Standing prominantly on the shore of Darling Harbour is the stunning white building of the Australian National Maritime Museum, with its waveform roof, glass and concrete facade and miniature lighthouse. Australia’s foremost museum of all things sea, ANMM has a vast permanent collection and frequently rotating program of special exhibitions and events.
The museum’s footprint includes the surrounding wharf and outdoor areas, and part of the bay where various vessels are moored. As such, many of its most distinctive pieces are on exhibit anytime free of charge and during museum hours, you can even board some of the vessels*.
A stroll along the wharf is a walk through nautical history, with ships, boats and navy craft spanning centuries. Marvel at the magnificent replica of tall ship HMB Endeavour, which you can also board and explore. Also alongside is the beautiful replica of the Duyfken, a Dutch ship originally built in 1606. It was the first European ship to reach Australia and is one of the rarest ships in the world.
HMAS Onslow is a decommissioned submarine that still has functioning features and you can have a look inside if you don’t mind crampes spaces. HMAS Vampire was the last Australian big gun ship and the largest of the museum’s exhibits. HMAS Advance was an Attack Class patrol boat built for the Royal Australian Navy that served from Darwin between 1968 and 1977. There are many more vintage and historical vessels moored in the bay, including exquisite leisure craft.
One of ANMM’s most moving exhibits is The Welcome Wall, the National Monument to Migration. It stands outside the museum and features bronze panels inscribed with the names of over 34,000 migrants to Australia, with more being continually added.
Throughout the year, ANMM holds special exhibitions. Currently on is (until November 10) is the Wildlife Photographer Of The Year, which features incredible images taken by photographers from around the world. Also still on is the very popular and amazing James Cameron — Challenging The Deep exhibit, which showcases material recorded by Cameron during the phenomenal ocean dive in his custom-built Deepsea Challenger submersible.
ANMM has an extraordinay permanent collection of natural and cultural items that is diverse and fascinating. They hold school holiday activities as well as workshops and talks for all ages. You can take a Sunday harbour cruise aboard the heritage motor launch Harman (c.1943).
Various spaces are also available as venue hire for functions and events.
Visit ANMM website for details on vessels, exhibitions and more.
