Access and inclusion at WA Shipwrecks Museum
Everyone is included
WA Shipwrecks 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 Shipwrecks Museum. The stories provide key information to help you plan your visit and make the experience more predictable.
There are two options to choose from, each representing different age groups. You can read the story online as a webpage or you can download it as a PDF document to print out. If you are a parent or teacher, it may help to read the story with your child or student(s) a few times in the lead up to your visit and again just before your arrival.
WA Shipwrecks 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 Shipwrecks Museum building there are lounge seating areas in various locations around the galleries. There is an outdoor courtyard with seating between the two Museum buildings that can provide a quieter space.
Entry to the Museum
There is level ground access to the main entrance of WA Shipwrecks Museum, which has self-opening doors. There is one entry to the Museum.
An accessible path from parking, drop-off and public transport areas exists through the Esplanade precinct.
Information desk
The information desk is located in the foyer facing the Fremantle Esplanade and Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour precinct.
Access to and within the Museum
ACROD parking
Location: City of Fremantle car park $2.50/hr.
1 bay front of museum.
Ramp to footpath.
Level access to museum entrance.
Drop off area: City of Fremantle car park $2.50/hr.
1 bay front of museum.
Ramp to footpath.
Level access to museum entrance.
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 internally and externally. The lift providing access to exhibition galleries is suitable for wheelchair access.
WA Shipwrecks Museum has a free beach wheelchair for access to Bathers Beach that can be available between 10am and 4pm daily on request. Book your beach wheelchair session here: Beach wheelchairs | City of Fremantle
Guide & assistance dogs
The Museum welcomes guide and assistance dogs with full access rights.
