1 / 2Australian National Museum
📍 Sydney, NSW
The Australian National Maritime Museum offers free general admission with HMAS Onslow submarine and HMAS Vampire destroyer tours, indoor and outdoor exhibits, and regularly changing photography exhibitions. Best for school-age kids aged 4–14.
Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum is a world-class destination that masterfully captures the nation’s deep connection to the sea. The highlight is undoubtedly the floating fleet; stepping inside the HMAS Onslow submarine provides a thrilling, claustrophobic glimpse into naval life, while the majestic HMB Endeavour replica offers a journey back in time. Inside, the galleries are equally impressive, featuring everything from Indigenous seafaring traditions to contemporary ocean science. It is an immersive, family-friendly experience that balances history with interactive fun. Whether you're a history buff or a curious traveler, it’s a must-visit. Also beware of the closing hours of many of the ships, some will close at noon or at 2:30PM.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with school-age children aged 4–14 who engage with history and scale. The submarine tour is the standout — few experiences in Sydney match it for pure wow factor. Check ship closing times before planning your arrival; those touring both the submarine and destroyer need to arrive in the morning.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →6,217 Google reviews
Steven Cheng
3 months ago
“Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum is a world-class destination that masterfully captures the nation’s deep connection to the sea. The highlight is undoubtedly the floating fleet; stepping inside the HMAS Onslow submarine provides a thrilling, claustrophobic glimpse into naval life, while the majestic HMB Endeavour replica offers a journey back in time. Inside, the galleries are equally impressive, featuring everything from Indigenous seafaring traditions to contemporary ocean science. It is an immersive, family-friendly experience that balances history with interactive fun. Whether you're a history buff or a curious traveler, it’s a must-visit. Also beware of the closing hours of many of the ships, some will close at noon or at 2:30PM.”
keerthana yegoti
3 months ago
“We had an amazing experience at the Maritime Museum! My little one and I spent a wonderful day exploring, and it was such a memorable outing. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the visit even more enjoyable. The museum itself is fascinating, with an impressive collection of exhibits. The photo gallery was especially great – we took some beautiful pictures! Highly recommend a visit for anyone looking to spend a fun and educational day out.”
Nacca 368
a month ago
“We recently visited this museum with the kids and enjoyed our tour. The tours of the HMAS Vampire Navy Destroyer and HMAS Onslow submarine were quite impressive and educational for both kids and adults. It was nice to also see a bit of PNG naval history in the museum, a big Sepik dug out canoe, lakatoi and Milne Bay canoe also. Would recommend taking the kids and purchasing tickets online in advance.”
Andreas Ludwig
2 months ago
“Great museum we enjoy visiting with all our visitors in Sydney. In particular the submarine is impressive. But also the other vessels are awe-inspiring if you understand how many people served on these small spaces for such long times. We repeatedly also come for amazing photography exhibitions. Make sure you arrive in style using a ferry from Circular Quay. :-)”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Australian National Maritime Museum sits on the Darling Harbour waterfront with free entry to indoor galleries and rotating photography exhibitions. Paid tours of the HMAS Onslow submarine and HMAS Vampire Navy Destroyer are the centrepiece — the submarine interior is genuinely claustrophobic and impressive. A large Sepik dugout canoe from PNG sits alongside naval history displays. Some ships close by noon or early afternoon, so scheduling matters.
