Museum

Western Australian Maritime Museum

📍 Victoria Quay, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

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4.5/ 5.0

★★★★★

Introduction

The Western Australian Maritime Museum opened in 2002 on Victoria Quay, Fremantle, right beside the Indian Ocean. With a focus on sailing and Western Australia's maritime adventure heritage, its star exhibits include the 1983 America's Cup-winning yacht Australia II, solo circumnavigator Jon Sanders' yacht Parry Endeavour, and the hugely popular Oberon-class submarine HMAS Ovens. The museum also traces Indigenous watercraft and early maritime trade and houses dedicated ocean and exploration galleries, all within an award-winning waterfront building.

✨ Highlights

America's Cup-winning yacht

The museum displays Australia II, winner of the 1983 America's Cup, breaking 132 years of American dominance - a legend of Australian sport.

Climb inside an Oberon submarine

Explore the retired Oberon-class submarine HMAS Ovens and step into the cramped compartments to see what submarine life was like.

Solo circumnavigation collection

Trophies and memorabilia recall Jon Sanders' multiple single-handed voyages aboard the Parry Endeavour, celebrating the spirit of ocean adventure.

Waterfront landmark building

The design-award-winning museum sits on Fremantle Harbour's Victoria Quay, offering marina and ocean views.

Ocean and exploration galleries

Permanent and special exhibitions trace Western Australia's maritime trade, marine life and exploration history.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere; check local weather and events. For outdoor sites, mornings or late afternoons are often more pleasant.

→Transport：Australia is vast; most attractions suit self-driving or local day tours. For city sites, check public transport timetables in advance.

→Climate & dress：UV is strong; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, and beware of insects. Inland areas may have large diurnal temperature swings.

→On site：Follow on-site signs, do not feed or disturb wildlife, protect nature and heritage, and stay on designated trails in national parks.

→Accessibility：Some natural attractions have uneven paths or steps and may challenge those with limited mobility; check accessibility services in advance.

💡 Tips

• Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Generally open daily around 9:30-17:00, with possible reduced hours on Christmas and public holidays; please confirm on the official site or at the venue.; admission: Admission varies with season and special exhibitions; adult, child, concession and family passes are available. Prices fluctuate, please confirm at the venue/official source..

• Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

• Respect local culture, wildlife and natural park rules; never feed animals or leave designated trails.

• Plan alongside nearby sights, using self-driving or local day tours to link your route.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Western Australian Maritime Museum?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Generally open daily around 9:30-17:00, with possible reduced hours on Christmas and public holidays; please confirm on the official site or at the venue.; admission: Admission varies with season and special exhibitions; adult, child, concession and family passes are available. Prices fluctuate, please confirm at the venue/official source.. Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.