Australian National Maritime Museum

Overview

The Australian National Maritime Museum on Darling Harbour tells Australia's relationship with the sea — from Indigenous bark canoes to the submarine HMAS Onslow. Its harbourside wharf berths historic vessels you can board.

Highlights

• HMAS Onslow: Explore the cramped interior of a Cold War-era Oberon-class submarine.
• HMB Endeavour replica: A full-size reconstruction of Captain Cook's 1768 barque.
• Indigenous watercraft: Bark canoes and reed rafts demonstrating 60,000 years of maritime knowledge.

History

Opened in 1991 in a Philip Cox-designed building inspired by billowing sails, the museum has expanded to include a destroyer (HMAS Vampire) and the Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse.

Visitor Tips

• Big Ticket: The all-access pass (AUD $32) covers submarine, ships, and exhibitions.
• Vessel tours: Guided tours of the submarine run every 15 minutes.
• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours.