We are Australia’s museum of the sea. A place to explore our relationship to the oceans, rivers and lakes around us and to dive deeper into the rich maritime heritage that binds us all. As an island nation, we have always been fascinated by the waters that surround us. The ocean, and its ever-shifting tides, have been central to our stories throughout time, shaping the Australian identity. By sharing these stories, we want to spark curiosity and conversations about how the sea shaped our world and continues to transform us today. Our purpose is to excite people about their connection to the sea, so they value it more. Australia’s maritime history abounds with people who lived, worked, and explored our waters. The maritime museum brings a modern perspective to these narratives, exploring topics of migration, commerce, archaeology, ocean science and culture and lifestyle. We are proud to honour the stories from autonomous Indigenous voices and represent the innumerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander living cultural connections to ancestral waters. As the national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, experiences and knowledge, we are custodians of historic vessels and a cultural hub for Australian maritime heritage and contemporary stories of the sea. These stories come to life for visitors at our Sydney Harbour site and connect with national and global audiences in immersive and innovative ways, including online experiences to explore from anywhere.
Nerine Cummins
a month agoIt was definitely worth the visit to this museum, I especially loved the photography Exhibition as I am a huge photography buff. The ships were wonderful also. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go into the submarine as I found it a bit too constricting but would very much recommend for the more versatile. Enjoyed going onto the HMS Vampire though. The exhibits in the main museum was fantastic. A must see for Sydney locals and tourists alike.
Dr Rathi Rela
a week agoMust visit place. Especially getting into submarine was very exciting. History of maritime was presented in a marvelous way. Has a great art work. Me and my family enjoyed visiting here.
Slavina Bueva
a month agoWonderful experience. It was 6 of us: 3 kids of 3-6 yo and 3 adults of both genders. And everyone has learnt something interesting either while was exploring the real submarine and military warship, or at the exhibition part, pretty informative and interactive.
Moie G Ara
4 months agoWe had an extraordinary experience there. The day that we visited the museum was a public holiday and we had been waiting 30 min to get to the submarine. It was worthy to wait that long queue. Staff and volunteers are friendly and they were passionate about their job. They knew all the stuff about the vessel that they were representing, if you want to know more just ask the crew.
lhr2233
2 months agoI would like to thank the kind, responsible and professional staffs here. When my mobile phone unfortunately and desperately fell into a small bottomless gap in the submarine, they tried to get beneath the dusty deck and miraculously found it. They are heroes. The ship exhibitions here are indeed amazing, but keep your phone in your pocket, especially in the submarine!