The Macleay Museum is one of Australia’s oldest museums, located at the University of Sydney. Established in 1892, it houses a collection of over 18,000 natural history specimens, including minerals, fossils, insects, vertebrates and plants. The museum is named after Alexander Macleay, the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales in the early 19th century, who developed an interest in natural history. The Macleay Museum is divided into three main sections: the Natural Sciences Collection, the Anthropology Collection and the Historical Collection. The Natural Sciences Collection has a range of specimens from a variety of disciplines including botany, entomology, geology, vertebrate zoology and mineralogy. The Anthropology Collection consists of objects from Australia, the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia and the Americas. The Historical Collection includes items such as coins, medals, uniforms, flags, photographs and documents.

The museum is home to a large number of rare and unique specimens, including the first fossil of a platypus, the first specimen of a long-necked turtle and the first fossil of a lungfish. The museum also holds one of the largest collections of fossil sharks in the world, as well as a collection of fossil plants. The Macleay Museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops and exhibitions. The museum’s public programs offer interactive activities for children and adults, such as fossil identification and natural history-themed treasure hunts. The museum also runs a number of educational programs for school groups, including virtual field trips, online quizzes and hands-on activities. The Macleay Museum is open to the public. The museum is free to visit, however, donations are welcomed. The museum is wheelchair accessible and entry is free for members and concession holders. Guided tours of the museum are available for a small fee, and gift shop items are available for purchase. The Macleay Museum is a valuable resource for those interested in natural history, anthropology and historical collections. The museum offers a unique insight into the history and diversity of Australia’s natural environment, and provides an important platform to foster understanding of the natural world.