Things to do in Sydney

Arts and culture

Outdoors

On the harbour

Darling Harbour

Justice and Police Museum

The Justice and Police Museum from Circular Quay
Image: Patty Mazza

Why go there

Visit Sydney's dark side of smuggling, theft and illegal immigration with a visit to three historic buildings comprising the Water Police Court (1856), Water Police Station and cells (1858) and Police Court building (1886). The buildings are constructed from beautiful Sydney sandstone quarried from Bennalong Point, where the Opera House stands.

Don't miss

Temporary exhibitions on matters of crime and the law. Persons of Interest: the ASIO files featuring Australia's Secret Security Service until the end of April 2012, in room Nos 1 & 2.
Changing displays of criminality, policing and the legal system in the Yellow Room (No 12)
The Police Court with all original fittings, including the barred docks (No 4).

Access for all

Access Summary

The Museum offers wheelchair access via a ramped entry from Albert St and then access into several rooms as staff will unlock doors to usher you through. The entry will be tight for some.

Getting around

The museum sits on the hill above Circular Quay. Access is steep up Phillip St to Albert St where the accessible entry to the museum is via a 2m long ramp with a gradient of 12% at its steepest and 835mm wide. A small landing 1.1 wide is adjacent to the 1m wide doorway, but press the buzzer for staff to unlock the door. The museum comprises three buildings, heading up the hill so access between them, presents challenges which are being worked through. Staff will unlock doors to access parts of the museum on the one level and outside into the laneway to the unisex accessible toilet.

Pic of the ramped entry from Albert St, up from Phillip St. The button to the right of the door will request staff, this may take a moment

The Justice and Police Museum access entry.

Tours and programs

Collect your self-guide map showing each room number. Visitors who cannot climb one or more steps can access Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 12. Staff will unlock doors to show you through to the Police Court Building. School tours finish at 2pm so if you arrive then, a guide may be available to escort you and provide a fascinating insight into the displays which can be accessed.

Eating and shopping

The entry foyer serves as a small shop. Plenty of eating options exist at Circular Quay.

How to get there

The Justice & Police Museum is a two minute walk from Circular Quay ferry and train station.

Parking

Visitors could be dropped off on the driveway adjacent to the access ramp from Albert St. There is no onsite parking and the nearest commercial car spaces are expensive alternatives. The Opera House car park is probably the closest.