Navigators, explorers and traders
Related topics
Join us as we navigate, explore and trade our way around the museum galleries to investigate maps, instruments and methods of navigation used by First Nations Australians, Polynesian seafarers and European voyagers.
Investigate artefacts in the museum’s exhibitions to discover the diverse ways in which navigation, exploration and trade have shaped Australia.
Our learning intention is for students to understand and be able to explain the diversity of maps and navigational techniques, the reasons and significance of maritime voyages, and the reasons behind the establishment of the colony of New South Wales.
Your students will:
- Help to guide the tour and all have a role to play, whether as a navigator, explorer, or trader
- Develop key vocabulary about navigation
- Learn about the navigational techniques, maps and tools used by First Nations Australians, Polynesian seafarers and European explorers
- Handle and learn about the significance of navigational instruments such as sextants, telescopes and compasses
- Discover the stories of European explorers and understand the motivations behind their historic voyages
- Gain insights about life before colonisation and learn First Nations place names
- Understand the significance of the voyage of the HMB Endeavour and how it led to the establishment of the colony in Warrane.
Curriculum links
Pre-excursion resources
Post-excursion resources
Also included
- Free self-guided access to museum exhibitions and HMAS Vampire outside of the scheduled program times. If you wish to visit any other vessels, please include the details in your booking form.
- All groups have a 30-minute recess and safety induction on arrival.
- Please indicate in your booking enquiry if you would like to schedule a lunch break during your visit.
Cost
$225 per group of 15 students.
Free for teachers and supervising adults within the required supervision ratio.
Book with another education program on the same day for $300 per group of 15 students.
20% discounts are applied for schools with an ICSEA value of less than 1000, as defined by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Please indicate in your booking enquiry if you think your school is eligible for this discount.
Accessibility
This program is conducted within the main museum building.
- There is ramp and lift access to all exhibition spaces within the main museum building.
- This program does not include boarding the vessels.
Please indicate in your booking enquiry if anyone in your group has additional support needs so that we can ensure everyone has a positive experience at the museum.
Still have questions?
Read the frequently asked questions to find out more.
Stay for the whole day!
Book two programs on the same day for a discounted price.
You might also be interested in…
Visiting in 2027?
Please note that Endeavour will not be available for school bookings from end of January to the end of May 2027.
Have you been aboard Duyfken, our wooden replica vessel that brought the first Europeans to Australia? Check out the First Contacts excursion!
Enquire for options at bookings@sea.museum or call 9298 3655
Back in the classroom
Discover the Museum’s award-winning educational games and digital resources across a range of stages and subjects.
1606 - Contact at Cape Keerweer
This education resource introduces students to the Duyfken, which was the first European vessel to meet the First Nations people of Australia on Wik country on the Cape York Peninsula in 1606.
