I’ll be the first to admit it—maritime history isn’t really my thing.
I’m not particularly into ships and the thought of life at sea makes me feel a bit queasy, so I didn’t expect to become a repeat visitor to the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney. But here I am, having been four times, and genuinely looking forward to going again.
What keeps me coming back? It’s actually not the boats (though I have explored them)—it’s the surprisingly creative and visually impressive temporary exhibitions. I’ve seen everything from fashion made out of ocean waste to LEGO models of famous shipwrecks. I’ve also visited the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition three separate times, which tells you just how good it is.
This museum has a bit of something for everyone. Families with kids will love climbing aboard the historic ships moored in Darling Harbour, while culture lovers and design nerds (like me) will find plenty to enjoy in the rotating displays inside.
So, is it a must-do for every tourist? Maybe not. But if you’re after something unique, educational, and indoors—this underrated museum just might surprise you like it did me.
Quick summary:
The Australian National Maritime Museum is an underrated gem in Darling Harbour, with fascinating exhibitions and historic ships you can actually step aboard. It’s ideal for a rainy day in Sydney, especially for families or anyone curious about ocean-themed stories and seafaring history.
Recommended tickets:
🛳️ Maritime Museum ‘See It All’ Ticket — Includes access to all vessels plus permanent and temporary exhibitions. Best option for first-time visitors who want the full experience.
🎟️ Klook Pass Sydney — Bundle and save with this multi-attraction pass. Great value if you’re planning to visit the Maritime Museum plus other Sydney attractions.
What makes this museum worth visiting?
The real magic of the Australian National Maritime Museum, in my opinion, lies in its temporary exhibitions. The rotating exhibitions are usually creative, visually engaging, and thought-provoking.
Two years ago I saw the incredible Brickwrecks, a display of LEGO shipwrecks (yes, including the Titanic!) with information on famous shipwrecks around the world.
Another favourite of mine was fashion made from ocean waste (seriously impressive sustainability vibes). There are actually some permanent scultures in the atrium made from ocean waste which are very cool – do check them out as you walk in!
The National Geographic Wildlife Photographer of the Year is another great one – the museum hosts this temporary exhibition annually, and I’ve now come back for this three years in a row.
Even if you’re not a maritime history buff, there’s a good chance you’ll find something here that sparks your interest. Check the museum website before you go to see what’s on when you visit.
What about the permanent exhibitions?
The museum’s permanent indoor exhibitions are free, which is great if you’re just looking to pop in for a quick visit. That said, I personally find the permanent displays a bit… mundane. They cover topics like naval battles, navigation tools, and Australia’s maritime past—good for history fans, but not exactly thrilling for the casual visitor. I really go for the special exhibitions only.
Step aboard the boats
The Australian National Maritime Museum is home to an impressive fleet of ships and vessels, docked right outside in Darling Harbour. Here are some of the standout vessels you can explore with a ‘See It All’ ticket:
HMB Endeavour replica – This is a full-scale reconstruction of Captain Cook’s 18th-century ship. It’s especially impressive up close, with creaking timber decks that really make you appreciate how rough life at sea used to be.
HMAS Vampire – It’s not every day you get to step aboard a navy destroyer! This is Australia’s largest museum vessel and the country’s last big gun ship. This Daring-class destroyer served in the Royal Australian Navy and is a must-see for anyone into naval history.
HMAS Onslow – This Oberon-class submarine was in active service during the Cold War. You can actually go inside and walk through the narrow corridors, peek into the torpedo room, and see the crew bunks.
Duyfken replica – A small Dutch sailing ship that was part of the first recorded European contact with Australia in the early 1600s. The replica offers a glimpse into the cramped, adventurous world of 17th-century exploration.
These vessels are especially popular with kids who will love climbing ladders, spinning wheels, and exploring the nooks and crannies of these historic ships, though for safety reasons, kids must be at least 90cm tall to board the vessels. Also, if you’ve got a pram or mobility issues, just note that access to the boats can be tricky as there are steep steps and tight spaces.
Other things to see outside
Beyond the boats, there are a few extra outdoor features worth checking out:
Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse – Yes, there’s a lighthouse right outside the museum! This charming red-and-white structure was relocated from Queensland and offers a look at Australia’s coastal heritage. You can climb inside and explore the base (though you can’t go up to the top).
The Diver sculpture – Outside the museum, this sculpture of a larger-than-life diver by Sydney based artist Tim Kyle stands at over 5 metres tall. It’s an iconic photo spot and a fun visual nod to the ocean themes explored inside.
Extra vessels on display – You’ll also spot a few additional boats docked outside that you can admire from the wharf, even though you can’t step aboard. These are still worth a look if you’re wandering around the harbourfront or waiting for your timed entry onto one of the ships.
All of these outdoor displays are free to view, so they’re a worthwhile stop even if you’re just wandering through Darling Harbour.
Australian National Maritime Museum tickets
The permanent exhibitions inside the museum are free to enter, but if you’re making the trip, I’d say it’s worth paying for a ticket to get the full experience. There are two main ticket options for the Australian National Maritime Museum:
🛳️ ‘See It All’ ticket – This includes access to the temporary exhibitions and the boats. If this is your first visit, I would definitely recommend this option—you’ll want to explore everything.
‘Special exhibitions’ ticket – This one is little cheaper, and it only includes access to the indoor museum and the temporary displays. This is what I usually get on return visits to the museum as I have already seen the boats.
🎟️ The museum is also included in the Klook Pass Sydney, which bundles discounted entry to multiple attractions like SEA LIFE Aquarium, the Tower Eye, and more—worth checking if you’re visiting a few paid sights in Sydney.
Australian National Maritime Museum opening hours
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, including weekends and most public holidays, with extended hours during NSW school holidays. It’s closed only on Christmas Day. Last entry is typically one hour before closing.
Accessibility & family-friendly features
Inside the museum is very accessible and pram-friendly, which I really appreciated when I visited on parental leave a few years ago with a tiny baby in tow. There’s also a parents room on site—super handy if you need a break, a feed, or a nappy change.
Just be aware that the boats aren’t pram or wheelchair friendly, so you may want to plan your visit accordingly if you’re travelling with a baby or anyone with mobility issues.
Should you visit the Maritime Museum on your Sydney trip?
Would I call it a must-do in Sydney? Well… not quite. I think other attractions like Taronga Zoo or the Sydney Opera House are likely to have broader appeal for first-time visitors to the city.
But if you’ve got a genuine interest in maritime history, or just love quirky and visually impressive exhibitions, then you’ll absolutely find value in a visit.
It’s also perfect for rainy day activities in Sydney. On my most recent trip (as you can probably tell from my cloudy photos), Sydney was getting soaked, and ducking into the museum for a few hours was a great way to stay dry.
The Australian National Maritime Museum might not be everyone’s first pick of things to do in Sydney, but for return visitors, locals looking for school holiday activities in Sydney, or families travelling to Sydney with kids—it’s definitely one to consider.
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