The Powerhouse Museum
500 Harris Street, Ultimo; behind the Exhibition Center in Darling Harbour
Open 10:00am-5:00pm every day except Christmas
www.phm.gov.au
Wheelchair accessible

Cost: $10 adults, $3 with student ID
Sitablility Rating: Excellent
Souvenir Shop: Small postcard selection, but plenty of frou-frou items; i.e. a very cool, retro print laundry bag for $25.

If ever there was a man's museum, this is it.

Harleys, trains, big steam engines, and the robot from Lost in Space (yes, the 'Danger, Will Robinson!' robot), are just a few of the testosterone-laden items inside the Powerhouse. One entire area is dedicated to the history of local breweries and pubs. A Star Wars exhibit is due to open soon, featuring the models, costumes, and props that brought the original films to life.

The building is massive, with rooms large enough to hold helicopters and aeroplanes and sill not feel at all crowded. This is a museum dedicated to innovation and technology, and it slips in the educational stuff without you even noticing.

As much as the guys will love this place, kids will love it more. You can climb and touch and play with most exhibits, and there are heaps of interactive screens, short films, and musical sections as well.

Watch the first silent film to ever feature Aboriginals, directly next to a screen showing current films by the native Australians. The contrast is almost too much to take in. For a different cinematic experience, go into the 1930's art deco King Theatre, grab a comfy seat, and watch a silent film as a piano-playing staff member accompanies the action.

The Powerhouse has its feminine side as well, with furniture and design from the post-modern era. Or take a walk through time and see the gadgets your grandmother may have used to do her chores. This area, based on the idea of "a woman's work is never done" shows commercials from the 50's that tried to sell women on the latest cleaning products and time-saving gizmos. It's hard to believe anyone ever took them seriously, but you'll have a hard time tuning out those catchy jingles.