10 AM – 4 PM

2-3 hours approx.

From A$ 35.00

Australian National Maritime Museum – Book Your Tickets Today!

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

Smartphone tickets

Priority Access Available

Instant confirmation

Flexible cancellation

Smartphone tickets

Everything you need, right in your pocket!

Why wait?

Skip the line and get priority access

Instant confirmation

Receive your tickets seconds after your purchase

Flexible cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the event available on selected experiences

4.6

(29)

Australian National Maritime Museum

Highlights

Explore a stealth submarine to uncover underwater naval history.

Climb aboard the HMAS Vampire destroyer and other iconic ships.

Experience interactive aquatic displays and vivid art installations.

Enjoy access to all permanent museum galleries and temporary exhibits.

Free WiFi is available throughout the museum premises.

Discover the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney’s vibrant Darling Harbour, where Australia’s rich maritime history comes alive through engaging exhibitions and iconic vessels. Explore stories spanning Indigenous sea connections, naval heritage, and migration journeys that shaped the nation.

About the Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum, located in Sydney’s vibrant Darling Harbour, is a premier destination dedicated to Australia’s rich maritime heritage. Established in 1991, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the nation's historic ties to the sea, rivers, and lakes, showcasing Indigenous maritime traditions, naval history, migration stories, and maritime exploration.

Housed in an architecturally distinctive building featuring a sail-shaped roof, the museum presents a diverse range of exhibitions, historic vessels, and interactive experiences, making it a key cultural landmark for both local and international visitors.

Key Facts About Australian National Maritime Museum:

- Address: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
- Founded: 1991
- Annual Visitors: Approximately 400,000

Why Visit the Australian National Maritime Museum?

The Australian National Maritime Museum: Opening Hours

The Australian National Maritime Museum welcomes visitors throughout the week, offering ample time to explore its extensive galleries and historic vessels.

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Last vessel boarding: 3:10 pm

Closed on: Christmas Day

Currently, the museum remains open every day and does not have any scheduled closing days. Visitors are encouraged to arrive in good time to enjoy both the exhibitions and vessel experiences before closing.

The Australian National Maritime Museum: Address and How Do I Get There?

Address
Getting There

The Australian National Maritime Museum is located at:

2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Nearby Landmarks:

- Pyrmont Bay light rail stop

- Cockle Bay Wharf

- The Sydney Convention Centre

Transport Options To Reach Australian National Maritime Museum

By Public Transport:

- Light Rail: The Pyrmont Bay light rail stop is the closest to the museum, providing convenient access from various parts of Sydney.
- Bus: Several Sydney bus routes serve the Darling Harbour area, making it easy to reach the museum from the city center and surrounding suburbs.
- Train: While there is no direct train station at the museum, visitors can take trains to Sydney Central Station or Town Hall Station and then transfer to light rail or bus services connecting to Darling Harbour.

By Car: Visitors arriving by car can access parking facilities in the Darling Harbour precinct nearby. Although specific museum parking is not designated, several public parking stations serve the area around Murray Street and Darling Harbour.

By Bicycle or Walking: Located in the vibrant Darling Harbour precinct, the museum is easily accessible on foot from the Sydney city center and Pyrmont. Bicycle racks are available nearby for cyclists.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Australian National Maritime Museum

Children must be taller than 90 cm to board vessels, and infants under 3 years enter free.

The museum offers full wheelchair accessibility, including step-free entry and accessible restrooms.

Carers accompanying visitors with disabilities receive free admission.

Vessel boarding may close early on days when temperatures exceed 36°C for safety reasons.

Guided vessel tours are available daily at no extra cost but may have specific schedules.

Food and refreshments are available at Ripples Café and picnic tables on the Waterfront Boardwalk.

Australian National Maritime Museum: Additional Info

Facilities
Souvenir Store
Special Events

Facilities at Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum offers a variety of facilities designed to enhance visitor comfort and convenience.

- Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining at Ripples Café, which provides a scenic setting along the Waterfront Boardwalk, ideal for refreshments or light meals. Outdoor picnic tables are also available nearby for those who prefer to bring their own food or enjoy a relaxed meal outside.

- The museum is fully accessible, featuring step-free access throughout the main entrance, exhibition areas, and dining spaces. Wheelchair-accessible toilets and hearing loop systems are provided to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

- The Members’ Lounge offers a quiet space with complimentary tea and coffee on weekdays exclusively for museum members.

- Additionally, cloakroom and restroom facilities are easily accessible.

- Guided tours are available daily, including free vessel tours from the wharf, helping visitors to explore the museum’s extensive maritime collection.

Souvenir Store at Australian National Maritime Museum

The museum includes a well-stocked gift shop offering a wide range of maritime-themed souvenirs, books, and memorabilia. This provides visitors an opportunity to purchase unique keepsakes that reflect Australia’s rich maritime heritage.

