Migration
If your cultural heritage is from over the seas, then learn about how we collect, celebrate and share the diverse immigrant experiences that contribute to Australia’s vibrant society.
Nearly half of all Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas and since 1945 nearly eight million migrants have stepped ashore to infuse modern Australia with more than 200 different cultural and linguistic traditions.
The history of Australia is a story of journeys. People came across the seas searching for a place where they could belong.
They joined those who already belonged to the bamal (earth) and badu (waters) of Australia, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
With them, they brought hundreds of different cultural and linguistic traditions. Their journeys were sometimes peaceful and sometimes violent.
The Australian National Maritime Museum invites you to follow these stories that shaped this island nation.
Do you have an immigration story to tell? Email us at Curator@sea.museum
What's on at the museum
A few frequently asked questions
From our education team
School programs and online resources perfect for school students learning about migration to Australia
Find your Monument entry
Looking for a name on the National Monument to Migration wall? Use our search tool to find your or a loved one's name as well as their position on the wall.
Staff
Tự Do Reference Group
The museum has assembled a group of experts and community representatives to support and guide its efforts around the refugee vessel Tự Do. The members meet twice a year to provide non-binding advice for preserving and presenting this unique migration object.
- Dr Dacchi Dang, Artist, Sydney
- Dr Anh Nguyen Austen, Academic, Melbourne
- Angela Wong, PhD Student, Sydney
- Paige Taylor, Curator, Darwin
- Nathan Pharaoh, Conservator, Canberra
- Julie Ly, Businesswoman, Sydney
- Dr Tran Nguyen, Doctor, Sydney