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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A large display table with a diorama of Fremantle Harbour is a central element of this gallery.

Fremantle Gallery

Fremantle's story is highly influenced by the ever-changing shipping activity in its port, located just outside the Museum.

View the gangway that brought thousands of immigrants ashore, learn about CY O'Connor, and read about the port's working history.

Hero Objects

A large model of a black and brown wooden ship in a glass display case, mounted on the wall. Large tet above reads "Aberdeen and Commonwealth Line."

Half model of SS Ashridge

MH 176, donated by Fremantle Ports

Two large circular bollards mounted with yellow bolts onto the Museum floor.

Double bollard plug

MH 187, donated by State Engineering Works.

A large round life preserver labelled "Wyola Fremantle," on display behind glass.

Objects from Wyola

MH 1011, MH 1016, MH 1022, MH 1023

Circular corroded metal components set on clear plastic frame.

Chronometer from Elizabeth

EL425, recovered 1970.

Flinders bay model

Model of MV Flinders Bay

MH 1611a, donated by Overseas Containers Ltd.

A display cabinet showing hand-drawn posters and documents.

Framed Cartoons

Donated by Waterside Workers Federation

Behind a glass shield is a narrow dark wood cabinet with two columns of small drawers. On top is a glass display containing a wooden boat model.

C.Y. O'Connor's Cabinet

CH70.109, donated by Public Works Department

Deep Dives

From the Swan River gallery walkway, viewing the Australia II yacht with the ocean through the large windows beyond is a highlight of the Museum.

Museum walking tour

Take the VSO tour

Tour

A brown metal medal, with green corrosion spots. There is an image of a ship in the centre and the medal reads 'Jacks Day, HMS Hood, 1924.'

A Spark of Genius - CY O'Connor's Plan for a Port

Plans for an inner harbour for Fremantle - a story told in maps

Article

A large steam ship at harbour, Fremantle's old rail yards can be seen beside the dock.

After Sail - The Era of Steam

Beauty and brawn? Ashridge and Koolama

Article

A mannequin wearing the convict uniform.

Too fragile to show

A Western Australian convict's uniform

Article

A photograph of an explosion in the harbour. There are workers watching from boats and a makeshift platform.

An Albany detour

How CY O'Connor shortened the journey to Perth

Article

A large display table with a diorama of Fremantle Harbour is a central element of this gallery.

Maritime Fremantle Gallery.
Credit: WA Museum

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.