All maritime museums to visit in Australia

Set sail on a journey through maritime history at 15 maritime museums in Australia. These museums showcase the history of seafaring, shipbuilding, and naval exploration.

Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in Australia

  1. Eden Killer Whale Museum1

    Eden Killer Whale Museum

     Eden
    The Eden Killer Whale Museum is situated in the beautiful coastal town of Eden, New South Wales, Australia. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the museum and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area.
  2. Australian National Maritime Museum2

    Australian National Maritime Museum

     Sydney
    The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) is a maritime museum that was established in 1991. It is located in Darling Harbour, Sydney, and is managed by the Australian government. This museum is one of the six museums directly managed by the federal government and is the only one located outside the Australian capital territory.
  3. Cape Jaffa Lighthouse Museum3

    Cape Jaffa Lighthouse Museum

     Kingston SE
    The Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, a decommissioned lighthouse, was originally situated on Margaret Brock Reef near Cape Jaffa on the southeast coast of South Australia. Since 1976, the tower of the lighthouse has been relocated to the town of Kingston SE.
  4. Polly Woodside4

    Polly Woodside

     Melbourne
    The Polly Woodside Sailboat and Museum, formerly known as the Melbourne Maritime Museum, is a significant attraction in Melbourne, Australia. Managed by the National Trust of Australia, it is situated at South Wharf on the Yarra River. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Australia's maritime history in the heart of the city.
  5. Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre5

    Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre

     Sydney
    The Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre serves as the maritime museum of the Royal Australian Navy. It is conveniently located within the Public Access Area on the northern end of the Garden Island naval base in Sydney. This location allows visitors to easily access the museum and explore the rich history and heritage of the Australian Navy.
  6. Queensland Maritime Museum6

    Queensland Maritime Museum

     South Brisbane
    The Queensland Maritime Museum is conveniently located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, in close proximity to the Goodwill Bridge. This makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area, and a great addition to any itinerary. The museum's location also offers beautiful views of the river, adding to the overall experience of a visit.
  7. Hmas Castlemaine7

    Hmas Castlemaine

     Melbourne
    Launched in 1941 and commissioned in 1942, the HMAS Castlemaine served in the waters of Australia, New Guinea, and Timor during World War II. It remained in service until 1945, when it was decommissioned and converted into a static training ship. This historical vessel provides a unique insight into the naval operations of the time.
  8. Maritime Museum of Tasmania8

    Maritime Museum of Tasmania

     Hobart
    The Maritime Museum of Tasmania, located at Carnegie House in Sullivans Cove, Hobart, is a privately operated institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Tasmania's association with the sea, ships, and ship-building. This museum provides a unique insight into the maritime history of the island state, making it a significant point of interest for visitors.
  9. Princess Royal Fortress9

    Princess Royal Fortress

     Albany
    The Princess Royal Fortress, also known as Albany Forts, is a historical site located on the northern shore of Atatürk entrance on Princess Royal Harbour on Mount Adelaide. It overlooks the beautiful King George Sound in Albany, Western Australia. Today, it operates as a museum, offering visitors a chance to delve into the past and learn about its rich history.
  10. South Australian Maritime Museum10

    South Australian Maritime Museum

     Port Adelaide
    The South Australian Maritime Museum, located in the heart of Port Adelaide, is a state government museum and a part of the History Trust of South Australia. It is housed in a collection of historic buildings, making it a significant part of South Australia's first heritage precinct.
  11. Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum11

    Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum

     Wallaroo
  12. Museum of Tropical North Queensland12

    Museum of Tropical North Queensland

     Townsville City
    The Museum of Tropical Queensland, abbreviated as MTQ, is a significant part of the Queensland Museum Network. It is situated in the vibrant city of Townsville, Queensland, Australia. The museum offers a unique insight into the rich history and biodiversity of North Queensland, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  13. Bribie Island Seaside Museum13

    Bribie Island Seaside Museum

     Birbie island
    The Bribie Island Seaside Museum, located at 1 South Esplanade, Bongaree, on the Pumicestone Passage side of Bribie Island, opened its doors to the public on 14 May 2010. The museum is situated in the City of Moreton Bay in Queensland, Australia, and offers visitors a chance to delve into the rich history and culture of the region.
  14. Port Adelaide Historical Society Museum14

    Port Adelaide Historical Society Museum

     Adelaide
    The Port’s local community museum is located a few minutes from the centre of Port Adelaide and contains historical collections of Port Adelaide, Semaphore, LeFevre Peninsula and environs, including the maritime collection of Keith LeLeu, which was commenced in 1962 to address the loss of all things
  15. 15

    Lawrence Museum

     Lawrence
    The Lawrence Museum, situated in Lawrence, New South Wales, is housed in the former 2NR Broadcasting Station. This unique location adds a layer of historical significance to the museum, making it an interesting destination for those interested in the history of broadcasting and telecommunications in Australia.