Items include replica ship models, educational materials, apparel, and other collectibles related to the exhibitions and vessels housed at the museum. The shop caters to all ages and interests, making it a perfect stop for gifts or personal mementos.

Events at Australian National Maritime Museum

Throughout the year, the Australian National Maritime Museum hosts a variety of special events that showcase maritime culture, history, and innovation. These events range from temporary exhibitions to celebrations commemorating significant maritime occasions.

The museum often features thematic programs such as maritime storytelling, Indigenous cultural performances, and naval history presentations. Educational workshops and family-friendly activities are also part of the special events calendar.

Additionally, the "Action Stations" interactive experience offers immersive naval life encounters for visitors looking for hands-on engagement.

Accessibility Facilities at the Australian National Maritime Museum

For Visually Impaired Visitors:

For visitors with visual impairments, the museum offers descriptive touch tours designed to enhance the experience by allowing guests to feel replicas and artifacts closely connected to maritime history. These tours provide detailed verbal descriptions to convey the exhibits’ significance. To participate, visitors can inquire at the reception or book in advance to ensure availability and appropriate support.

For Specially Abled Visitors:

Visitors with mobility challenges can benefit from the museum’s comprehensive accessibility features, including step-free access to the main entrance, galleries, café, and outdoor pathways. Wheelchair-accessible toilets and ramps are available throughout the venue to ensure ease of movement. Carers accompanying guests with special needs can enter free of charge. For personalized assistance or to arrange special accommodations, contacting the museum in advance is recommended.

For Hearing Impaired Visitors:

For the hearing impaired, the museum provides Auslan-interpreted programs and hearing loop systems within key areas to facilitate clear communication during tours and events. These services aim to make information accessible without barriers and require prior booking to coordinate interpreters or equipment. Visitors are encouraged to notify the museum ahead of their visit to take full advantage of these amenities.

Which Ticket Should I buy To Visit Australian National Maritime Museum?

Recommended Ticket: Australian National Maritime Museum Perfect for anyone fascinated by maritime history, this ticket offers access to iconic vessels such as the HMAS Vampire. You can walk the same decks once crewed by naval officers, experience the atmosphere of historic ships, and gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s naval past. Beyond ships and submarines, the museum brings maritime culture to life through vibrant art installations and multimedia displays. If you enjoy museums that blend history with creativity, this ticket gives you the best of both worlds - immersive storytelling and striking visuals that highlight Australia’s relationship with the ocean.

Get Tickets

Interesting Facts About Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum has a roof designed to resemble billowing sails, reaching up to 25 meters in height on one side.

The museum opened in 1991, later than initially planned due to construction delays and funding discussions. It is home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse in-water fleets of historic vessels.

The museum’s replica of the tall ship Endeavour sailed globally for a decade before becoming part of its collection.

HMAS Vampire, preserved here, is the last large gun destroyer from the Royal Australian Navy.

The Welcome Wall at the museum is officially recognized as Australia’s National Monument to Migration. Over 30,000 names of immigrants arriving by sea are inscribed on the Welcome Wall.

The museum holds more than 1,000 cultural objects related to the Bardi people, showcasing Indigenous maritime heritage.

Australian National Maritime Museum - Highlights in Pictures

Frequently Asked Questions About Australian National Maritime Museum

What is the Australian National Maritime Museum?

It is a federally operated maritime museum in Sydney dedicated to Australia’s maritime history and connections with the sea.

Where is the Australian National Maritime Museum located?

The museum is situated at 2 Murray Street in Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales.

What are the Australian National Maritime Museum’s opening hours?

The museum is generally open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with vessel boarding closing around 3:10 pm.

Are there guided tours available at the Australian National Maritime Museum?

Yes, free guided tours of the museum’s vessels are offered daily from the wharf.

What exhibits can I expect to see at the Australian National Maritime Museum?

Exhibits include galleries on maritime history, Indigenous connections, naval defense, and vessel displays like the Replica Endeavour and HMAS Vampire.

Is there a café or restaurant on site at Australian National Maritime Museum?

Yes, Ripples Café offers waterfront dining and refreshments for visitors.

Are pets allowed inside the Australian National Maritime Museum?

Pets are not permitted inside the museum premises.

What is the Welcome Wall at Australian National Maritime Museum?

The Welcome Wall is Australia's National Monument to Migration, listing the names of thousands of sea migrants.

How long does a typical visit to Australian National Maritime Museum last?

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the galleries and vessels.

Does the Australian National Maritime Museum offer programs for vision or hearing impaired visitors?

Yes, Auslan-interpreted programs and descriptive touch tours for vision-impaired guests are available.

Can I see historic ships at the Australian National Maritime Museum?

Yes, several historic ships and replicas are on display, some open for public boarding.

Does the Australian National Maritime Museum have research facilities?

The Vaughan Evans Library provides maritime research by appointment.