two children). Hours: 10 am – 10 pm (daily).
Fort Denison
Fort Denison
Fort Denison (located off of Sydney harbor) – during the early days of Australia’s colonial period, this was originally a prison island. During the 1850s, concerns over the defense of Sydney harbor prompted the local authorities to convert it into a fort (naming it after the Governor of New South Wales province at that time). Its unique Martello tower (which grew in popularity during the 19th century) made it easy for artillery to traverse (and fire over) a complete 360° circle. This was the only such fort ever to be built in Australia.
Nowadays, guided tours of Fort Denison are conducted up to three times a day. The 30-minute tours are lead by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service rangers, who take visitors around the island, exploring its colorful past, a museum containing colonial artifacts, and other fort facilities. In keeping with its military past, the fort’s cannon is fired daily at 1:00 pm. Admission: A$15.50 (adult), A$14.50 (seniors), A$13.50 (children). Tour times: 12:15 pm & 2:30 pm (Monday & Tuesday); 10:45 am, 12:15 pm, 2:30 pm (Wednesday – Sunday).
