Susannah Place at 58–64 Gloucester Street in The Rocks holds more than 150 years of working-class Sydney stories. Museums of History NSW says more than 100 families lived in these terraces between 1844 and 1990. Marks on walls, old finishes and recreated interiors give the visit its intimacy: this is history experienced room by room, rather than a broad survey of The Rocks.
Choose a guided way in
House entry is by guided tour only. The museum is currently open Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, with tours exploring themes such as new arrivals, a recreated grocer's shop, women's histories and the working waterfront. Tour times, availability and pricing vary, so select and book the current tour through the official site before travelling.
The recent conservation project has returned all four terraces to public access and refreshed the visitor experience. The place remains at the heart of Tallawolodah (The Rocks), on Gadigal Country. Museums of History NSW acknowledges the Gadigal people as Traditional Custodians and their continuing connection to the site and Country.
Treat access as a deciding detail
The museum is a row of small terraces with narrow, steep stairs and has restricted accessibility. A typical guided tour can involve about 79 stairs; there are no lifts or ramps, and wheelchair access is not available. Some tours offer images on iPads for areas that cannot be reached by visitors who can manage only the ground floor. Contact the museum before booking if access needs shape your decision.
The most rewarding visit is one that allows enough time to listen and look closely. These are not grand rooms: their scale helps explain the adaptations, work and family life that built up over generations. Use the current tour description to match the visit to your interest, then arrive prepared for stairs and a small-group experience.
Sources
Sources last validated: 14 September 2026.