Attraction
Sydney Opera House
Jørn Utzon's sail-roofed performing arts centre on Bennelong Point, opened in 1973 and the setting for opera, theatre, concerts and daily guided tours.
Australian National Maritime Museum
A Darling Harbour museum opened in 1991, where visitors can board a destroyer, a submarine and a replica of Captain Cook's HM Bark Endeavour.
At a glance
- Type
- Maritime museum
- Area
- Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia
- Official site
- sea.museum
Good to know
- Historic vessels
- Café
- Family activities
Why we recommend it
The Australian National Maritime Museum opened in November 1991 on the western side of Darling Harbour, in Pyrmont. Its building, with a distinctive roof shaped like billowing sails or waves, houses galleries on Australia's long relationship with the sea, while the wharves outside hold a fleet of historic vessels that visitors can board.
The galleries cover First Nations connections to sea Country, exploration, immigration, naval history, commerce, leisure and the beach, as well as changing temporary exhibitions. The permanent displays are clearly presented and well suited to a mixed group, and the museum regularly runs activities aimed at children during school holidays.
Temporary exhibitions change through the year, so check the website to see what is showing during your visit. The museum's wharves give a different angle on Darling Harbour, looking back across Cockle Bay towards the city skyline.
For many visitors the ships are the highlight. You can go aboard the destroyer HMAS Vampire, squeeze through the submarine HMAS Onslow, and explore a full-scale replica of HM Bark Endeavour, the ship James Cook sailed along Australia's east coast in 1770. A replica of the Dutch ship Duyfken, which reached Australia in 1606, is also open for boarding. Some vessels involve steep ladders and narrow spaces, which can be difficult for people with limited mobility.
The museum opens daily from 10:00 to 16:00, with longer hours from 09:30 to 17:00 during school holidays, and the last vessel boarding is around fifty minutes before closing. It closes on Christmas Day. Allow at least half a day if you want to see the galleries and board several ships. Booking online in advance gives a small discount on some ticket types.
The museum suits families with school-age children, history enthusiasts and anyone interested in ships. It is about fifteen minutes' walk from Town Hall station across Pyrmont Bridge, and the Pyrmont Bay light rail stop is close by. Darling Harbour's waterfront restaurants are on the doorstep, and the Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay is a short light rail or bus ride away. On a fine day, finish with a walk around Cockle Bay and across Pyrmont Bridge, one of the oldest surviving electrically operated swingspan bridges in the world, back towards the city centre.
Australian National Maritime Museum FAQs
Can you go on board the ships?
Yes. Vessels including HMAS Vampire, HMAS Onslow and the HM Bark Endeavour replica can be boarded with the appropriate ticket.
What are the opening hours?
Usually daily from 10:00 to 16:00, and from 09:30 to 17:00 during school holidays.
When is the last vessel boarding?
At 15:10 on normal days and 16:10 during school holidays.
Is the museum closed on any day?
It closes on Christmas Day.
How long should you allow?
At least half a day to see the galleries and board several vessels.
Are the ships accessible?
Some vessels have steep ladders and narrow spaces, which may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
How do you get there?
Walk across Pyrmont Bridge from Town Hall in about fifteen minutes, or take the light rail to Pyrmont Bay.