There is a super cool Bloodsuckers exhibition in Sydney right now. It is seriously so cool. A whole street lined with giant red mosquito posters floating overhead who would not be completely obsessed? Nature’s vampires, the bloodsuckers! Such an advanced state of mind, it instantly connected with my brain, and I was already falling in love with the Australian Museum from across the traffic.
We just walked in and bought a same-day adult ticket for $31.
Bloodsuckers Exhibition at Sydney Australian Museum Review
The moment you enter, it starts with an introduction to red blood cells, and from that point on, the “thump-thump-thump” of a heartbeat follows you throughout the whole experience.
At first, it feels like a science exhibition, with fossils, blood-sucking insects, and blood-sucking animals. If it had stayed like that, I probably would have been disappointed, but as you keep walking, it starts introducing all kinds of blood-feeding relationships — on land, in the sea, and in the sky — supported by specimens and enlarged models.
Then finally, or rather suddenly, it gets to the vampire section. The vampire people are definitely in their comfort zone here.
The curation at this point is very serious-faced: on one hand, it says there are no vampires in real life, and that many legends came from people not understanding the wounds left by animals that had been bitten. But then it also says that in parts of Eastern Europe, where vampire legends are especially common, there actually are not many blood-sucking animals or insects.
Next it shifts into a medical and public health topic — the history of leech therapy. At first, this kind of treatment was carried out by barbers, and only later slowly became a job for professional doctors. There is a cabinet full of leech specimens and explanatory panels about the process.
The exhibition also suddenly turned back toward science, starting to talk about prevention efforts and medical progress.
Sydney Australian Museum special exhibition Bloodsuckers
Exhibition dates 2026.4.2–10.11
Blood Suckers really nailed the atmosphere. Dark red lighting, huge creature shadows, gothic display cabinets… every corner gives off a cold yet captivating “dark life force” vibe.
This is not just a biology exhibition, but also a visual feast.
- Mysterious section: explores the origins of Dracula and the overlap between legend and reality.
- Micro lab: the displays feel incredibly futuristic, like accidentally walking into the lair of a mad scientist.
It is 100/100 in terms of information and knowledge, but it is probably best for kids aged 8 and up at least — they need to be able to read, or have some interest in insects and animals.
The final section spends a lot of time talking about vampires, using science to discuss whether vampires exist, and it even plays films, which scared the hell out of my eldest. (PS. He is just highly sensitive and timid; personally, I found it really interesting.)
BUT the venue is a little bit small, and it is mostly text, models, and specimens, with not much interactivity.
If your kids are a bit older (upper primary or above) and are interested in insects or animals, it is worth buying a ticket and going in.