All free museums and attractions to visit in New South Wales

If you are on a budget New South Wales (Australia) still has a lot to offer for you culturally, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 77 museums and attractions in New South Wales can be visited without charge.

Are you looking for free things to do in New South Wales? These are the best places to visit:

  1. Cockatoo Island1

    Cockatoo Island

    Sydney
    Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove River in Sydney Harbour , New South Wales , Australia. Cockatoo Island is the largest of several islands that were originally heavily timbered sandstone knolls . Originally the Island rose to 18 metres (
  2. Museum of Contemporary Art Australia2

    Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

    Sydney
    The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, previously known as the Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney, is a prominent art museum situated in Sydney. It was inaugurated in November 1991 and is housed in a building originally constructed for the Maritime Services Board, also known as the MSB building. The museum showcases a wide range of contemporary art from Australia and around the world.
  3. Museum of Sydney3

    Museum of Sydney

    Sydney
    The Museum of Sydney is a historical collection and exhibition, built on the ruins of the house of the first Governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip. This location gives the museum a unique historical significance, as it stands on the site of the first Government House of Australia, constructed in 1788. The original house was later abandoned, and its foundations were uncovered by archaeologists in 1983. The new museum building was designed by architects from Denton Corker Marshall and is part of the Governor Phillip Tower development.
  4. The Rocks Discovery Museum4

    The Rocks Discovery Museum

    Sydney
    Three floors packed with history of the most magical district in Sydney. Learn about the development of the area, from pre-European era to the present. The exhibitions are interactive and highly engaging, kids will love it. Explore various archaeological artefacts and hear stories about events and p
  5. North Coast Regional Botanic Garden5

    North Coast Regional Botanic Garden

    Coffs Harbour
    The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, located in Coffs Harbour, is a 20-hectare oasis that offers a blend of natural coastal forests, beautifully planted gardens, discovery walks, and picnic areas. This makes it an ideal location for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day in a beautiful setting.
  6. Art Gallery of New South Wales6

    Art Gallery of New South Wales

    Sydney
    The Art Gallery of New South Wales, situated in Sydney, Australia, holds the distinction of being the most significant public gallery in Sydney and the fourth largest in the country. This makes it a notable destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a wide range of exhibits and collections to explore.
  7. White Rabbit Gallery7

    White Rabbit Gallery

    Sydney
    The White Rabbit Gallery is a contemporary art museum situated in the heart of Sydney, specifically in the inner-city suburb of Chippendale, New South Wales, Australia. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city.
  8. Australian Museum8

    Australian Museum

    Sydney
    The Australian Museum in Sydney, established in 1827, is the oldest museum in Australia. It primarily focuses on natural history and anthropology, housing extensive collections in zoology (vertebrates and invertebrates), mineralogy, paleontology, and anthropology. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore Australia's rich natural and cultural heritage.
  9. Powerhouse Museum9

    Powerhouse Museum

    Sydney
    The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney is recognized as Australia's largest and most renowned museum. It is home to a vast array of exhibits that showcase numerous discoveries and inventions of the human mind. This museum is a testament to human creativity and innovation, offering a unique opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of human ingenuity.
  10. Brett Whiteley Studio10

    Brett Whiteley Studio

    Sydney
  11. Newcastle Museum11

    Newcastle Museum

    Newcastle
    The Newcastle Museum is situated in the city of Newcastle, which is in New South Wales, Australia. This location is significant as it allows visitors to explore the rich history and culture of the region while also enjoying the museum's diverse exhibits and collections.
  12. Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre12

    Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre

    Sydney
    The Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre serves as the maritime museum of the Royal Australian Navy. It is conveniently located within the Public Access Area on the northern end of the Garden Island naval base in Sydney. This location allows visitors to easily access the museum and explore the rich history and heritage of the Australian Navy.
  13. Elizabeth Farm13

