The Australian Museum is the oldest Museum in the country, internationally recognized Institute in the field of natural history and anthropology. It collected extensive collection of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, as well as exhibits that introduce the Mineralogy, paleontology and anthropology Australia, and other regions of the world. An important focus of the Museum is scientific research in the field of history and culture of indigenous peoples.

Located on College street, it was originally known as Colonial or Sydney Museum, and its present name was given in June 1836, after much debate. The idea of creating a Museum belongs to the Philosophical Society of Australasia, and it appeared in 1821, then began to collect the first collection. However, a year later, the Company collapsed, and the next enthusiast to create the Museum appeared only in 1826, Alexander Makli, entomologist from London, was appointed Secretary of the colony of New South Wales.

The first room for the collections of the Museum was a small room in Secretariat Colony, then the Museum moved several times until in 1849, has not found a permanent "residence" in the present building. This lovely Sandstone building, situated on the corner of College street and Park street directly opposite Hyde Park, built by the architect James Barnet. In the mid-20th-century to the building of the Museum were added additional "wings", several galleries were completely restored, and it also created the Exhibition Department. Significantly increased and the number of staff members responsible for the educational program.

In March 1978, the Museum has launched an unusual initiative for his project was launched by the Australian Museum Exhibition Train, which was to introduce students and residents of New South Wales with the wonderful world of nature and evolution." In one car of the train could be acquainted with the evolution of our planet, animals and humans. In the other – to listen to fascinating lectures. For two years the train has traveled all localities of the state!

In 1995, the Museum has established new research centres in the field of nature protection, biodiversity, evolution, planets, georesource, etc.