Maritime Museum to host free open day to celebrate NAIDOC Week

Published

16 June 2026

Photo showing a smoking ceremony, with a man holding a bundle of bark and leaves.

On July 5, the Australian National Maritime Museum will host a free day of family fun to celebrate the start of NAIDOC week and honour the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth, exploring stories and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Join in cultural activities for all ages as we celebrate ‘50 Years of Deadly’ this NAIDOC week at the Museum with lively performances, artmaking activities, guided tours and workshops.

The day begins with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Koori Konnections, grounding us in respect and tradition.

From there, the celebrations continue with a range of engaging and educational activities, including:

Live art demonstration from award-winning children's book illustrator Dub Leffler
Weaving workshops with Dunghutti Biripi artist and educator Wanita Lowe
Face painting with NAIDOC inspired designs curated by Dakota Dixon
Mixed media workshops with Dunghutti/Gomeroi artist Nioka Lowe-Brennan
Live music performances throughout the day from Marra-Wanggan Dance Group and Baakanji Kunya musician Ross Knight
And so much more!

Matt Poll, Head of Indigenous Programs, has said, ‘For 50 years, NAIDOC has championed survival, culture, and pride. At the intersection of land and sea, the Australian National Maritime Museum is proud to amplify the oldest living continuous cultures on earth. '50 Years of Deadly' is a declaration that First Nations maritime stories are not history frozen in time—they are living, breathing truths shaping our shared future.’

See the highlights of this exciting program below

View the full program

Song and Dance Performance by Marra-Wanggan Dance Group

The Marra-Wanggan’s all-women ensemble share a vibrant performance of dance, storytelling and song celebrating Yuin culture.

Times: 11:30am, 1:30pm (30-minute sets)
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Booking: No bookings required
Price: Free
Location: Performance Platform

Dance Experience with Marra-Wanngan Dance Group

Join this open age interactive dance experience led by ensemble dancers from Marra-Wanggan Dance Group. No previous dance experience is required!

Times: 12:00pm, 2:00pm (15-minute workshops)
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Booking: No bookings required
Price: Free
Location: Performance Platform

Live Music with Ross Knight

Enjoy Baakanji Kunya musician Ross Knight as he shares his original songs, stories, and captivating lyrics.

Times: 12:15pm, 2:15pm, 3pm (30-minute sets)
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Booking: No bookings required
Price: Free
Location: Performance Platform

Mixed Media Workshops with Nioka Lowe-Brennan

Join Dunghutti/Gomeroi artist Nioka Lowe-Brennan for a drop-in mixed media workshop responding to this year’s NAIDOC theme. Use paper collage, paints and mixed media to create a unique artwork that you can keep or leave on display.

Times: 10:30am, 1:30pm (90 minute drop-in sessions)
Ages: Suitable for ages 4 to adult
Booking: No bookings required
Price: Free
Location: Ben Lexcen Terrace

Koori Kulcha Pop-Up Kiosk

Join Aunty Marie and the Koori Kulcha street warriors as they serve up a delicious range of native ingredients through complementary sweet and savoury tastings and takeaway available for purchase. Enjoy traditional spices and herbs used in Aboriginal communities featured through their ranges of condiments, catering, and delicious herbal teas.

Times: 10:30am – 2:30pm
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Booking: No bookings required
Price: Free

NAIDOC Facepainting and drop-in activities in Kids on Deck

Get creative at Kids on Deck Maker Space with hands-on artmaking activities inspired by Brian Robinson’s Ur Wayii Incoming Tide exhibition. Create your own marvellous model watercrafts, stamp a deadly tote bag to take home, and make your own wonderous rubbing art using resist patterns and watercolours.

Get your face painted with gorgeous NAIDOC inspired designs curated by Dakota Dixon.

Times: 10:30am – 4pm
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Booking: No bookings required
Price: Free
Location: Terrace Room

Drop in live art demonstration and activity with illustrator Dub Leffler

Learn from award winning children’s book illustrator Dub Leffler as he shares his art practice in an engaging live art demonstration and fun-filled drawing activity.

Times: 10am – 4pm
Ages: Suitable for ages 4 to 12 and accompanying adults
Booking: No bookings required
Price: Free
Location: Terrace Room

Native Animals Magnet Making by Haus of Dizzy

Craft your own cute creative wooden creature magnets using the designs by the acclaimed accessory artists at Haus of Dizzy.

Times: 11am – 3:30pm
Ages: Suitable for ages 4 to adult
Booking: No bookings required
Price: Free
Location: Terrace Room

Cosmic Chase

Catch a screening of ‘Cosmic Chase’ a looping, animated battleground where ancient mythology collides with pop culture and arcade-era fantasy. Drawing on the graphic language of Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson and developed in collaboration with S1T2, the projection unfolds as a playful pursuit across a glowing field of geometric flowers, marine motifs, and bold patterning.

Times: 10am – 4pm
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Booking: No bookings required
Price: Free
Location: Bamal Yarning Space

Bamal Gallery Book Nook

While you watch, relax with titles by award winning Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander authors or learn to create woven fish and layered paper florals inspired by Brian Robinson’s art.