Don Bank Museum, located at 6 Napier Street, North Sydney is the oldest wooden house in North Sydney.
The Sydney Morning Herald of 20 October 1854 described it as: "A pretty marine villa with commanding views of Port Jackson."
Don Bank is a remarkable mid-19th-century timber slab cottage that survives with its remnant Victorian garden. Situated among North Sydney’s bustle and high-rise office buildings, it’s on the NSW State Heritage Register and was saved from the bulldozer by community support. The building opened as a museum in 1981 with its displays focusing on the history of the house and its former occupants.
- Admission is free.
- Open Wednesdays 12pm to 3pm, February to mid-December. Closed public holidays.
- 10-minute walk from North Sydney Railway Station.
- One stop up the Pacific Highway by bus.
For hire and events
This unique historical space is available for hire by community organisations.
It’s perfect for art groups, music and film societies or for play reading. Learn more about hiring the Don Bank.
Facilities
- Courtyard
- Tables with folding and plastic chairs
- Wheelchair-accessible gender-neutral toilet
- TV and DVD player
- Loading dock
- Modern kitchen
- Flexible seating arrangements.
Rates
Rates differ between not-for-profit community groups (first session free) and commercial organisations (discount for regular hirers).
To book, please contact Stanton Library on (02) 9936 8400 or library@northsydney.nsw.gov.au
Live Poets at Don Bank
Meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month (Feb to Dec) from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
For more event information, please see their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/livepoetsdonbank
Australian Fairy Tale Society
Meets on the 1st Saturday of the month from 1.30pm to 4.30pm
- Members ($7)
- Non-members ($10)
For more information, please visit their website: www.australianfairytalesociety.org