<h2>About</h2>Discover the vast riches of Western Australia’s maritime history. Perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, the WA Maritime Museum is symbolic of Fremantle’s past, present and future as a coastal city and port.See the significant historic objects and vessels that highlight WA’s sporting, sailing and adventure heritage, including the America’s Cup winning yacht, Australia II and Jon Sanders’ Parry Endeavour.<h2>Open daily</h2>9.30am – 5pmANZAC Day 1pm – 5pmClosed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year&#39;s Day and Good Friday

Swan River Gallery.

organisation

Take the VSO tour

Museum walking tour

Tour the submarine

HMAS Ovens Photogallery

Following the migration journey of women from Italy to Fremantle                  (Gallery trail)

From Italy With Love: 

WA Maritime Museum

Multicultural Maritime: Discovery Trail

Deep dive into our rich in-gallery experiences

Deep Dives

Making History

Australia II and America's Cup

Jon Sanders

Parry Endeavour

The big tail

Whale

From a Lighthouse in North Western Australia

Cape Leveque Lantern

Indonesian fishing boat (perahu)

Sama Biasa

Hero Objects

Your digital companion for exploring our museum

Life in the Great Barrier Reef is a breathtaking 360° VR journey through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Dive beneath the surface alongside turtles, manta rays, sharks and whales. Witness rare dolphin behaviour, spectacular coral spawning events and vibrant coral ecosystems captured using custom built 8K 360° underwater camera systems developed to bring audiences inside the reef’s underwater world in ways never before possible.Guided by Traditional Owners, reef stewards and leading scientists, this journey reveals the extraordinary complexity and interconnectedness between land, sea and climate, exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the only place on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet.Discover how coral bleaching, extreme weather events and global pressures are reshaping the ecosystem as the reef’s resilience is tested like never before. Through powerful first-hand insights, world-first footage and unprecedented access to the natural world, witness both the fragility of this extraordinary environment and the critical work underway to help protect and restore it.

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Life in the Great Barrier Reef

<h4>Join us for a social morning tea, exhibition viewing, and chat-time with a theme to keep the conversation rolling.</h4>Take a morning moment to enjoy the Museum&#39;s permanent galleries, and join us for an interesting coffee conversation with a special guest host each month.Explore themes linked to special exhibitions and maritime themes.Your ticket includes a special Italian-style coffee and cake offer from the Museum&#39;s Caffissimo café.<h2>Sample menu </h2>For coffee and cake pre-orders with Caffissimo <ul><li>Tiramisu with small* coffee or pot of tea for one</li><li>2 Cannoli with small* coffee or pot of tea for one</li><li>GF** Orange almond cake with small* coffee or pot of tea for one</li><li>GF Frittata with small* coffee or tea coffee or pot of tea for one</li></ul>Pre-orders are available until 10:30am on Monday before the event. After this, food selections will be arranged on the day from Caffissimo&#39;s delicious daily options.*small = cappuccino sized cup – Coffee serves can be upsized on the day for a small surcharge by request**Gluten Friendly – Gluten allergies can be accommodated. Please advise when booking if you are managing gluten allergies so that we can ensure that no gluten allergens are presentPresented by the Western Australian Museum

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Museum Coffee Club

<h4>A true story of romance, danger, courage and fateful decisions. From the dark days of World War II to a race against time more than sixty years later comes a story of love, loss and hope.</h4>In <a href="https://theatre180.com.au/">THEATRE 180</a>’s CinePlay production, SYDNEY II: Lost and Found tells the real-life story of the dramatic loss of the pride of the Royal Australian Navy off the coast of Geraldton. This epic story of love and loss, fear and courage, and the long-awaited resolution of a mystery—kept alive by those who never gave up hope—is brought to life by an outstanding cast: Myles Pollard, Tom O’Sullivan and Georgia Unsworth. When HMAS Sydney IIwas sunk by the disguised German Raider HSK Kormoran in November 1941, it took with it, along with her entire crew of 645 men, the hopes and dreams of a nation as the war arrived on our doorstep. Among Sydney’s crew was a young Western Australian Able Seaman, Allan Rowe. Recently wed, Allan had only just learned that he was to be a father. For 66 years, Allan’s wife, Jessie, and their daughter, Ellen, held onto hope that one day the wreck of Sydney would be found.In 2008, through the persistence of the volunteer Directors of the Finding Sydney Foundation, that long-held dream finally came true.Journey across oceans and eras as we chart the loss of Australia’s famous warship and the long search that finally revealed her resting place. A story of great courage and heart that pays tribute to her valiant crew. A story for all Australians.This is a must see production! - Libby StoneSuch an important story, powerfully communicated. An ingenious way to impart such a significant moment in our history. - Donna Hughes

