Maritime archaeology

Dive into the museum’s maritime archaeology research, including the dramatic stories of shipwrecks and understanding diverse underwater heritage sites.

For over 20 years our maritime archaeologists have explored the physical remains of how people in the past interacted with our oceans, lakes and rivers. While our archaeologists have dived on many shipwrecks, they also study jetties, wharves and other underwater sites that bear traces of human activity. They love their job.

Overhear shot of replica Endeavour tall ship, sailing with large white sails on a dark blue green ocean.

Discovering the wreck of HM Bark Endeavour.

Did you know that James Cook’s world-famous ship ended up being sunk by the British military in an American harbour? 

Its location was forgotten for over two centuries until our maritime archaeologists worked with a team in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, to hunt for clues that confirmed its identity.

The story of HMB Endeavour

The tale of how a little coal-carrying ship, originally called the Earl of Pembroke, but better known as His Majesty's Bark Endeavour, travelled around the world under the command of Lieutenant James Cook before ending up at the bottom of Newport Harbour, Rhode Island. 

This animation was commissioned by the Australian National Maritime Museum Education Team and produced by Roar Film.

Australian National Maritime Museum

A Graphic Tale of Shipwreck - Rediscovering South Australian

Dive into the 1837 wreck of the whaling ship South Australian.

artwork showing a low angle of the bow of a ship, with a chain our the front going into the waves and a grey sky.

Finding HMAS AE1

AE1 was the Australia’s first submarine.

The loss of AE1 and the loss of the entire compliment of 35 officers and crew in the first months of World War One was the Royal Australian Navy’s first major tragedy. On 14 September 1914, AE1 disappeared without trace off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Despite numerous searches over many years, its location remained unknown.

Black and white etching on yellowed paper showing a ship sinking and a small boat taking people to an island in the background.

The Batavia shipwreck disaster

In the 1600s the Dutch-owned, Batavia, was shipwrecked off Western Australia and what befell the survivors was sheer horror!