The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.

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HMAS Ovens submarine

HMAS Ovens

The Oberon class Submarine HMAS Ovens is an authentic Cold War-era vessel situated on Fremantle's historic World War Two submarine slipway.

This exhibit serves as a living memorial to submariners and those who gave their lives while serving from Fremantle during World War Two.

Deep Dives

One of our experienced volunteer tour guides leads a captivated tour group inside the submarine.

HMAS Ovens Photogallery

Tour the submarine

Gallery

A bright silver bell labelled HMS Ovens 1969.

Our Cold War hero - HMAS Ovens

HMAS Ovens - the vessel's bell

Article

In a display case are some models of submarines, below them is a very long strip of white fabric with red stripes. This is the pennant.

Our Cold War Hero - HMAS Ovens

HMAS Ovens paying off pennant

Article

In a display case are some models of submarines, below them is a very long strip of white fabric with red stripes. This is the pennant.

Our Cold War hero - HMAS Ovens

Model of HMAS Ovens

Article

The Ovens submarine looms in the background as tour participants listen to the volunteer guide.

Welcome to HMAS Ovens

Short video

Video

A smiling woman on the submarine tour descends a ladder down into the submarine.

Down the Hatch

Short video

Video

A cramped submarine compartment with four torpedo tubes, and an orange protective suit with face shield hanging from the ceiling.

Torpedoes

Short video

Video

A row of cramped bunks, stacked three high with thin blue mattresses. There are straps like seatbelts across them for securing the crew in rough conditions.

Junior Sailors Mess

Short video

Video

The submarine's periscope has been stowed away, so its thick metal piston is in its place.

The Control Room

Short video

Video

Two large old glass tube computer screens with panels of many buttons.

Weapons Control

Short video

Video

Toilet with wooden lid and seat in a tiny stall.

The Ship's Heads

Short video

Video

A very bare-bones shower stall with metal taps and shower head on a hose.

No ensuites for the crew

Short video

Video

A very narrow walkway between two large engines. Many dials are all over the engines, the closest one reads "Keel depth in feet."

The Engine Room

Sort video

Video

Many square and circular dials mounted in two grey metal panels. Labels read, for example, "Bus Bar Volts," "Speed Group Indicator," and "Port Blower Motor."

The Motor Room

Short video

Video

An open hatch to the outside has a ladder coming down. There is a shabby couch and table on the far wall.

Using resources wisely

Short video

Video

Two of the submarine tour group look out at the water from the top of the Ovens submarine.

See you next time

Short video

Video

The Museum's volunteer guide points out some of the many dials used on the Ovens submarine.

Virtual Tour

Take a fascinating 360° virtual reality tour of submarine HMAS Ovens from the comfort of your own home.

Article

Two sailors blowing small musical instruments stand beside a walkway as a man in a white uniform and hat walks down it, saluting.

HMAS Ovens - Wear them with Pride

Documentary

Video

HMAS Ovens submarine

HMAS ovens

The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.