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The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) is a federally operated maritime museum in Darling Harbour, Sydney. After considering the idea of establishing a maritime museum, the federal government announced that a national maritime museum would be constructed at Darling Harbour, tied into the New South Wales state government's redevelopment of the area for the Australian bicentenary in 1988. The museum building was designed by Philip Cox, and although an opening date of 1988 was initially set, construction delays, cost overruns, and disagreements between the state and federal governments over funding responsibility pushed the opening to 1991.
One of six museums directly operated by the federal government, the ANMM is the only one located outside of the Australian Capital Territory. The museum is structured around seven main galleries, focusing on the relationships between Indigenous Australians and the sea, the navigation of Australian waters, travel to Australia by sea and the naval defence of the nation. Four additional gallery spaces are used for temporary exhibits. Four museum ships – the HM Bark Endeavour Replica, the destroyer HMAS Vampire, the submarine HMAS Onslow and a replica of the Duyfken – are open to the public, while smaller historical vessels berthed outside can be viewed but not boarded.
Very happy that I chose to visit the ships as well as the museum; for $20 (concession) they are so worth it! Lots of information in the form of pamphlets and signs, friendly guides to answer questions, and a great atmosphere (especially on the battleship 'Vampire'). The museum, similarly, has loads of displays and areas, from Aboriginal seafaring methods to the first female solo circumnavigation of the globe. Incredibly interesting, and free to boot!
Elice RebeccahFeb 13, 2018
We had a lovely day there today. Three generations from 9 yrs to 76 yrs. Lots to see. However, some of the volunteers need to take a chill pill. I am too old at 54 to be told to sit down and listen. No one told me listening to the volunteers was mandatory and it was my day out not theirs!
H ColquhounDec 22, 2017
So much to do and see. We came for a visit and ended up getting the annual pass even though we love in Canberra! The ships are fun and exciting to see.
janie BJan 27, 2018
Replica of Captain Cook's Endeavor very interesting, as was the submarine. Extensive exhibits inside the main hall. Air conditioning great for hot humid days.
James CookJan 21, 2018
I really enjoy looking at the insides of the ship. Fantastic time to spend with your kids. Staff is very knowledgable
Jason AtkinsJan 19, 2018
Come and have a great experience stepping into Naval vessels which have seen many battles. See how it is to be inside one of these physically, walk through the most part of them. It's an awesome experience both for adults and kids. Try to reach early as they close down stepping into the ships by 3:30pm to 4:00pm
Naresh MistryMar 11, 2018
Plenty to do for all the Family at the ANMM. The permanent collection is great and the visiting exhibitions are quality. March 2018 the Museum is renovating so some of the premises is closed. The usually wonderful Shop is a shadow of itself. Looking forward to normal service resuming
Michael CurranMar 10, 2018
General Admission which includes almost everything except visit to the boat & sub is FREE! The museum has a dedicated area for infants and a separate large play area for children. The shop has regular special items on sale at very reasonable price. A short walk from darling harbour complex. Easiest assess is by Light Rail The "Big Ticket" get you access to the sub and the tall ship. Definitely worth while but the sub will require some tight stairs climbing and may not suitable for very small children and elderly
Dominic TamApr 21, 2018
Great museum with a huge number of free exhibits (enough to spend at least a few hours there). Lots of material about the history of the navy and exploration of Australia, along with additional one-offs about things like the first solo circumnavigation of the globe by a woman and the on-water speed record. The free shipping container exhibit that's nearby outside was also excellent.
Daniel EratMay 2, 2018
Great day out - warships and submarine are a must, 3D Theatre q's AWESOME +-BBC Oceans was showing and was spectacular, friendly staff too. Bag check in, great exhibits particularly navy, action stations and WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY it was AMAZING! COOL digital interactive stations are a hit with the kids! Well worth a visit and Apparently they do venue hires too - can't wait for vivid festival!! 👍👍
Richard MatthiesMay 3, 2018
The Maritime Museum has a wide variety of Exhibits, from early Indigenous Artifacts and Artworks to Australian Naval History and equipment. It also contains some very interesting and impressive Air and Sea Craft, But Without a doubt the highlight of the Museum are the Naval and Civilian Craft that are on display on the dock. My favorites are the Submarine and the Krait, a fishing boat used by Australian Commandos in WWII I Highly Recommend a Visit Enjoy!