    Elizabeth Farm

    Sydney
    Elizabeth Farm is a significant historic site in Sydney, Australia. It was the residence of John Macarthur and his wife Elizabeth, who were pioneers in the production and sale of merino wool in the country. This makes it a place of interest for those keen on understanding Australia's early economic history and the beginnings of its wool industry.
  14. Macquarie University Art Gallery14

    Macquarie University Art Gallery

    Sydney
    Macquarie University , contains nine museums, galleries and collections on its main North Ryde campus, each focusing on various historical, scientific or artistic interests. All are open to the public and offer educational programs for students at primary , secondary and tertiary levels.
  15. Museum of the Riverina15

    Museum of the Riverina

    Wagga Wagga City Council
    The Museum of the Riverina, located in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia, is a local history museum. It offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the region, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the area's past and its impact on the present.
  16. Australian Botanic Garden16

    Australian Botanic Garden

    Sydney
    The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is a 416-hectare (1,030-acre) botanical garden located in a hilly area of the southwestern Sydney suburb of Mount Annan , between Campbelltown and Camden , New South Wales . It is the largest botanical garden in Australia, specializing in native plants, wit
  17. Justice and Police Museum17

    Justice and Police Museum

    Sydney
    The Justice and Police Museum, located at 4-8 Phillip Street on the corner of Albert Street in the Sydney central business district, is a heritage-listed site. It was formerly a water police station and courthouse. This location offers a unique insight into the history of law enforcement and justice in New South Wales, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, law, and policing.
  18. 18

    Australian Design Centre

    Sydney
  19. Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden19

    Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden

    Dubbo
  20. Lisgar Gardens20

    Lisgar Gardens

    Hornsby
  21. Wollongong Botanical Gardens21

    Wollongong Botanical Gardens

    Wollongong
    The Wollongong Botanic Garden is a beautiful location situated in the suburb of Keiraville, at the foot of Mount Keira in New South Wales, Australia. This garden is a part of the local botanical gardens of the Illawarra and was established in 1964. It offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature.
  22. RAAF Museum22

    RAAF Museum

    Wagga Wagga City Council
    The RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre is an aviation museum located at the RAAF Base Wagga, situated on the Sturt Highway in Forest Hill, New South Wales. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the history of the Royal Australian Air Force.
  23. Blacktown Arts Centre23

    Blacktown Arts Centre

    Sydney
  24. Australian Inland Botanic Gardens24

    Australian Inland Botanic Gardens

    Dareton
    The Australian Inland Botanic Gardens (AIBG) is a vast botanical garden and arboretum spanning 152 hectares. It is situated in the regions of The Mallee and Sunraysia in New South Wales, Australia. The garden is unique in its focus, with half of its area dedicated to the cultivation and preservation of Australian flora.
  25. 25

    The Mint

    Sydney
  26. Berry Museum26

    Berry Museum

    Berry
  27. Don Bank27

    Don Bank

    Sydney
    Don Bank, also known as the Don Bank Museum, is a heritage-listed former residence that has been transformed into a house museum. It is located at 6 Napier Street, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style and living conditions of the mid-19th century.
  28. Fort Scratchley28

    Fort Scratchley

    Newcastle
    Fort Scratchley, once a coastal defence installation, now serves as a museum. It is situated in Newcastle East, a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales in Australia. This historical site offers visitors a glimpse into Australia's military past, with its origins dating back to 1882 when it was built to defend the city against a potential Russian attack.
  29. 29

    The Lord Howe Island Historical Society and Museum

    Lord Howe Island
  30. Meroogal30

    Meroogal

    Nowra
    Meroogal, located at 35 West Street in the city of Shoalhaven, New South Wales, Australia, is a heritage-listed former residence that now serves as a house museum. The house was designed and built in 1886 by Kenneth Mackenzie, making it a significant piece of architectural history.
  31. Queanbeyan Printing Museum31

