Visit the Lucy Osburn-Nightingale Museum
Discover Australia’s First Hospital, the first medical innovations and the first profession for women – nursing
Uncover the story of nursing and medicine at the Museum in the Nightingale Wing, showcasing artifacts, medical uniforms, war medals, and Australia’s oldest morbid anatomy collection.
Trace the founding of Australia's oldest hospital, erected by the British First Fleet in a row of tents in 1788 at Warrane/Sydney Cove. By 1816, the Sydney Infirmary—infamously known as the Rum Hospital or Sidney Slaughter House —stood on Macquarie Street.
In 1868, Lucy Osburn brought Florence Nightingale’s revolutionary practices to Australia, emphasizing hygiene, sanitation, ventilation, structured nurse training, patient-centred care, and a holistic approach to healing. Defying male administrators Lucy established nursing as the first profession for European women in Australia. Sydney Hospital-trained nurses played a pioneering role in shaping healthcare across Australia.
Visitors are invited to tour the Nightingale Wing, completed in 1869. Once a hub for nursing, it is the oldest building on site, preserving this legacy alongside the rebuilt Sydney Hospital and the historic Rum Hospital wings, now home to The Mint and NSW Parliament House.
Tours by appointment. Email seslhd-sydhospmuseum@health.nsw.gov.au
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aRKpHiiwAWTDujod7
8 Macquarie Street
First floor of the Nightingale Wing
You can purchase Australia's First Hospital, written by Caroline Wilkinson in our online store.