Damien WhiteMay 1, 2018
This a great musium to visit. The renovated action stations are great. There's always something to do for kids and the exhibits are so interesting you'll wish to come back without them ;)
Eli AlgrantiApr 30, 2018
A great place to experience the big ships and learn many new things about Marine/sailors life. Thanks to all the volunteers and their passion on explaining the history of the ship to all the visitors. Me and my kids enjoyed the most on the Destroyer, the Submarine and Captain Cook's ship. Important notes, kids must at least 90cm to explore those big ships. It is always better to read the restrictions before you go.
Luei Wun TanMay 27, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed walking through the submarine & destroyer (vampire). Learnt so much, spent quite some time putting myself in the shoes of the sailors. Cannot express enough how kind & helpful the old men volunteers were on the boats. They were so full of knowledge & answered all questions directed at them. You can tell they are there because they want to be & it’s something they are passionate about. Came home & continued to research captain Cook & the ships. Thanks for a great time :)
Taila StegemannMay 28, 2018
One of my favorite National Maritime museums in Australia with brilliant play ground for kind. I often visit it as my two years old sister loves it. Highly recommend everyone who have kids to take them there. it wasn't allowed there but still I took some pictures of the play ground.
Finn RabinovitchJun 28, 2018
Great place to spend time with kids on a weekend. Free entry and lots to learn if your kids are the right age. Conveniently located so you can eat at the mall just next door or have a walk around darling harbour. If course there are all those wildlife parks just opposite the shore.
Valent LauJun 5, 2018
This museum is great. Outside there were three boats to explore and a submarine. On each boat there were volunteer guides who all were most helpful and knowledgeable. Inside the museum are well laid out exhibits. If you only have time for one museum in Sydney then I would pick this, and you get to experience Darling Harbour at the same time.
Tony CJul 21, 2018
Love walking around on the ships with the kids and they now appreciate the information and the history as they get older. The submarine is amazing but hard to get in to if you are not good at climbing ladders. Always a great day when we visit the museum.
Anders VolvkerJul 6, 2018
Very happy that I chose to visit the ships as well as the museum; for $20 (concession) they are so worth it! Lots of information in the form of pamphlets and signs, friendly guides to answer questions, and a great atmosphere (especially on the battleship 'Vampire'). The museum, similarly, has loads of displays and areas, from Aboriginal seafaring methods to the first female solo circumnavigation of the globe. Incredibly interesting, and free to boot!
Elice RebeccahFeb 13, 2018
We had a lovely day there today. Three generations from 9 yrs to 76 yrs. Lots to see. However, some of the volunteers need to take a chill pill. I am too old at 54 to be told to sit down and listen. No one told me listening to the volunteers was mandatory and it was my day out not theirs!
H ColquhounDec 22, 2017
So much to do and see. We came for a visit and ended up getting the annual pass even though we love in Canberra! The ships are fun and exciting to see.
janie BJan 27, 2018
Replica of Captain Cook's Endeavor very interesting, as was the submarine. Extensive exhibits inside the main hall. Air conditioning great for hot humid days.
James CookJan 21, 2018
I really enjoy looking at the insides of the ship. Fantastic time to spend with your kids. Staff is very knowledgable
Jason AtkinsJan 19, 2018
Come and have a great experience stepping into Naval vessels which have seen many battles. See how it is to be inside one of these physically, walk through the most part of them. It's an awesome experience both for adults and kids. Try to reach early as they close down stepping into the ships by 3:30pm to 4:00pm
Naresh MistryMar 11, 2018
Plenty to do for all the Family at the ANMM. The permanent collection is great and the visiting exhibitions are quality. March 2018 the Museum is renovating so some of the premises is closed. The usually wonderful Shop is a shadow of itself. Looking forward to normal service resuming
Michael CurranMar 10, 2018
General Admission which includes almost everything except visit to the boat & sub is FREE! The museum has a dedicated area for infants and a separate large play area for children. The shop has regular special items on sale at very reasonable price. A short walk from darling harbour complex. Easiest assess is by Light Rail The "Big Ticket" get you access to the sub and the tall ship. Definitely worth while but the sub will require some tight stairs climbing and may not suitable for very small children and elderly
Dominic TamApr 21, 2018
Great museum with a huge number of free exhibits (enough to spend at least a few hours there). Lots of material about the history of the navy and exploration of Australia, along with additional one-offs about things like the first solo circumnavigation of the globe by a woman and the on-water speed record. The free shipping container exhibit that's nearby outside was also excellent.
