Sydney Bus Museum

Sydney Bus Museum Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Ultimate Guide to Sydney Historical Sites

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction: Exploring Sydney’s Transport Heritage

The Sydney Bus Museum is a premier heritage destination for anyone interested in the evolution of Sydney’s public transport. Located in the historic Old Leichhardt Tramshed, the museum houses an extensive collection of over 70 vintage buses, spanning from the 1920s to the early 2000s. Through immersive exhibits, guided tours, and interactive experiences, visitors gain an in-depth understanding of Sydney’s transport legacy and its integral role in shaping the city’s social and urban fabric. The museum is also supported by a passionate community of volunteers and offers a unique blend of nostalgia, education, and family-friendly activities.

Sydney Bus Museum Overview & Historical Significance
Visiting Hours, Tickets & Location
Collection Highlights
Special Events & Guided Tours
Accessibility & Visitor Tips
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Summary & Travel Tips
References

Sydney Bus Museum Overview & Historical Significance

Founded in 1986, the Sydney Bus Museum is dedicated to preserving vehicles, artifacts, and stories from across nearly a century of Sydney’s bus transport. Relocated to the Old Leichhardt Tramshed in 2010, the museum is a living archive that narrates the journey of public transport from the early 20th century through to modern times. The site itself is historically significant, offering visitors an authentic setting that complements the museum’s mission of education and preservation.

The museum is run entirely by volunteers who restore and maintain the collection, provide guided tours, and curate special events. Their commitment ensures that Sydney’s transport legacy is accessible to current and future generations (Sydney Bus Museum: Visiting Hours, Tickets & History, Museums & Galleries of NSW, Travel with Joanne).

Visiting Hours, Tickets & Location

Opening Days:
The Sydney Bus Museum operates on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Special event days may offer additional visiting opportunities—always check the official schedule for updates.

Tickets:

Adults: $15
Children (ages 4–16): $10
Concession: $10
Family (2 adults, 2 children): $35
Purchase tickets online or at the door; EFTPOS is available for cashless payment.

Location:
25 Derbyshire Road, Leichhardt, NSW 2040—about 6 km west of Sydney CBD.

Getting There:

Light Rail: Alight at Leichhardt North Station and walk 5–10 minutes.
Bus: Multiple routes serve the area, including 437, 440, 445, and M10; alight near Pioneer’s Memorial Park.
Vintage Shuttle Bus: On open days, vintage double-decker buses shuttle between Sydney’s CBD (Town Hall, Park Street Stand H) and the museum—free with entry ticket.
Check real-time updates on Instagram and Facebook.
Car: No on-site parking, but public car parks and limited street parking are nearby.

Collection Highlights

Australia’s Largest Double-Decker Collection:
Featuring buses from Sydney, Adelaide, London, and Hong Kong.
Historic Models:
- 1920s Ruggles and AEC Regent I (early innovation)
- 1948 Leyland OPD2 (post-war advancement)
- 1979 Mercedes-Benz O305 (modern fleet example)
Interactive Exhibits:
Board vintage buses, sit in the driver’s seat, and explore authentic period interiors.
Archival Materials:
Historic tickets, staff uniforms, blueprints, and photographic archives support educational programming and restoration.

The museum’s displays are curated chronologically, guiding visitors through key eras in Sydney’s transport evolution (Sydney Bus Museum About Us, Wikipedia: Sydney Bus Museum).

Special Events & Guided Tours

The Sydney Bus Museum hosts a variety of themed events throughout the year, such as:

STA Bus Day
London Bus Day
Deckers in the Night (including rides across the Harbour Bridge during Sydney’s Vivid Festival)
Transport Heritage Expo

During these events, visitors can ride historic buses on special routes, attend talks by preservationists, and participate in guided tours.
For event schedules, visit the museum’s events page.

Guided tours are generally available on open days and can be booked for groups or school excursions.

Accessibility & Visitor Tips

Accessibility:

The main exhibition is on ground level; however, some areas have uneven surfaces inherent to the tram shed’s heritage architecture.
Restroom facilities are available; accessible toilets may be limited—visitors with mobility needs should contact the museum in advance ([email protected]; (02) 9572 6789, Wednesdays & Saturdays only).
Public transport is recommended due to limited on-site parking.

Visitor Tips:

Photography is encouraged—capture the unique ambiance and vintage vehicles.
No café on-site; bring your own refreshments or explore Leichhardt’s dining options.
Ideal for families; children can enjoy hands-on activities and bus rides.
Plan for a 1–2 hour visit; arrive early for the best experience on event days.

Nearby Attractions

Maximize your day by visiting other notable Sydney historical sites, such as:

Sydney Tramway Museum (Loftus)
Powerhouse Museum
Rozelle Tram Depot
Leichhardt’s vibrant cafes and Italian heritage precinct

These sites provide complementary perspectives on Sydney’s transport and industrial history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the Sydney Bus Museum open?
A: The museum is open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Adults $15, children and concessions $10, family ticket $35.

Q: Can I ride a vintage bus?
A: Yes, especially during special events and open days. Shuttle rides from the CBD are included with admission.

Q: Is the museum fully accessible?
A: Ground-level access is available, but some areas may be uneven. Contact the museum before your visit for accessibility guidance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially on open days and for groups by prior arrangement.

Q: Is there parking at the museum?
A: No on-site parking; use public car parks or street parking nearby.

Plan Your Visit

Check the Sydney Bus Museum website for the latest information on opening hours, events, and ticketing.
For accessibility needs, email [email protected] or call (02) 9572 6789.
Follow the museum on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates.
Download the Audiala app for notifications about Sydney historical sites and cultural attractions.

Summary & Travel Tips

The Sydney Bus Museum is a cornerstone of Sydney’s cultural heritage, offering a distinctive blend of history, education, and interactive fun. Its unique setting, comprehensive collection, and community-driven spirit make it a must-see among Sydney historical sites. Remember to plan ahead due to limited open days, and enhance your visit by pairing it with nearby attractions in Leichhardt and the Inner West. Supporting the museum helps preserve an invaluable chapter of Sydney’s story for generations to come.

References

Sydney Bus Museum: Visiting Hours, Tickets & History of Sydney’s Iconic Transport Heritage (Sydney Bus Museum)
Sydney Bus Museum: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historic Bus Collection Guide (Museums & Galleries of NSW)
Visitor Experience and Interactive Elements (Travel with Joanne)
Practical Visitor Information and Accessibility (Sydney Bus Museum Open Days)