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Museums

WA Maritime Museum

4.5 · 3,388 reviews
Reflective and historically immersive.
WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, 26 Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Interesting facts
1

The museum structure is designed to represent a sail billowing in the wind.

2

The HMAS Ovens is one of the few Oberon-class submarines preserved for public tours globally.

3

Australia II, the yacht on display, was the first non-American vessel to win the America’s Cup in 132 years.

4

The museum galleries house remnants of the Batavia, a Dutch East India Company ship wrecked in 1629.

5

The building is located at the site of the original Fremantle boat harbour entrance.

6

The site features a permanent display dedicated to the Indian Ocean's historical trade routes.

7

The submarine tour requires navigating steep ladders and confined spaces.

8

The museum contains an extensive collection of items salvaged from the Gilt Dragon shipwreck.

Overview

The WA Maritime Museum is located on the edge of the Indian Ocean at Victoria Quay in Fremantle. It is best known for housing the HMAS Ovens, an Oberon-class submarine, which is available for guided tours. The museum's architectural design features a distinct sail-like structure reflecting its maritime theme. Exhibits include the America’s Cup-winning yacht Australia II and a collection of Dutch shipwreck artifacts. It documents the history of the Western Australian coast, including pearl luggers and migration vessels. The museum serves as the state’s primary repository for maritime archaeological findings.

Photo spot

The outdoor terrace area featuring the sculpture 'Shipwrecks' with the ocean and harbor entrance in the background.

Insider tips

Book submarine tour tickets well in advance as spots are strictly limited and fill quickly.

Wear comfortable, flat shoes with good grip, especially if planning to tour the submarine.

Plan your visit to coincide with a walk along the surrounding Victoria Quay boardwalk.

What to avoid

Attempting to tour the submarine without a prior booking; missing the upper-level observation deck.

Good to know

Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Etiquette

Respect the restricted photography areas inside the submarine; maintain a quiet demeanor in the shipwreck galleries.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid large crowds and ensure easier access to submarine tour slots.
Address
WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, 26 Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
-32.055, 115.739
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsHMAS Ovens submarine, Australia II yacht, Batavia wreck artifacts

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid large crowds and ensure easier access to submarine tour slots..

The outdoor terrace area featuring the sculpture 'Shipwrecks' with the ocean and harbor entrance in the background.

Close by you'll find WA Shipwrecks Museum, Fremantle Prison, The Round House.