Daniel EratMay 2, 2018
Great day out - warships and submarine are a must, 3D Theatre q's AWESOME +-BBC Oceans was showing and was spectacular, friendly staff too. Bag check in, great exhibits particularly navy, action stations and WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY it was AMAZING! COOL digital interactive stations are a hit with the kids! Well worth a visit and Apparently they do venue hires too - can't wait for vivid festival!! 👍👍
Richard MatthiesMay 3, 2018
The Maritime Museum has a wide variety of Exhibits, from early Indigenous Artifacts and Artworks to Australian Naval History and equipment. It also contains some very interesting and impressive Air and Sea Craft, But Without a doubt the highlight of the Museum are the Naval and Civilian Craft that are on display on the dock. My favorites are the Submarine and the Krait, a fishing boat used by Australian Commandos in WWII I Highly Recommend a Visit Enjoy!
Damien WhiteMay 1, 2018
This a great musium to visit. The renovated action stations are great. There's always something to do for kids and the exhibits are so interesting you'll wish to come back without them ;)
Eli AlgrantiApr 30, 2018
A great place to experience the big ships and learn many new things about Marine/sailors life. Thanks to all the volunteers and their passion on explaining the history of the ship to all the visitors. Me and my kids enjoyed the most on the Destroyer, the Submarine and Captain Cook's ship. Important notes, kids must at least 90cm to explore those big ships. It is always better to read the restrictions before you go.
Luei Wun TanMay 27, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed walking through the submarine & destroyer (vampire). Learnt so much, spent quite some time putting myself in the shoes of the sailors. Cannot express enough how kind & helpful the old men volunteers were on the boats. They were so full of knowledge & answered all questions directed at them. You can tell they are there because they want to be & it’s something they are passionate about. Came home & continued to research captain Cook & the ships. Thanks for a great time :)
Taila StegemannMay 28, 2018
One of my favorite National Maritime museums in Australia with brilliant play ground for kind. I often visit it as my two years old sister loves it. Highly recommend everyone who have kids to take them there. it wasn't allowed there but still I took some pictures of the play ground.
Finn RabinovitchJun 28, 2018
Great place to spend time with kids on a weekend. Free entry and lots to learn if your kids are the right age. Conveniently located so you can eat at the mall just next door or have a walk around darling harbour. If course there are all those wildlife parks just opposite the shore.
Valent LauJun 5, 2018
This museum is great. Outside there were three boats to explore and a submarine. On each boat there were volunteer guides who all were most helpful and knowledgeable. Inside the museum are well laid out exhibits. If you only have time for one museum in Sydney then I would pick this, and you get to experience Darling Harbour at the same time.
Tony CJul 21, 2018
Love walking around on the ships with the kids and they now appreciate the information and the history as they get older. The submarine is amazing but hard to get in to if you are not good at climbing ladders. Always a great day when we visit the museum.
Anders VolvkerJul 6, 2018
Very happy that I chose to visit the ships as well as the museum; for $20 (concession) they are so worth it! Lots of information in the form of pamphlets and signs, friendly guides to answer questions, and a great atmosphere (especially on the battleship 'Vampire'). The museum, similarly, has loads of displays and areas, from Aboriginal seafaring methods to the first female solo circumnavigation of the globe. Incredibly interesting, and free to boot!
Elice RebeccahFeb 13, 2018
We had a lovely day there today. Three generations from 9 yrs to 76 yrs. Lots to see. However, some of the volunteers need to take a chill pill. I am too old at 54 to be told to sit down and listen. No one told me listening to the volunteers was mandatory and it was my day out not theirs!
H ColquhounDec 22, 2017
So much to do and see. We came for a visit and ended up getting the annual pass even though we love in Canberra! The ships are fun and exciting to see.
janie BJan 27, 2018
Replica of Captain Cook's Endeavor very interesting, as was the submarine. Extensive exhibits inside the main hall. Air conditioning great for hot humid days.
