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Tag: Sydney

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Museum of Sydney

HMS Sirius Flagship of the First Fleet

Museum of Sydney

Located on Bridge St, not far from Circular Quay, the Museum of Sydney focuses on the history of the city with an emphasis on the impact white settlement had and still has on Aboriginal People.

Bust of Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet and the First Governor of Australia The Museum of Sydney
Bust of Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet and the First Governor of Australia

Getting There

As with many attractions in Sydney, public transport is the easiest and cheapest way to travel. We caught the Light Rail from Central Station, getting off the Bridge Street stop. From here, it was an easy 5-minute walk to the museum.

Entry

Entry was free with staff only requesting a post code to see where visitors were from.

Exhibits

Edge of Trees

Located in the museum’s forecourt, these 29 pillars represent 29 clans from the Sydney area.

Edge of Trees The Museum of Sydney
Edge of Trees

The First Fleet

The first display we saw was a series of scale models of the first fleet. This impressive display had each ship represented along with a short description and history. Many of the names of these ships are commemorated in Royal Australian Navy ships and Sydney Harbour ferries.

Model ships of the First Fleet
Model ships of the First Fleet
HMS Sirius Flagship of the First Fleet
HMS Sirius Flagship of the First Fleet

Government House

A model of the original Government House shows how the site appeared in the 1780s. This building was the centre of colonial administration for 57 years until replaced by the new Government House.

Located in the museum’s forecourt on Bridge Street, a glass-fronted display provides a view of subterranean remains of the first Government House. Inside the museum, near the gift shop, additional glass panels in the floor provide glimpses of archaeological remains, including foundations and drains.

Model of the First Government House The Museum of Sydney
Model of the First Government House
Model of the First Government House
Model of the First Government House

Special Exhibition: The Sydney Opera House

The top floor of the Museum houses rotating displays, often with an aboriginal theme. During our visit, the Sydney Opera House’ 50th anniversary was being celebrated. As a result, there was a large exhibition detailing its history.

This exhibit only runs until 12 November 2023, when it will be replaced by a new series of displays.

Lego Model of the Opera House
Lego Model of the Opera House
Woven Model of the Opera House
Woven Model of the Opera House
Posters of shows held at the Sydney Opera House The Museum of Sydney
Posters of shows held at the Sydney Opera House
Costume worn by Dame Joan Sutherland in Lucrezia Borgia
Costume worn by Dame Joan Sutherland in Lucrezia Borgia

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Museum Station Sydney

Museum Train Station Sydney

History

Opened in 1926, Museum Station was part of the Bradfield Plan. Designed by chief engineer John Bradfield, the plan incorporated the Sydney Harbour Bridge an underground city railway network and Central Station. Bradfield also planned the electrification of the suburban Sydney rail network. Although only partially implemented, his plan forms the basis for today’s Sydney rail network.

Museum Station was built to extend the railway line into the city centre and provide access to Hyde Park and the Australian Museum. It was originally named Hyde Park, but renamed in 1927 to avoid confusion with Hyde Park Corner station in London (very odd considering they are on different sides of the planet). The station signage is similar to the roundel design used in the London underground. Only St James Station has similar signage in Sydney.

Museum Station was one of the first City Circle stations to open, along with St James Station. The City Circle is a loop line that connects the main railway stations in the central business district, such as Central, Town Hall, Wynyard and Circular Quay. Completed in 1956 with the opening of Circular Quay Station the City Circle provides a reliable and easy way to travel around the Sydney central business district.

Also of interest is the retention of the period advertisements on the stations walls, which along with the extensive use of wall tiling and metal stair railings retain the style of the 1920s.

Museum Station Sign
Roundel Sign
Tiled walls in Museum Station
Tiled walls and roundel signage
An almost empty Museum Station
Mural in Museum Station
Mural

Other Interesting Train Stations

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Central Railway Station Sydney

Central Station Sydney

Central Railway Station Sydney

Establishment in 1855. and originally known as Sydney Station, Central Station was the southern terminus of the Sydney Railway Company. Designed by architect G. W. Wallace, the station showcased an elegant, Victorian-era architectural style, characterized by its grand sandstone façade and a prominent clock tower.

Expansion as part of the Bradfield Plan, saw Central expanded with additional platforms. Designed by chief engineer John Bradfield, the plan incorporated the Sydney Harbour Bridge an underground city railway network and Central Station. Bradfield also planned the electrification of the suburban Sydney rail network. Although only partially implemented, his plan forms the basis for today’s Sydney rail network.

During World War II, the station played a significant role in transporting troops and supplies. It became a central hub connecting various regional lines and suburban services, firmly establishing its place as a crucial transportation hub.

Current Redevelopment

Recognizing the need to adapt to modern demands and enhance the station’s functionality, the Central Station Redevelopment Program was initiated. This ambitious project aims to modernize and revitalize the entire precinct while preserving its historical heritage.

Several key aspects of the redevelopment include:

  1. Revamped Central Walk: Central Station’s main concourse, known as Central Walk, is being expanded and redesigned to improve accessibility and passenger flow. This project includes the construction of underground pedestrian tunnels, new retail spaces, and upgraded station facilities.
  2. Grand Concourse Restoration: The grand concourse, with its majestic architecture, is being meticulously restored to its former glory. This entails refurbishing intricate details, preserving historical features, and improving lighting and circulation.
  3. Platform Improvements: Platforms are being upgraded to accommodate the increasing number of commuters and enhance efficiency. This involves modernizing facilities, installing electronic information displays, and implementing improved safety measures.
  4. New Integrated Station Design: The redevelopment envisions a more integrated and cohesive precinct. This includes plans to link the existing light rail and proposed metro lines with the station, creating a seamless transport interchange.

Central Station clock tower
Central Station clock tower
One of the entrances to Central Station
One of the entrances to Central Station
Grand Concourse Central Station Sydney
Grand Concourse
Grand Concourse Central Station Sydney
Central Station Sydney
Central Station Redevelopment
Central Station Sydney
Central Station Redevelopment
Clock
John Whitton - The Father of NSW Railways
John Whitton – The Father of NSW Railways

Other Interesting Train Stations

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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