Bushrangers Behind Bars
Guilty or not guilty – you decide!
Step into the shoes of a notorious bushranger and take to the stand to plead your innocence. Or perhaps you’d prefer the barrister’s wig to test your powers of persuasion? Whatever your choice, take on a character and play your part in an exciting mock trial; and see first-hand how a 19th century magistrates court put Sydney’s infamous criminals behind bars.
Sat & Sun
11am (30 mins)
Free with museum entry
Mug Shots
Dress up, strike a pose and take your own mug shot
Flapper dresses and faux fur, waistcoats and suspenders, paired with smug smiles or scowls. Choose your character, strike a pose and snap your own mug shot outside the police holding cells, with natural light and a bentwood chair (to measure your height), just like police did in the 1920s.
Sat & Sun
All day (10am – 5pm)
Free with museum entry
Murder in the Museum
Shocking tales from Sydney’s past (adults only)
Come and hear the salacious stories of bushranger Andrew George Scott, alias Captain Moonlite, and Henry Louis Bertrand - aka ‘the mad dentist of Wynyard Square.’ Hear uncensored stories while seated within the Water Police Court, where these two criminals once stood trial. For those interested in the seedier side of Sydney ! Recommended for ages 16+.
Sat & Sun
3pm (30 mins)
Free with museum entry
Cop or Robber?
Experience both sides of the law in our police station Ponder the workings of the criminal mind. Take a closer look at a variety of grizzly and secretive tools used to commit crime and help figure out how someone made a daring escape from our cells. The 1850s Water Police Station comes to life with true stories of crime-fighting cops and cunning robbers. Discover how a bloody battle that took place here changed the course of Policing in Australia.
Sat & Sun
10.30am (30 mins)
Free with museum entry
Children’s Activity Cards
Channel your inner villain and get to work to complete the series
Channel your inner villain or detective and get to work to complete our series of activity cards. Explore the museum and unlock a safe, have your fingerprints taken, or find Tess the German shepherd, the first four-legged member of the NSW Police Dog Squad.
Sat & Sun
All day (10am – 5pm)
Free with museum entry
