WA Shipwrecks Museum

Overview

The WA Shipwrecks Museum, part of the Western Australian Museum network, is housed in an 1852 heritage commissariat building in Fremantle. It contains one of the southern hemisphere's most significant maritime archaeology collections.

Highlights

• Batavia Gallery: The hull timbers of the Batavia (wrecked 1629) and the stone portico intended for the Dutch East India Company's Batavia headquarters.
• Gilt Dragon (Vergulde Draeck): Artefacts from the 1656 Dutch wreck, including silver coins and navigational instruments.
• Interactive displays: Touch maritime artefacts and explore the science behind underwater archaeology.

History

The commissariat building was built by convict labour to store supplies for the colony. It was converted into the Shipwrecks Museum in 1979 and houses artefacts from dozens of wrecks along WA's treacherous coastline.

Visitor Tips

• Admission: Free entry.
• Combine with: A walk to the adjacent Fishing Boat Harbour for lunch.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.