Young boy with short, dark hair, wearing a yellow shirt and sunflower lanyard touching a sculpture on the gallery wall, with a young girl out of focus behind.

Accessibility

The museum is an experience for everyone to enjoy. We’re committed to being an inclusive museum that's accessible to all and offer tailored programs and services to assist.

If you’re visiting and have particular access requirements, please let us know and our booking office can assist in planning your visit. Please phone us on 9298 3777

Visit Ocean Photographer of the Year

This exhibition contains audio description for twelve winning images and there are eight 3dimensional images on the edges of the walls that you can explore through touch. There is a large print and braille guide available at the front desk of the exhibition. 

Audio described opportunities are signposted by a light grey tactile indicator on the floor.  You can Scan the QR codes on the floor in each location to listen.

We recommend that visitors who are Blind or have low vision bring a friend along to help with wayfinding in the low light conditions in the galleries. Bringing earphones so you can enjoy the audio descriptions is also recommended.

Find out more and listen online

Photo of a light coloured golden retriever guide dog wearing a harness. it's lying down with a front paw on a grey tactile tile and black circle sticker featuring a QR code.

Getting around the museum

  • There is ramp access into the main museum building via the main entrance.
  • There is lift or ramp access to all exhibition spaces within the main building, and to wharves and the viewing platform outside the museum.
  • Courtesy wheelchairs are available with a photo ID. Pre-booking a wheelchair is essential, please phone 9298 3777.
  • Unfortunately due to the vessel design and walkways on the vessels, wheelchair access is not available.
  • Accessible toilets are located on the museum lower level (accessible by lift and walkway) and in the ground level entry foyer.
  • Unfortunately most of our bathroom doors are not automatic
  • There are lounge spaces throughout the museum at the Tasman Light gallery, Sydney Harbour gallery, Bamal gallery and Foyer to enjoy rest/take time out during your visit 

Eating and drinking

We offer a range of delicious food and beverages at Ripples Express Café which is wheelchair accessible.

Visiting with a school?

Find out more about how we can support students with additional support needs and ensure that everyone has a positive experience at the museum.  

Accessibility for schools

Accessible services

  • We offer a range of accessible services including wheelchairs which can be borrowed at our front desk.
  • The Museum welcomes guide dogs and companion dogs. A dog bowl water bubbler is located just outside the main foyer near the boardwalk.
  • Audio-induction loops are available in the theatre, main ticket areas and museum meeting rooms.
  • Interactive displays are located throughout the museum.

Accessible parking

Two dedicated accessible parking spaces are located outside the main entry to the museum. 

To book parking, please call 9298 3777.

Carers' information

Carers are offered free access to everything available in the museum and all our vessels.

Please present your carers' card or companion card when purchasing tickets.

Quiet times

The Museum is usually quietest on Monday to Friday afternoons (2-4) during school term. The Museum also offers early access mornings with a reduced-sensory, relaxed and supportive environment through the Sensory Friendly Sundays program. 

Access programs

More information

If you would like to discuss making one of our upcoming programs more accessible to you, please call our bookings officer on 02 9298 3777

If you have a question or comment about access, please phone 9298 3777.

If you are deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service:

  • TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 02 9298 3777
  • Speak and Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 02 9298 3777
  • Internet relay users connect to the NRS then ask for 02 9298 3777

Proud to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

We’re proud that the Maritime Museum is a Sunflower friendly venue. The Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities. Thanks to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand our staff wearing a Sunflower badge have been trained to recognise this symbol and will be of assistance where they can. You are encouraged to bring and wear your sunflower lanyard if you have one, or pick one up for free on arrival to the museum.

 Download the Social Story

2024 - 2027 Disability Inclusion Action Plan

The Australian National Maritime Museum’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2024 – 2027 sets out clear actions to inspire positive change to empower and engage audiences, collaborators, and Museum workers so that all Australians can connect with conversations about the unique role of our waterways and oceans in the past, present and future of this nation shaped by sea.

Download the Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Boy touching a wooden pole, with a glowing orange projection on the pole and in the background.