Sydney is brimming with beaches, light festivals, world-famous landmarks and museums. But beyond the traditional galleries, not every museum exists to give us an insight into art, culture and history. Some are dedicated to the more offbeat and eclectic interests. From museums dedicated to cake and buses to yes, disease, there’s something for everyone in Sydney. These eccentric spots also offer an opportunity to get away from the crowds and learn about something distinctly unique. Here are some of the most unusual museums around Sydney that are bound to entertain and intrigue.
1. Museum of Human Disease, UNSW
Home to over 2,500 disease human tissue specimens, the Museum of Human Disease offers a comprehensive look into diseases such as HIV/AIDs, cancer, strokes, diabetes and more. Here you’ll find brains, limbs and a plethora of gory stuff if that piques your interest. The museum regularly hosts exhibits on mental health, smoking, drug use and more. Find more information here.
📍Ground Floor Samuels Building UNSW, Sydney NSW 2052
2. Museum of Fire, Penrith
Have you ever found yourself drawn to fire and firefighting? There is an entire museum dedicated to fire services and preservation of firefighting around Australia in the heart of Western Sydney. Spot fire engine trucks, fire fighting equipment, and memorabilia here from 9.30am to 4.30pm, 7 days a week. The museum also hosts vintage fire engine rides offering a wholesome day out for kids and adults. Read more about it here.
📍 1 Museum Dr, Penrith NSW 2750
3. May Gibbs’ Nutcote, Neutral Bay
Nutcote is the historic harbourside home of one of Australia’s leading children’s authors and illustrator May Gibbs and presents a fabulous piece of Australian history. The author who was best known for her story The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie, lived and worked in the cosy Neutral Bay cottage. Today, visitors can wander around the premises and explore the house museum and the shop and cafe which offers high tea on Sunday. Learn more here.
📍5 Wallaringa Ave, Neutral Bay NSW 2089
4. Sydney Bus Museum
Sydney Bus Museum is open on the first and third Sundays of each month and displays a variety of rare and historic buses. You can even walk in and explore some of the vintage buses and vehicles displayed here or shop for souvenirs from the resident gift shop. Tickets also include a ride from and back to the city on a delightful vintage double-decker. Get your tickets here.
📍25 Derbyshire Rd, Leichhardt NSW 2040
5. Museum of Free Masonry
Want to learn more about one of the world’s largest and most ancient secret societies? Head to the Free Masonry Museum which houses a collection of over 200 years of archives tracing the hidden mysteries and secrets of Freemasonry. Displayed items include artifacts, clothing, jewellery, ceramics, paintings, books, records and a lot more. Find more info here.
📍 66 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2000
6. Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Museum
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is full of secrets and fun facts but surprisingly few people are aware of the existence of a museum in one of its pylons. A climb of 200 steps will bring you to the top of the pylon where you can learn more about the Harbour Bridge’s history, planning and construction. You’ll also be treated to stunning views of Sydney Harbour and its surroundings including the Royal Botanic Gardens. Buy your tickets here.
📍 Sydney Hbr Brg, The Rocks NSW 2000
7. Australian Cake & Sugar Art Museum & Gallery
Yes, there is an actual museum dedicated to cake and cake decorating in Sydney. The museum regularly displays colourful cakes and sugar art with guests invited to try the tasty creations from time to time. The museum aims to display the Australian style of cake decorating. Read more about it here.
📍 St George Regional Museum 14 MacMahon Street Hurstville NSW 2220
8. Justice and Police Museum
Sydney has a pretty colourful history and there’s an entire museum in town dedicated entirely to the Harbour City’s criminal past. Dive into the world of crime and punishment, law and order, the history of razor gangs and much more. The museum also displays a huge archive of crime scene photography and mugshots from the bygone era of underworld Sydney. Learn more about the Justice and Police Museum here.
📍Cnr Phillip St &, Albert St, Sydney NSW 2000
Further afield…
9. Mad Max Museum
The iconic Mad Max series is largely filmed in NSW so naturally, there’s a museum commemorating all things from the post-apocalyptic movie. If you’re willing to make the long trip out to Silverton, you can enjoy this uniquely outback experience that offers props, photos and even original and replica vehicles from the 1981 movie. Read more about it here.
📍9 Stirling St, Silverton NSW 2880