Susannah Place

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.

Buses and cars can stop on Gloucester and Harrington streets to drop-off and pick-up passengers.

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.

Paid parking is available at the nearby Wilson - Quay West (111 Harrington St) car park. The online promo code MHNSW is valid between Monday – Friday 6am–5pm. Pre-booking is required online via Book a Bay.

Cycling

We don’t have secure bike parking at Susannah Place Museum.

Tours start at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Please check tour times and availability before arrival.

Tours run for an hour and are limited to a maximum of 8 people per tour. We ask that you arrive 5-10 mins prior to your booked time as late arrivals may not be allowed entry until the following session.

Free site introductions (20 minutes) run at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm. Maximum 20 visitors per tour, no bookings.

For more information, please read our Visitor conditions of entry.

• There are narrow, steep flights of stairs throughout the houses, and no air-conditioning.
• Parts of the tour take place outside so, depending on the weather, bring a sun hat or raincoat. The tour route may be modified to suit conditions.
• Photography is not allowed in the museum.
• All large backpacks must be cloaked.
• There are public toilets, including accessible toilets, in the building adjacent to the museum.
• Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Members get more: access exclusive experiences and events, 20% off public programs plus 10% off at our shops and cafes.

Groups larger than 8 must pre-book their visit through our bookings team on +61 2 8239 2211 or bookings@mhnsw.au.

Paint containing lead was commonly used in most buildings in Australia until the early 1970s. At Susannah Place, the original paintwork has been retained 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. MHNSW 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.

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.

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 have water bowls available on request.

Visitors with autism will be provided with an interactive experience and will be offered some objects to handle. Museum visits do not involve bright, flickering or strobe lighting.

When visiting in an attendant role, carers are offered free entry to the museum. Please call Bookings on +61 2 8239 2211 during business hours and to arrange a free carer ticket with paid ticket, or inquire when you arrive at the museum. Please ensure you have your Companion Card or carer card to present on arrival.

There are modern toilets, including accessible toilets, in the building adjacent to the museum. There are no toilets in the museum.