Access and inclusion at WA Maritime Museum
Everyone is included
WA Maritime Museum welcomes visitors of all abilities.
We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Learn more about the WA Museum’s Disability Access Inclusion Plan (DAIP) review here.
Preparing for your visit
Avoid queues
To minimise the time spent in a queue, we recommend you purchase tickets online for special ticketed exhibitions before you visit.
Visual supports
Before your visit, download and print out the visual supports and any other resources to help you develop a visual plan of your time at the Museum. This can help to structure a big day out, making it more enjoyable for everyone.
Visual stories
Created in consultation with the Autism Association of Western Australia, these visual stories are a general guide for what to expect and what to do when visiting the WA Maritime Museum. The stories provide key information to help you plan your visit and make the experience more predictable.
There are two Museum options to choose from, each representing different age groups. There is also a visual story for families with older children visiting the submarine HMAS Ovens. You can read these stores online as a webpage or you can download them as a PDF document to print out. If you are a parent or teacher, it may help to read your chosen story with your child or student(s) a few times in the lead up to your visit and again just before your arrival.
WA Maritime Museum has collaborated with the Autism Association of Western Australia to develop these inclusive supports. If you have any questions about these resources or accessing services for people with autism, please contact the Autism Association of Western Australia.
Sensory maps
Sensory maps identify different levels of light and sound stimulation in the Museum. They also use symbols to signify some possible triggers.
Please note: As the Museum’s building and exhibitions change, parts of these maps may not always be up to date.
Quiet times and quiet spaces
The Museum tends to be quieter between 3pm and 5pm on weekdays during term time.
In the Maritime Museum building there are lounge seating areas in various locations around the galleries. Caffissimo also offers outdoor seating overlooking Fremantle Harbour that can provide a quieter space.
We host sensory sensitive sessions throughout the year to support people with autism to explore and enjoy the Museum. These sessions are announced to the community through our support organisation partners.
Entry to the Museum
There is ramped access to the main entrance of WA Maritime Museum.
An accessible path from parking, drop-off and public transport areas exists through the Victoria Quay precinct.
Information desk
The information desk is located in the foyer facing away from Fremantle Harbour.
Access to and within the Museum
ACROD parking
Location: Victoria Quay parking operated by Fremantle Ports, opposite the WA Maritime Museum entrance
Level/Ramp access to WA Maritime Museum from Victoria Quay precinct
Cost of parking: Paid parking from 8am - 8pm, maximum 4 hrs. Fremantle Ports carpark operated by Wilsons, $2.50 per hour
Wheelchair access
Wheelchairs are available for use free of charge from the Information desk at the main entrance. Call 1300 134 081 to check availability.
There is wheelchair access to the exhibition galleries, shop, grounds and café internally and externally. Lifts providing access to exhibition galleries are suitable for wheelchair access.
Guide & assistance dogs
The Museum welcomes guide and assistance dogs with full access rights.
Audio assistance
Patrons who require audio support when attending events in the NWS Shipping Theatre can request a personal amplification device that links to the theatre's PA system.
