Cop or Robber?
Experience both sides of the law in our police station
The historic Water Police Station comes to life with true tales of courageous cops and rotten robbers. Use your detective skills to track down the thief known as ‘The Duchess’ and unleash your criminal cunning to plot an escape from our holding cell.
Sat & Sun
10.30am (30 mins)
Free with museum entry
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.
See this in action on our YouTube channel.
Sat & Sun
11.30am (30 mins)
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
2.30pm (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
Kids’ trail
Self-guided activity
Our Justice & Police Museums’ kids trail is designed for families to experience the museum together. Download a trail now [PDF] or pick one up when you arrive.