James CookJan 21, 2018
I really enjoy looking at the insides of the ship. Fantastic time to spend with your kids. Staff is very knowledgable
Jason AtkinsJan 19, 2018
Come and have a great experience stepping into Naval vessels which have seen many battles. See how it is to be inside one of these physically, walk through the most part of them. It's an awesome experience both for adults and kids. Try to reach early as they close down stepping into the ships by 3:30pm to 4:00pm
Naresh MistryMar 11, 2018
Plenty to do for all the Family at the ANMM. The permanent collection is great and the visiting exhibitions are quality. March 2018 the Museum is renovating so some of the premises is closed. The usually wonderful Shop is a shadow of itself. Looking forward to normal service resuming
Michael CurranMar 10, 2018
General Admission which includes almost everything except visit to the boat & sub is FREE! The museum has a dedicated area for infants and a separate large play area for children. The shop has regular special items on sale at very reasonable price. A short walk from darling harbour complex. Easiest assess is by Light Rail The "Big Ticket" get you access to the sub and the tall ship. Definitely worth while but the sub will require some tight stairs climbing and may not suitable for very small children and elderly
Dominic TamApr 21, 2018
Great museum with a huge number of free exhibits (enough to spend at least a few hours there). Lots of material about the history of the navy and exploration of Australia, along with additional one-offs about things like the first solo circumnavigation of the globe by a woman and the on-water speed record. The free shipping container exhibit that's nearby outside was also excellent.
Daniel EratMay 2, 2018
Great day out - warships and submarine are a must, 3D Theatre q's AWESOME +-BBC Oceans was showing and was spectacular, friendly staff too. Bag check in, great exhibits particularly navy, action stations and WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY it was AMAZING! COOL digital interactive stations are a hit with the kids! Well worth a visit and Apparently they do venue hires too - can't wait for vivid festival!! 👍👍
Richard MatthiesMay 3, 2018
The Maritime Museum has a wide variety of Exhibits, from early Indigenous Artifacts and Artworks to Australian Naval History and equipment. It also contains some very interesting and impressive Air and Sea Craft, But Without a doubt the highlight of the Museum are the Naval and Civilian Craft that are on display on the dock. My favorites are the Submarine and the Krait, a fishing boat used by Australian Commandos in WWII I Highly Recommend a Visit Enjoy!
Damien WhiteMay 1, 2018
This a great musium to visit. The renovated action stations are great. There's always something to do for kids and the exhibits are so interesting you'll wish to come back without them ;)
Eli AlgrantiApr 30, 2018
A great place to experience the big ships and learn many new things about Marine/sailors life. Thanks to all the volunteers and their passion on explaining the history of the ship to all the visitors. Me and my kids enjoyed the most on the Destroyer, the Submarine and Captain Cook's ship. Important notes, kids must at least 90cm to explore those big ships. It is always better to read the restrictions before you go.
Luei Wun TanMay 27, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed walking through the submarine & destroyer (vampire). Learnt so much, spent quite some time putting myself in the shoes of the sailors. Cannot express enough how kind & helpful the old men volunteers were on the boats. They were so full of knowledge & answered all questions directed at them. You can tell they are there because they want to be & it’s something they are passionate about. Came home & continued to research captain Cook & the ships. Thanks for a great time :)
Taila StegemannMay 28, 2018
One of my favorite National Maritime museums in Australia with brilliant play ground for kind. I often visit it as my two years old sister loves it. Highly recommend everyone who have kids to take them there. it wasn't allowed there but still I took some pictures of the play ground.
Finn RabinovitchJun 28, 2018
Great place to spend time with kids on a weekend. Free entry and lots to learn if your kids are the right age. Conveniently located so you can eat at the mall just next door or have a walk around darling harbour. If course there are all those wildlife parks just opposite the shore.
Valent LauJun 5, 2018
This museum is great. Outside there were three boats to explore and a submarine. On each boat there were volunteer guides who all were most helpful and knowledgeable. Inside the museum are well laid out exhibits. If you only have time for one museum in Sydney then I would pick this, and you get to experience Darling Harbour at the same time.
Tony CJul 21, 2018
Love walking around on the ships with the kids and they now appreciate the information and the history as they get older. The submarine is amazing but hard to get in to if you are not good at climbing ladders. Always a great day when we visit the museum.
Anders VolvkerJul 6, 2018
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.