Australian National Maritime Museum

Australian National Maritime Museum logo

Discover Australia's museum of the sea and dive deeper into our connection with oceans, rivers, and lakes.

Free entry to permanent galleries

Holiday hours (19 December 2025—1 February 2026), open 9:30am—5pm (Last vessel boarding 4:10pm)

Regular hours, open 10am—4pm (Last vessel boarding 3:10pm)

Photo showing two boys and a girl on board a tall ship and pose behind the ship's wheel.

What's on

Painted illustration of a beach showing a wide beach scene with many people.

School Holidays

Summer is here, and with it comes the familiar, seasonal pull towards the water. The air is warmer, the days stretch longer, and the city starts to shimmer with the promise of holidays. This year, the museum captures that feeling, bringing the beach to the heart of the harbour with a program that celebrates sunshine, culture, and the simple pleasure of being in, on or by the water.

Iconic Australian boats tie up at National Maritime Museum

The museum to celebrate the legacy of one of Australia’s most esteemed boatbuilders, Norman R Wrights & Sons

Black and White Photograph taken underwater showing the underside of a large whale.

Whale strandings on the rise - is human activity to blame?

Are whale strandings on the increase? A recent Scottish study certainly indicates that the case. We asked some key experts for their experiences and views. 

Black and White Photograph taken underwater showing the underside of a large whale.

A brief history of surfboards

From grass roots to computer generated design.

Photo of a wooden surfboard on a white background
Black and White engraving on cream paper depicting a tall ship and many smaller watercraft in a bay.

Valerie Taylor – An underwater life

Valerie Taylor AM has recorded the marine environment and shared her knowledge with the public for over 60 years, staunchly advocating for better protection of the ocean, its animals and their habitats.

Photograph of Valerie Taylor

Come aboard our vessels

Photo showing the front of a black submarine on the water, with a brown and black wooden fishing boat and white lighthouse in the background.
vessels
Royal Australian Navy
Submersible
Adults
12+ years

HMAS Onslow

Photograph taken over the water on a sunny day, featuring the city skyline, the tall ship ENDEAVOUR, the museum lighthouse and northern end of the main museum building.
vessels
Replica vessel
5-12 years
12+ years
Adults

Endeavour

Uncover history, explore the present.

Photo of a person diving underwater, holding a camera and swimming towards a shipwreck.

Maritime archaeology

First Nations ceremony

First Nations

Black and White photograph, three passengers on the deck of migrant ship MV NAPOLI as it moves up Sydney Harbour. The Harbour Bridge can be seen in the background.

Migration

Close up photo of the number 11 and an anchor on the side of a navy ship.

Navy and fleet

photograph of an orange clown fish

Ocean futures

Photo of the museum's lighthouse, taken from a low angle looking up, with a clear blue sky background.

Society and water

Dive deeper

Discover the wider world of the museum. Find answers for your research, explore stories about significant events and remarkable people, and browse through a rich and diverse range of vessels, photography and artefacts.

Become a member

Enjoy exclusive access to the museum. 

Join our vibrant membership community and enjoy year-round benefits. Your membership helps provide critical support to the museum's conservation, research and education programs that bring our mission to life.

A couple standing on the deck of replica wooden tall ship Endeavour
A Family with a mum, dad, young boy and girl are seated outdoor at the waterfront location under a yellow, stripped umbrella.

Support us

Australia’s National Monument to Migration

The National Monument is one of the museum's most important and visible tributes to our migration heritage 

Two people in front of the National Monument to Migration
Woman pointing at her family name on the National Monument to Migration

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