A family pause to examine a large model of a whale's tail in a museum
WA Maritime Museum

Cargoes Gallery

Step into the Cargoes Gallery on the second level of the WA Maritime Museum and discover a fascinating array of goods that have passed through Western Australia’s ports over centuries. From sandalwood to sheep, whale oil to wheat, maritime trade has connected Western Australia to the world. 

Wander among artefacts such as whaling and sealing tools from the 1870s, intricately decorated whale teeth (scrimshaw) and pearl shell (Riji), and models of notable ships, like Koolama – pride of the State Shipping Service fleet and sunk during a Japanese air raid in 1942.

The Cargoes Gallery invites you to witness how oceanic trade has moulded Western Australia and recognises the resilience and diversity of those who have traversed its waters.

DON’T MISS: Trixen, a Broome pearling lugger constructed in 1904, which survived the Second World War, and was later meticulously rebuilt and restored to its 1940s configuration.

The Story of Pearling display within the Cargoes gallery is proudly supported by MG Kailis Group and Kailis Australian Pearls.