Two children intently examine a model ship in a showcase

Exhibitions

The Museum houses several unique galleries that explore WA's maritime relationship. From leisure boats and handcrafted sailing boats to commercial pearl luggers, the Museum inspires visitors to discover WA’s affinity with the ocean.

The Museum is home to the winning America's Cup yacht, Australia II, an Oberon class submarine — HMAS Ovens — Jon Sanders’ Parry Endeavour and many other iconic vessels from WA's maritime history.

A family look at a multimedia screen in a museum gallery

Permanent exhibitions

Swan River Gallery

From the humble sailing and rowing boats that ferried passengers and cargo between Fremantle, Perth, Guildford, and Mandurah, to the introduction of steamboats in the 1850s, the Swan River has undergone many changes over the years, adapting to the needs of a growing Western Australia.

WA Maritime Museum

Two young people examine a huge tabletop map in a museum

Permanent exhibitions

Fremantle Gallery

Delve into Fremantle’s maritime history upstairs in the WA Maritime Museum’s Fremantle Gallery, where the city’s identity is shaped by its bustling port and seafaring traditions.

WA Maritime Museum

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

Permanent exhibitions

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.

WA Maritime Museum

Two young people examine a showcase of model ships

Permanent exhibitions

Naval Defence

See how naval warfare evolved in the 20th century at the WA Maritime Museum’s Naval Defence gallery, where tales of courage, resilience, and sacrifice unfold above and below the waves.

WA Maritime Museum

A family examine a showcase in an exhibition of machinery

Permanent exhibitions

Robert Steele Steam Machinery Exhibition

Run by volunteers, this space houses historic engines from Western Australia's maritime past, and demonstrates restored engines in action and full movement.

WA Maritime Museum

Permanent exhibitions

Hooked on Fishing

Delve into Western Australia’s vibrant fishing history, spanning ancient Nyoongar techniques like Mungahs (fish traps) and spearing, to the development of modern lobster, prawn, and crab industries.

WA Maritime Museum

Permanent exhibitions

Welcome Walls

The Welcome Walls projects pay tribute to those migrants who arrived by sea, landing at Fremantle or Albany, and to the many benefits they gave to their new home.

WA Maritime Museum

Permanent exhibitions

See it in Freo

Explore Fremantle’s natural and built heritage for yourself

WA Maritime Museum

The image depicts two people with their backs to the camera staring at a large black and white historic photograph of workers building the Fremantle railway surrounded by old buildings.

Permanent exhibitions

Virtual Exhibition - Fremantle Then & Now: Historical Panoramas

Explore Fremantle through sweeping panoramas taken from the 1800s to the modern day in this new online exhibition.

WA Maritime Museum

Some people stand in a museum gallery between two full-size yachts

Permanent exhibitions

Tin Canoe to Australia II Gallery

Discover inspiring stories of individuals who have dared to challenge both nature and themselves as they ventured across the world’s oceans.

WA Maritime Museum

Permanent exhibitions

HMAS Ovens

The Oberon class Submarine HMAS Ovens is an authentic Cold War-era vessel situated on Fremantle's historic World War Two submarine slipway. Explore the incredible submarine through tours, and more.

WA Maritime Museum

Two young children play in front of a projection wall covered with fish, coral and other underwater life

Permanent exhibitions

WA Down Under Gallery

Learn about the incredible marine life that can be found along Western Australia's coastline.

WA Maritime Museum

A child and older person examine an exhibit together in a museum gallery

Permanent exhibitions

Indian Ocean Gallery

On the edge of the ocean inside the WA Maritime Museum, trace the paths of the Indian Ocean’s early maritime travellers and explore the roots of Western Australia’s multicultural community.

WA Maritime Museum