    Queanbeyan Printing Museum

    Queanbeyan
  32. 32

    Illawarra Museum Wollongong

    Wollongong
  33. 33

    Chrissie Cotter Gallery

    Sydney
  34. Cape Byron Lighthouse Museum34

    Cape Byron Lighthouse Museum

    Byron Bay
  35. 35

    Shoyoen Japanese Garden

    Dubbo
  36. Chau Chak Wing Museum36

    Chau Chak Wing Museum

    Sydney
  37. Yanco Powerhouse Museum37

    Yanco Powerhouse Museum

    Yanco
    The Yanco Powerhouse Museum is situated on Binya Street in Yanco, New South Wales, Australia. This location is easily accessible and offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area.
  38. Hazelhurst Arts Centre38

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre

    Sydney
    The Hazelhurst Arts Centre, also known as Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre, Hazelhurst Gallery and simply Hazelhurst, is situated on Kingsway in the suburb of Gymea, in the southern part of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This location makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists alike, offering a unique cultural experience in the heart of the city.
  39. 39

    Rouse Hill Estate

    Sydney
  40. 40

    4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art

    Sydney
    Meet different cultures through this gallery's art displays. Intriguing pieces from Asian artists in a pleasant setting.
  41. 41

    The Old Court House

    Wollongong
  42. 42

    Global Gallery

    Sydney
    A lively gallery that promotes contemporary art through a series of exhibitions, events and more. Always something going on here.
  43. 43

    North Head Sanctuary

    Manly
  44. 44

    Riverstone & District Historical Society and Museum

    Sydney
  45. 45

    Fairfield City Museum and Gallery

    Sydney
  46. 46

    Camden Museum

    Sydney
  47. 47

    La Perouse Museum

    Sydney
  48. 48

    George Hanna Memorial Museum

    Sydney
  49. 49

    Hawkesbury Regional Museum

    Sydney
  50. 50

    Woolwich Dock

    Sydney
  51. 51

    Synagogue Museum

    Broken Hill
  52. 52

    Mad Max 2 Museum

    Silverton
  53. 53

    12th/16th Hunter River Lancers and 24th Lighthorse Memorial Museum

    Armidale
  54. 54

    Royal Engineers Office

    Burnt Pine
  55. 55

    Headland Park

    Mosman
  56. 56

    The Old Mill

    Gundagai
  57. 57

    Murray Art Museum Albury - MAMA

    Albury
  58. 58

    Up-To-Date Store Cultural Precinct

    Coolamon
  59. 59

    Coolamon RSL Museum

    Coolamon
  60. 60

    Cootamundra Heritage Museum

    Cootamundra
  61. 61

    Queanbeyan and District Historical Museum Society Inc.

    Queanbeyan
  62. 62

    South Sea Islands Museum

    Cooranbong
  63. 63

    Museum of Education

    Armidale
  64. 64

    Crystal Kingdom Museum

    Coonabarabran
  65. 65

    Bulahdelah Courthouse

    Bulahdelah
  66. 66

    Gerringong Historical Society & Museum

    Gerringong
  67. 67

    Great Lakes Museum

    Tuncurry
  68. 68

    The Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub Branch Museum

    Long Jetty
  69. 69

    Cundletown & Lower Manning Historical Society And Cundletown Museum

    Cundletown
  70. 70

    Pipe Kiln No. 1

    Sydney
  71. 71

    Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum

    Mumbil
    The Burrendong Botanic Garden and Arboretum is a vast 167-hectare botanical garden and arboretum situated near Mumbil, in New South Wales, Australia. It is a member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International and is internationally recognized with the code BURR. The garden is located 25 km from Wellington in the central western part of NSW and adjacent to the shores of Lake Burrendong.
  72. 72

    Australian Army Infantry Museum

    Singleton Council
  73. 73

    Nyngan Museum

    Nyngan
  74. 74

    New Italy Museum

    Richmond Valley Council
  75. 75

    Tongarra Museum

    Albion Park
  76. 76

    Motorcycle Museum

    Mid-Western Regional Council
  77. 77

    Paterson Court House Museum

    Paterson

All museums in New South Wales