SYDNEY II: Lost and Found

<h2>Join in stories, songs, craft and much more for little learners with experienced Museum educators.</h2>Come along for a heartwarming program of stories, songs, craft and fun – specially designed for early learners and led by members of the Learning &amp; Engagement team at the WA Maritime Museum. Each Tuesday Storytime we will share some delightful picture books that explore a variety of themes. Together we’ll enjoy stories, play games and get hands-on with craft. Meet our delightful puppet friend Stella the Storyteller, who will help introduce the group and celebrate our themes. We will dive into the fascinating world of marine life, discovering the incredible creatures that live beneath the sea. Along the way, we’ll celebrate the excitement of exploring beaches, reefs, and rivers, where young adventurers can find these animals.

Tuesday Storytime for Early Learners

Explore Fremantle in this award-winning exhibition through sweeping panoramas taken from the 1800s to the modern day.Through seven different vantage points across the port city spanning 155 years, Fremantle Then &amp; Now: Historical Panoramas showcases the changing face of Fremantle. Explore connected themes including local photographers and photography studios, pre-colonial history, convict influence, the development and significance of the port, goldrush buildings and legacy, and street life.Modelled on the award-winning Fremantle Then &amp; Now: Historical Panoramas exhibition at the WA Maritime Museum, this immersive online exhibition invites visitors to enjoy all elements of the physical exhibition through the WA Museum website. You can also watch the incredible panoramic tours at the WA Maritime Museum, on permanent display near the Cargoes and Fremantle galleries.<a href="https://tours.eventspace3d.com/view/museums-wa/fremantle-then-and-now">Take the virtual tour</a>For the best experience, view the virtual exhibition on a desktop or laptop computer with your browser in full-screen mode.

Virtual Exhibition - Fremantle Then & Now: Historical Panoramas

Take a fascinating 360° virtual reality tour of submarine HMAS Ovens from the comfort of your own home.Situated on Fremantle&#39;s historic World War Two submarine slipway, this unique tour offers the rare chance to get up close and explore the inside of a decommissioned Royal Australian Navy submarine. This tour also features selected photos and video which provide a glimpse into the daily lives of submariners and the equipment onboard. Created in partnership with <a href="https://eventspace3d.com/hmas-ovens-submarine/">EventSpace3D</a> and with assistance from the Submarines Association Australia (WA Branch).<h5><a href="https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=gmoVdfdLUNb&amp;ts=1&amp;wts=3">Take a virtual tour of HMAS Ovens here. </a> </h5>Find out more about what special tours and events are on offer at WA Maritime Museum <a href="https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/maritime/tours-events">here</a>.We look forward to welcoming you soon.

HMAS Ovens : Take a virtual tour

<h4>From turquoise coastlines to ancient red gorges, Emma Thomson’s paintings celebrate Western Australia’s diverse beauty, inviting us to pause, reconnect with nature, and revisit cherished memories.</h4>This exhibition celebrates the remarkable diversity of Western Australia, from the windswept shores of our coastline to the rugged beauty and rich ochre landscapes of Karijini and El Questro. Though vastly different, these places share the power to leave a lasting impression, inviting us to slow down, reconnect with nature, and reflect on the memories they inspire. <h2>About the artist</h2>Emma Thomson is a Perth-based artist known for her atmospheric seascapes and Western Australian landscapes. Through her work, she captures the shifting qualities of light, movement and colour found along the State’s coastline and diverse natural environments.

Under a Western Sky

The Oberon class Submarine HMAS Ovens is an authentic Cold War-era vessel situated on Fremantle&#39;s historic World War Two submarine slipway.Guided tours of the submarine reveal intimate details about living and serving aboard the 89 metre long vessel. Amongst controls, sensors, tactical equipment and torpedoes, 63 people lived and served aboard the vessel in extremely cramped conditions.Find out what life is like aboard a submarine and immerse yourself in Fremantle&#39;s secret wartime history.<h4>Bookings</h4>Our daily HMAS Ovens tours are hosted by expert volunteers and are subject to session time availability. Please call ahead if you have a larger group or if you are concerned about weather conditions. Tours can be cancelled because of severe weather conditions. This includes high winds, thunderstorms, and high temperatures. Tickets will be refunded in such events.Tours run to a strict schedule, late arrivals may not be able to join their scheduled tours.Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour is due to commence. The tour takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.Tours are subject to availabilityContact us for up-to-date session times:<ul><li><a href="tel:1300134081">1300 134 081</a> on weekdays during business hours.</li><li>(08) 9431 8334 from 1pm – 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.</li></ul>TransportWe advise planning your transport ahead of time, as parking is limited at Victoria Quay. We recommend using public transport on weekends and school holidays.<h4>Health and safety</h4>The tour includes climbing 9-metre-high scaffolding stairs, steeply inclined ladders and bending through narrow hatchways. A reasonable level of fitness, freedom from significant injuries, and the ability to climb independently (without walking aids) are required.For safety reasons, children must be over the age of six and at least 100 centimetres tall to participate in the submarine tour.Please see the <a href="https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/ENDORSED%20HMAS%20Ovens%20Conditions%20of%20Entry%202019.pdf">Conditions of Entry.</a>

