Museum · Darling Harbour
Australian National Maritime Museum
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The Australian National Maritime Museum sits on the waterfront at Darling Harbour in Sydney, telling the story of Australia's deep relationship with the sea, from Indigenous saltwater cultures and European voyages of exploration to migration, naval history, and surf culture. Its biggest draw is the fleet of real vessels you can board: a retired Royal Australian Navy destroyer (HMAS Vampire), a submarine (HMAS Onslow) you can climb through, a replica of Captain Cook's HMB Endeavour, and a 1874 tall ship. Inside, galleries and rotating exhibitions cover everything from shipwrecks to ocean life.
It's a strong, hands-on family attraction in a lively harbour setting, easy to combine with Darling Harbour's other attractions. General galleries are free; boarding the ships and special exhibitions are ticketed. The submarine in particular is a memorable, slightly claustrophobic adventure.
Don't miss
- Boarding HMAS Vampire (destroyer) and HMAS Onslow (submarine)
- A replica of Captain Cook's HMB Endeavour
- Galleries on exploration, migration, and naval history
- Indigenous saltwater-culture exhibits
- The Darling Harbour waterfront setting
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Australian National Maritime Museum
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Australian National Maritime Museum with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inAustralian National Maritime Museum Entry Ticket - See It All4.6★ · 155 travelers1–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →
Most bookedSydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour4.7★ · 4,122 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$35 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleBlue Mountains Private Tour From Sydney, & Featherdale Aussie Animal Park Option4.7★ · 168 travelers~9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$350 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- General galleries are often free; you pay (a 'Big Ticket') to board the ships and submarine.
- The submarine is a highlight but tight and step-heavy, a memorable adventure.
- It's on Darling Harbour, easy to combine with the area's other attractions.
- Check timed/guided access for the vessels when you arrive.
A bit of history
Opened in 1991 at Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum is the country's national museum of the sea, assembling a fleet of historic vessels and galleries to explore Australia's maritime past and present.
Common questions
Can I go on real ships?
Yes, you can board a retired navy destroyer and climb through a submarine, plus see a replica of Captain Cook's Endeavour and a tall ship. Vessel access is via a paid ticket.
Is it free?
The general galleries are often free; boarding the vessels and special exhibitions require a paid 'Big Ticket.'
Is it good for kids?
Very, the ships, submarine, and hands-on galleries make it a great family outing in the harbour setting.
Where is it?
On the Darling Harbour waterfront in Sydney, easy to combine with the harbour's other attractions.
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