Teaching is my calling, and one of its unexpected perks is access to complimentary or discounted passes at a range of Sydney attractions and museums. These offers have allowed us to say yes to experiences that might otherwise have been deferred for another date or when the budget allowed, opening the door to new learning moments and shared memories.
These opportunities shouldn’t be a well-kept secret. So I’ve rounded up as many teacher-friendly offers as I could find, so you too can make the most of them and add a few more adventures to your family calendar.
Free Teacher Passes
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There are a number of attractions and museums across Sydney that offer free entry for teachers, but this information isn’t always easy to find. We’ve pulled them together in one place to save our teacher friends the time (and effort) of having to discover them for themselves.
SEA LIFE Aquarium
All NSW registered teachers are welcome to a complimentary admission ticket to SEA LIFE Aquarium. It’s a brilliant way to explore an aquarium that’s guaranteed to inspire your class (and let’s be honest… it’s pretty amazing for teachers too).
Ahead of your visit, you will need to complete the SEA LIFE Teacher Pre-Visit Ticket request.
WILD LIFE Sydney
A lovely perk for teachers is that WILD LIFE Sydney welcomes all NSW registered teachers with a complimentary admission, available when you present a valid teacher ID and school email address. It’s an opportunity to explore, connect with our native wildlife, and gather inspiration to take back to the classroom.
Ahead of your visit, you will need to complete the WILD LIFE Sydney Teacher Visit Request form.
Madame Tussauds
NSW teachers can organise a pre-visit to Madame Tussauds Sydney before bringing a class, which is such a helpful way to plan. Pre-visits run during the school term (not school holidays), and staff are happy to answer any questions.
Teachers are required to apply in advance to access a pre-visit via the Madame Tussauds Teacher Pre-Visit Request Form.
Sydney Tower Eye
Sydney Tower Eye offers complimentary admission for all NSW registered teachers, giving you the chance to explore the city from the clouds and gather plenty of inspiration to take back to your classroom.
Teachers interested in a complimentary Sydney Tower Eye pass will need to complete the pre-visit ticket request form before their visit.
Australian National Maritime Museum
Technically, the Australian National Museum doesn’t offer free passes for teachers. Instead, they offer EVERYONE free general entry to permanent galleries, Ur-Wayii (Incoming Tide) and Frozen Witness – Aurora’s Polar Voyages. You just need to get your ticket at the front desk upon arrival.
History Museums NSW
When the kids were smaller, I purchased a family pass which provided access to all of Sydney’s Living Museums. We love exploring history and it really is the best way to immerse yourself in the past. Recently, the museums underwent a name change to the Museums of History and with it, a commitment to provided FREE entry to the majority of their portfolio. Huzzah!
The Museums of History New South Wales include: Hyde Park Barracks, Museum of Sydney, Justice & Police Museum, Susannah Place, Elizabeth Bay House, Vaucluse House, Rose Seidler House, Elizabeth Farm, Rouse Hill Estate, Meroogal, The Mint, Caroline Simpson Library, and the State Archives Reading Room.
Most of the Museums of History have dedicated kids program making them a fantastic destination for the weekend of holidays.
Sydney Symphony Orchestra – Teachers Lounge
I only learned about the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Teachers Lounge a few years ago and have delighted in being about to attend a number of the Symphony’s performances totally FREE whilst also gaining access to classroom resources and lesson plans. It is brilliant.
The Teachers Lounge offers members complimentary tickets and discount offers to select Sydney Symphony concerts, access to Teacher Resource Kits and more.
They open membership at the start of the year, so be quick!
Chau Chak Wing Museum
The Chau Chak Wing Museum is one of my favourite museums in Sydney and whilst they do not offer any Teacher Passes per see, it is FREE entry for everyone every single day.
The Chau Chak Wing Museum brings the world together under one roof, with collections that span cultures, continents, and centuries. Visitors can explore artefacts from ancient civilisations such as Rome, Greece, and Egypt, alongside rich collections celebrating First Nations cultures from around the world. Add to that fascinating natural history displays and works by leading contemporary artists, and it’s a place where history, culture, and creativity intersect in truly engaging ways.
Teacher Days and Events
Many museums and attractions also host teacher evenings, which are usually free and offer an insider glimpse into their exhibitions, programs and learning opportunities. These events are a great way for educators to explore what’s on offer, ask questions, and see how visits can support classroom learning.
Australian Museum
Each term, the Australian Museum hosts a Teachers’ Night at the Museum. The evenings typically start at 4.30 pm with a range of start times to match your availability.
I try to attend at least two of these events each year. They provide an opportunity to meet the education and group bookings teams to discuss programs that might be suitable for my students, whilst also getting a chance to explore the new exhibits.
All Teachers Nights are family-friendly, and educators can book 3 additional tickets for family or friends. Of course, these events are FREE; however, you do need to book. Head to the Teachers’ Nights at the Museum information page for details.
Teacher Memberships and Benefits
Finally, a number of museums and attractions offer teacher memberships, which come with a bevy of benefits — from free or discounted entry to exclusive events, resources and professional learning opportunities.
Taronga Zoo
Our family loves Taronga Zoo, and we make a point of visiting whenever we can. As a not-for-profit, Taronga runs amazing programs that support wildlife conservation and offers a fantastic education program.
Of course, visiting regularly can add up. If you’re a teacher, joining the Taronga Teachers’ Association is definitely worth considering. It comes with some great benefits that make regular visits more accessible.
Taronga Zoo is a not-for-profit doing outstanding work in wildlife conservation and education. For teachers, the Taronga Teachers’ Association (TTA) is a great way to make regular zoo visits more affordable while connecting classroom learning with engaging, syllabus-linked programs developed by Taronga’s Education Team.
TTA membership includes free class excursions (in exchange for feedback), unlimited entry to Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, free admission to Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth Zoos, retail and accommodation discounts, member-only events, education updates, and discounted memberships for family members.
If this isn’t the thing for you right now, I suggest following the Kid Bucket List Facebook page for alerts when Taronga have scheduled their Teacher Days.
Sydney Opera House
Each year, the Sydney Opera House opnes its doors to teachers to learning about their Creative Learning programs. Subscribing to the Creative Learning newsletter keeps you up to date with their latest offerings.
Savvy educators have the opportunity to explore some of Sydney’s most engaging and educational facilities with their families at a reduced cost (or even for free) they just need to know where to look. We hope this article helps make those opportunities easier to find and enjoy.