HMAS Ovens Tour

<h4>Take some time for a sensory-friendly visit to the WA Maritime Museum with your family.</h4>In consultation with Autism WA, we have developed some resources for families that will help you plan and enjoy a sensory-sensitive visit with us. These visual stories and sensory map will assist family visitors that are keen to explore the Maritime Museum in a quiet atmosphere. The Museum generally experiences a quieter period from 2pm on weekdays, which we recommend for a planned sensory-friendly visit. Here are some resources developed to support quiet visits Sensory map of the Maritime Museum to identify high and low sensory areas for visit planning: <ul><li><a href="https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-11/Sensory_Map_Maritime.pdf">Sensory Map of WA Maritime Museum PDF [1.76MB]</a></li></ul>Visual stories to support families with pre-visit planning discussion:<ul><li><a href="https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-11/Social_Story_Families_w_Younger_Maritime.pdf">Visual story for families with young children PDF [4.2MB]</a></li><li><a href="https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-11/Social_Story_Families_w_Older_Maritime.pdf">Visual story for families with older children PDF [3.65MB]</a></li><li><a href="https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-11/Autism_Sensory_Visual_Support_Maritime.pdf">Visual Support for WA Maritime Museum PDF [639.2KB]</a></li></ul>

Sensory Friendly Resources

This tour is designed for visitors who are blind or vision impaired.Participants have the chance to touch and examine specially selected objects from the Museum&#39;s collections and displays.Please note that tours are subject to availability, so please express your interest in the link above. Please allow at least 2 working days for your request to be processed.Site accessibility information can be found on the main <a href="https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/maritime">WA Maritime Museum page</a>.

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Please Touch: Tactile Tour

<h4>Celebrate Australia&#39;s 1983 America&#39;s Cup win with one of the crew, under winning yacht: Australia II.</h4>Your journey commences at Elizabeth Quay in Perth, where you will meet your skipper and take a 14-seater jet-boat ride to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. Travel across the Swan River and see landmarks including beautiful Kings Park and stunning mansions along the way as you following the contours of the spectacular river.From Fishing Boat Harbour, take a short walk with your Museum host to Victoria Quay, passing by WA Shipwrecks Museum, Bathers Beach and Walyalup’s famous Whaling Tunnel. On arrival at Victoria Quay, your opportunity to explore WA Maritime Museum awaits! You will be met by Fremantle local John Longley, former crewmate of the famous 1983 America’s cup winning yacht, Australia II. John Longley’s involvement in the 1983 Australia II campaign marked the high point of his career as a yachtsman. Longley helped skipper John Bertrand select the crew for Australia II, choreographed the team’s actions for tacking, jibing and other manoeuvres and will be your local tour guide for a personal tour through the Museum. Hear tales of the winning yacht race, followed by drinks under the Australia II yacht, proudly on display.What&#39;s included?<ul><li>Water transfer on the Infinity from Elizabeth Quay, Perth to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour</li><li>Entry to WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle</li><li>Exclusive after-hours tour with John Longley</li><li>Drinks and canapés under Australia II</li></ul>

Australia II Commemorative Cruise and Tour

Join us on a special tour where storytelling with objects encourages conversations and evokes memories.This is a specialised tour for people living with dementia and their carers.Please note that tours are subject to availability, so please express your interest in the link above. Please allow at least 2 working days for your request to be processed.Site accessibility information can be found on the main <a href="https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/maritime">WA Maritime Museum page</a>.

Objects and Memories Tour

Make the most of your visit to the Maritime Museum with a free tour of our galleries.The Highlights Tour will introduce you to some iconic objects showcased in the Museum.Site accessibility information can be found on the main <a href="https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/maritime">WA Maritime Museum page</a>.

