Visit Susannah Place
By public transport
We are a short walk, about 7 minutes, from Circular Quay, where buses, trains and ferries all stop.
From Circular Quay, head west to George Street and turn right into The Rocks. Continue along George Street, then turn left onto Argyle Street and then left again into Cambridge Street. Continue until you reach the back of the museum (a row of terrace houses) and walk up the Cumberland Place steps to our entrance in the recreated shop.
For up-to-date timetables or to find the quickest public transport routes visit the Transport Infoline or call 131500
By road
Parking
We don’t have parking at Susannah Place Museum, and street parking in the area is very limited. There are a number of parking stations nearby. Visitors are advised to check parking rates.
The Quay West Car Park offers a discounted all day parking rate of $30 to our visitors when pre-booking parking with Book A Bay. The discount is available Monday – Friday, exit before 5pm. To receive the discounted rate, visit Book A Bay, select your car park and enter the promo code SLM. The parking station is a 5 minute walk to Susannah Place Museum and 10 minute walk to Museum of Sydney.
Buses and cars can stop on Gloucester and Harrington streets to drop-off and pick-up passengers.
Cycling
We don’t have secure bike parking at Susannah Place Museum.
Most of our properties reopened to the public in July 2020 following a brief closure as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Four properties remain closed, some due to ongoing social distancing restrictions, while at others we have taken the opportunity to undertake conservation work and develop new audience offers. Subscribe to our eNews or check our property pages for current opening days and times.
General visits
You can only visit the museum in a guided tour. Our tours last for about an hour and run every day at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. We can take a maximum of 8 people per tour. The last entry to the museum is via the 4pm tour.
Get your tickets from the museum’s corner shop or pre-book online.
Group bookings
We offer a range of tour options for groups of 10 or more and recommend booking in advance. Please visit our Groups page to find out about our various tours and how to book.
School bookings
We currently offer programs for primary and secondary students. Find out more about education programs at Susannah Place Museum.
Accessibility
Admission to Susannah Place Museum is by guided tour only. The museum is temporarily closed and tours have been suspended.
Information for visitors with physical disability and mobility issues
When open, the museum is a row of four terrace houses with small rooms and steep, narrow stairs. Visitors who join us on a guided tour will walk up and down about 79 stairs during a typical one hour tour.
Access aids
For visitors who are able to walk around the ground floor but cannot manage the steep internal and external stairs to the other floors, iPads with images of these areas are available.
Wheelchair access
The museum is not accessible for people with wheelchairs.
Lifts and ramps
There are no lifts or ramps at the museum
Information for visitors who are blind or have low vision
Visitors will be guided through the houses and invited to sit down and handle some objects. A detailed description of the physical spaces will be given in addition to sharing the stories of former residents. We welcome assistance animals, and a water bowl is available on request.
Information for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing
Visitors are provided the option of viewing an interpretive film about the museum which is captioned.
Information for visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities
The museum experience does not feature bright, flickering or strobe lighting.
Visitors with autism will be provided with an interactive experience and will be offered an interpretive film on the museum as well as some objects to handle.
Carers’ information
Carers are offered free entry to the museum when they visit in an attendant role. If you or your carer wish to purchase tickets in advance of your visit please call Bookings on 02 8239 2211 during business hours and we will arrange for a free carer ticket with paid ticket. Alternatively, you can inquire when you arrive at the museum. Please ensure your Companion Card or carer card is presented on arrival.
Toilets
There are no toilets on site. Visitors are directed to Sydney Visitor Centre - The Rocks at Jack Mundey Place.
Other information
Children and families
Step into another time to see and hear how children and their families lived in Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood. What was life like with outside toilets and bathrooms, tiny backyards and no TV? Where did they sleep, play and go to school? During the school holidays, we offer a range of holiday programs. See our Things to do at Susannah Place Museum page for details.
Corner shop
Make sure you visit our recreated 1920s corner shop for some lollies, gifts, household items and service with a smile.
Things to remember
- There are narrow, steep flights of stairs throughout the museum, and no air-conditioning.
- Parts of the tour take place outside so, depending on the weather, bring a sun hat or raincoat.
- Photography is not allowed in the museum.
- All large backpacks must be cloaked.
- There is only one outside toilet at the museum but there are modern toilets, including accessible toilets, nearby at The Rocks Visitor Centre in Argyle Street.
- Last entry to the museum is at 4pm and is by guided tour only.
Lead at Susannah Place
In Australia paint containing lead was commonly used in most buildings up until the early 1970s. These painting products are sometimes colloquially known as ‘lead paint’. The original paintwork has been retained at Susannah Place as the many layers tell the story of the use, decoration and age of the four houses and contributes to their heritage significance and authenticity. SLM has an ongoing conservation and housekeeping program to assess and manage deteriorating painted surfaces. Public access to the houses is by guided tours only. The tours are designed to ensure visitor safety.
Customer Service Charter
Sydney Living Museums cares for 12 of the most important historic houses and museums in NSW on behalf of the people of NSW. Our vision is to create a living future for the past. Our mission is to cherish, protect and share our places and stories.
Please read our Customer Service Charter to learn more about our commitment to providing you with the best possible experience when you visit one of our museums and historic houses.
Photo © Haley Richardson & Stuart Miller for Sydney Living Museums