CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Tourists and locals flock to this gallery (housed in a building that dates to 1885) to see the country's largest collection of aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. It also shelters a strong collection of 19th and 20th century Australian art and an impressive collection of Asian art. In addition, the gallery features several international exhibits each year. BUS: 441 from Queen Victoria Building, or a short walk from Martin Place or St. James train stations.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Australia's oldest museum, this comprehensive institution, which devotes itself to natural history and anthropology, opened in 1827 and is housed in a neoclassical sandstone building. The museum features displays on Australian aboriginal society and includes items from ancient and modern histories of the aboriginals (and the Pacific region), along with skeletons, mounted animals, and aboriginal art. Bring the entire family to this museum ­ there are discovery/interactive areas for children one year and older. TRAIN: to Museum or St. James Stations.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Given its island location, Australia has placed much importance on ocean culture. The museum encourages visitors to tap into Australia's essence through displays about the discovery and exploration of the country and the arrival of immigrants in seven thematic areas. Make sure to see the whale skull and the Olympic winning boats on display. Free one-hour guided tours of the James Craig, a sailing ship, are available as well. MONORAIL: to Harbourside station. LIGHT RAIL: to Pyrmont. BUS: 888 stops here (free). Town Hall and Wynard stations are a 10-minute walk away.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Contemporary art aficionados give plaudits to this museum, not only for its extensive collection of 7000-plus pieces of art but for the beautiful Art Deco building that houses the collection. The building dates to 1952, although the museum itself opened in 1991. Four levels of temporary exhibits include sculpture, post-modern art, and contemporary Aboriginal art. The permanent collection includes works by Warhol, Hockney and Christo. Free tours offered twice a day. BUS, TRAIN, FERRY: to Circular Quay.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. It's somehow appropriate that the Sydney Museum is located on the historical site of the city's first government house, since the museum's purpose is to document Sydney's colonial, indigenous, and cultural histories. Archeologists have actually preserved parts of the original building in glass encasements, and items uncovered during the excavation of the site are on display. A floor-to-ceiling video image of Sydney's environment as it was when the First Fleeters experienced it entices visitors, and display drawers encourage folks to sort through and uncover relevant objects. Short walk from Circular Quay.