Highlights Tour

<h4>Aboriginal people have been swimming, diving, fishing and caring for country across the coastal lands and waters of WA since ancient times.</h4>Take a journey through the WA Maritime Museum galleries to explore the fascinating culture and rich maritime traditions of different language groups. Aboriginal peoples continue to share their knowledge and spiritual connections to marine animals and landscapes.Tours can be requested with a minimum of 7 days lead time.Please note that tours are subject to availability, express your interest at the link above.

One land, many cultures tour

<h4>WA Museum has partnered with Fremantle documentary company, Prospero Productions, to bring you an immersive cinema experience, Under the Dome.</h4>Enjoy documentary films throughout the year in this unique, boutique, 22-seat, 180° curved dome cinema with 5.1 surround sound.Let us transport you to other worlds through films specially created for this dome experience, by a local team dedicated to showcasing the wonder of our state and sharing our stories.We’ll be screening films daily that combine the natural world, history, science, technology and adventure, giving you a deeper insight into Western Australia.Please note, Under the Dome: Cinema Experience is not suited for children 4 years and younger.<h4>Session times</h4>10am – Ningaloo: Australia&#39;s Other Great Reef 10.45am – Whale Super Highway 11.30am – Star Dreaming 12.15pm – Ningaloo: Australia&#39;s Other Great Reef 1pm - Whale Super Highway 1.45pm - Star Dreaming 2.30pm – Ningaloo: Australia&#39;s Other Great Reef 3.15pm – Whale Super Highway 4pm – Star DreamingUnder the Dome is screening daily. The dome cinema is air-conditioned and has two seats that can be removed to accommodate one wheelchair.<h4>Explore the films</h4>Ningaloo: Australia&#39;s Other Great ReefYoung marine scientist, Anna Cresswell, aboard mini-submersible Odyssea, embarks on a daring voyage into the labyrinth of Western Australia’s iconic Ningaloo Reef. Her mission is to witness the annual, synchronised mass coral spawning.Whale Super HighwayFollow humpback whales and blue pygmy whales on their 6,500-kilometre migration down the coast of Western Australia to the freezing waters of Antarctica and back again. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, humpback whales have made an extraordinary recovery. Today, Western Australia has the largest population of migratory humpbacks in the world, with more than 35,000 humpbacks travelling this stretch of water annually.Star DreamingLook to the stars and take a breathtaking journey through science and Aboriginal culture with Star Dreaming – fusing live action with cutting edge technology and astrophysics. Follow as two children go on a magical odyssey through time and space, exploring the mysteries of the Universe and the ancient stories of Yamaji people from the Murchison region.<h4>Supported by:</h4><h5>Ningaloo: Australia&#39;s Other Great Reef</h5><h5>Whale Super Highway</h5><h5>Star Dreaming</h5>

Under the Dome: Cinema Experience

You&#39;re invited to our annual Remembrance Day Memorial Service conducted by the West Australian Branch of the Submarines Association of Australia.The service is held outside the WA Maritime Museum on the forecourt and is an opportunity to honour the legacy of fallen service people.Due to the location of the service we encourage you to bring a hat, water and sunscreen. Parking is limited throughout Victoria Quay and surrounds, plan your journey ahead of time and consider <a href="https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/">public transport</a>.We look forward to seeing you at the service.

WA Maritime Museum

Museum walking tour

A little more to explore.

Galleries

Hooked on Fishing

Swan River Gallery

WA Down Under Gallery

Tin Canoe to Australia II Gallery

Fremantle Gallery

Cargoes Gallery

Naval Gallery

HMAS Ovens

Robert Steele Steam Machinery Exhibition

Indian Ocean Gallery

Deep Dives

Museum walking tour

HMAS Ovens Photogallery

From Italy With Love:

Multicultural Maritime: Discovery Trail

Hero Objects

Australia II and America's Cup

Parry Endeavour

Whale

Cape Leveque Lantern

Sama Biasa

What’s on

Life in the Great Barrier Reef

Museum Coffee Club

SYDNEY II: Lost and Found

Tuesday Storytime for Early Learners

Virtual Exhibition - Fremantle Then & Now: Historical Panoramas

HMAS Ovens : Take a virtual tour

Under a Western Sky

HMAS Ovens Tour

Sensory Friendly Resources

Please Touch: Tactile Tour

Australia II Commemorative Cruise and Tour

Objects and Memories Tour

Highlights Tour

One land, many cultures tour

Under the Dome: Cinema Experience

Remembrance Day Memorial Service

A little more about us.

About

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