Address : 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour

Phone : 612 9298 3777

Directions : The above address sounds specific but in truth, it is very easy to find. Just go to the end of the Darling Harbour Shoppe after the Pyrmont Bridge. You will see the Lighthouse, the Destroyer and the Submarine.

The History of The Australian Maritime Museum

The museum was found in 1965 by a group of public spirited citizens of Sydney in their efforts to preserve the Sydney 1902 VIP steam launch Lady Hopetoun. It has now evolved into a non-profit organization which is dedicated to the preservation of Austrailian and in particular, the Sydney maritime heritage. It is funded though donations, membership subscriptions vessel charges etc. The Museum has dedicated volunteer workers who restore, operate and maintain the Museum’s fleet of vintage vessels. The entry is free. Actually the only parts of the museum to have to pay to see are the exhibits that are not in the museum. i.e. the ships and submarines docked at the harbour.

Since Australia is surrounded by oceans on all sides, it naturally has a rich maritime history. This museum is located right at Darling Harbour to showcase exactly that. The museum comprises of two sections, the building and the outside exhibits. The outside exhibits are wonderful and unique. They are the numerous ships and other vessels docked right next to the museum. Visitors can see a recently retired attack submarine, a destroyer, a lightship and many other smaller vessels. One can actually enter the submarine and destroyer and tour them. The experience is wonderful and I would advise any visitor to take a tour. The submarine has narrow passages, and at times you need to crawl through tight spaces. It makes a visitor gain an insight into the lives of the seamen who actually live in them for months at a stretch. However, I would not recommend the submarine to a person who is claustrophobic. The destroyer is a much better option for them. There are guided tours, as well as volunteers who will answer your questions. You could also explore these vessels on your own.

The internal exhibits are also numerous and interesting. They traces back Australia’s maritime history from Aboriginal canoes to submarines and racing yachts. There is also a “welcome” wall, which is a monument to all the immigrants that came to Australia by sea. Inside the museum they have several exhibits devoted to colonial settlement, the fishing industry, ocean transport, migration and of course the navy. It also has a great display of scrimshaw work from the days before whaling was banned. There are many interactive displays, some of them designed specially for children who really enjoy them. Downstairs is the section devoted to WWII, and this is quite popular with people interested in history and the world wars.

There is a gift shop that keeps the same hours as the museum and café, and both are worth a visit.

Open daily 9:30am-5pm, except Christmas day and Good Friday.
The entry to the museum is free. You can pay a donation towards its upkeep. You have to purchase tickets to view the ships docked at the harbour.