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 floor display with military canoes and missiles, and a display case with many model warships form the centre of the gallery.

Naval Gallery

War, peace, bravery and sacrifice. In this gallery, visitors learn the important role of naval defence in protecting Australia's interests and the strategic importance of Fremantle as a marine base.

Feature objects include a World War One Tenix AE2 submarine conning tower, naval weaponry and a replica of an underwater Motorised Submersible Canoe known as a Sleeping Beauty.

Hero Objects

Two semi submersible canoes

Semi-Submersible Canoes

Naval

Miniature model boats

Models Used by the Allies at Fremantle

Models

An oil painting of a sailor in a dark suit and tie and dress hat, the sea in the background.

Medals Awarded to Max Shean

Medals

Ship at sea in swell

German Raider HSK Kormoran

KO 4397, donated by Gerard Westenberg

In a display case is a small section of a ship model. The model ship is painted grey, the section has two funnels and a wooden deck.

HMAS Sydney (II) Mid Section Model

NG 1311, donated by Gerard Westenberg

Ikara missile

Ikara missile

Naval Defence

Diver and mine

Clearance Diving Frogman Suit and Mine

Naval Defence

A large group of US Navy men in uniform surround three nicely dressed women, everyone is smiling at the camera.

US Navy Uniform and Formal Dress

Naval Defence

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

More Info

Behind a glass barrier is a metal toilet.

What the - a loo in the gallery

No jokes when silence means survival

Article

A grainy photo of a severely damaged metal ship. The ship's bridge is partly torn off and a tall funnel leans over the ship's side as if about to topple overboard.

The last gentlemen of war - the Sydney Emden battle

Ship model SMS Emden - 'beached and done-for'

Article

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 long barrel of a ship's gun pokes out between the ship's bent and broken metal hull. A lot of the white paint is still visible.

HMAS Sydney (II) and the HSK Kormoran

Survey expedition 3 May 2015

Video

Specks of white paint are still visible on this turret.

HMAS Sydney (II) survey

Expedition 1 May 2015

Video

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

A large stone gate house with two turrets. Three soldiers in white helmets stand at attention and a horse and cart is beside them.

A dramatic Easter

The Fenians' escape from Fremantle

Article

A warship flying a British flag docked at the harbour. Beside it two rows of three submarines each are also docked.

Fremantle's secret fleet

The place you’re standing was once top secret, surrounded by barbed wire and sentries.

Article

A floor display with military canoes and missiles, and a display case with many model warships form the centre of the gallery.

Naval 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.