The Susannah Place Museum in Sydney’s historic The Rocks district offers a rare window into working-class life from the mid-19th to the late 20th century. This guide provides first-time visitors with author-verified details on opening hours, ticket prices, parking and practical tips for a smooth, enjoyable visit.
History and overview of Susannah Place
Built in 1844, the terrace houses at 58-64 Gloucester Street were home to more than 100 working-class families over nearly 150 years. The museum preserves the original fabric of the houses, from the kitchens and laundries to the shop front of the corner store.
Located in The Rocks, the site survived slum clearances and redevelopment when much of the area was demolished. As one of the few intact working-class terraces from that era, Susannah Place reveals the everyday lives of Irish, Greek, Norwegian and other immigrant families who lived in the heart of Sydney.
The museum operates by guided tour only for the house interiors, while a recreated 1915 corner shop and the courtyard are accessible for shorter free visits. The guided tours explore themes of immigration, tenancy, domestic life and urban change.
The location at the corner of Gloucester and Cumberland Streets places it within walking distance of Circular Quay, the harbour and the Rocks Market.
Five great things to do while you’re in Sydney
- Take a small group tour to the Blue Mountains – with a Parramatta River cruise thrown in.
- See the landmarks and secret beaches – on a Sydney Harbour cruise.
- Discover Sydney’s most historic neighbourhood – on a Rocks walking tour.
- Go on a whale-watching cruise – and admire migrating humpbacks.
- Learn to surf at Bondi Beach – with beginner surfing lessons.
Opening hours for Susannah Place
The museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. House entry is by guided tour only, with tours scheduled at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm. The themes of these tours alternate between the more immigration backstory-focused Making A New Home and the day-to-day life-focused Life at Susannah Place.
Visit the Museums of History NSW website for more information on the tours.
The museum is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Ticket prices for the Susannah Place Museum
Guided tour entry is required to access the house interiors. Prices are quoted as follows, and are correct as of November 2025:
- General admission: A$20
- Concession / Member: A$16
- Child (under 16): A$10
- Child under 5: Free
Due to limited numbers, tours must be booked in advance.
How to get to Susannah Place and parking
The address is 58-64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000. Entry for tours begins at the corner shop at 64 Gloucester Street. The museum is a short walk from Circular Quay or Wynyard train stations and well-served by buses and ferries.
There is no dedicated museum car park. Visitor parking must be found in nearby commercial or metered parking facilities. For example the few nearby lots on Harrington Street or Cumberland Street may charge steep rates. Advance planning is recommended if driving.
Accessibility and visitor facilities
The house interiors involve narrow corridors, steep and tight stairs and low ceilings. Realistically, Susannah Place is nor wheelchair accessible.
The corner shop and introductory area are accessible on the ground floor. A small museum shop/gift area is available at the start. Cafés are available nearby in The Rocks neighbourhood. Photography is generally permitted for personal use in public areas.
Best times to visit and how long to allow
There are only 8 people allowed on each tour. It doesn’t make an awful lot of difference which one you’re on, although bookings may be easier to come by on the weekday tours. Each tour lasts one hour.
Nearby attractions to combine with your visit
- Walk across to the Museum of Sydney at Bridge Street, just 5 minutes away.
- Take a stroll around The Rocks‘ old laneways, markets, harbour views and historic buildings.
- Visit the nearby Hyde Park Barracks museum for another heritage experience in Sydney’s city centre.
- Other cultural attractions within walking distance include the Anzac Memorial, the Justice and Police Museum, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Sydney Opera House.
Tips for a smoother visit to Susannah Place Museum
- Book your guided tour online in advance to secure a slot—spaces are limited (tour capacity is just 8 people).
- Arrive 10 minutes before your tour time to check in at the corner shop entrance.
- Allow time to explore The Rocks area after your tour; there are cafés and historic lanes around the museum.
Frequently asked questions about Susannah Place Museum
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is a tour required? | Yes—entry to the terrace houses is by guided tour only. |
| What are the opening hours? | Thursday to Saturday 10 am–5 pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. |
| How much does it cost? | A$20 for adults, A$16 concession, A$10 child under 16, children under 5 free. |
| Is parking available? | No dedicated on-site parking. Use nearby commercial car parks in The Rocks or arrive by public transport. |
| Is the museum accessible? | Interior tours involve narrow stairs and are not wheelchair accessible. Contact the bookings team for advice. |
Disclosure: This guide includes affiliate links. If you book through them, I earn a small commission.
More Sydney travel
Other Sydney travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How travelling with kids makes Sydney different.
- A luxury travel guide to Sydney.
- A first-timer’s guide to visiting Luna Park in Sydney.
- Planning a visit to Lane Cove National Park.
- Neighbourhood guide to Surry Hills.
