Exploring Maritime Wonders

By June Ramli

I visited the Australian Maritime Museum for the first time yesterday after living in Sydney for 12 years. Honestly, I didn’t expect to ever say that, but here I am.
As a grown woman, I found the visit eye-opening and surprisingly interesting.
My day started a little late, thanks to work calls and a few other errands.
I only made it to the museum around noon.
Fortunately, since it’s still school holidays, the opening hours had been extended from 9:30 am (normally 10 am) to 5 pm, which worked perfectly for me.
I picked up my complimentary ticket, though this wasn’t technically my first visit—I had been before but only explored the free sections open to the public.
It never occurred to me that the museum housed a mini lighthouse nearby.
I was excited to check it out, but sadly, many visitors (myself included) were disappointed to find it closed early, apparently due to a lack of volunteers to manage it.
Bit of a bummer, but it didn’t ruin my experience, as I’ve climbed other lighthouses before. (You can hear more about that experience here!)

Tip: If the lighthouse is something you’re keen on visiting, it’s worth checking in advance to see if it will be open. That way, you can avoid any disappointment.

Afterward, I grabbed lunch at a nearby café, then wandered around some more and came across a submarine. Now, this was a real treat! I don’t want to spoil too much with photos, because this is something you truly have to experience in person. Seeing how tiny the submarines were and imagining how men lived and worked in such cramped spaces for long stretches of time—it was mind-blowing. It gave me a whole new level of respect for their dedication. Definitely one of those experiences that’s hard to put a price on.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot of walking and climbing involved—especially on the ships and submarines.

Next, I toured a naval ship and a few old wooden ships, the kind that reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean. Very cool! I also checked out two special exhibitions, including one by famed filmmaker James Cameron. Thanks to my media pass, I could explore these without paying extra. While I understand the effort and resources it takes to set up exhibitions like these, I have to say I wasn’t particularly impressed. If you’re short on time or not too keen on exhibitions, you can skip them—you won’t miss much.

Tip: Bring a water bottle, especially if you’re visiting on a warm day. There’s a fair bit of walking, and you might not always find a convenient spot to grab a drink.

The real highlight for me remained the submarine and naval ship tours. While walking through, I overheard some American tourists joking, “Well, we didn’t expect to get a workout today!” I had to laugh because, honestly, they weren’t wrong. It’s quite the physical experience—lots of climbing and walking through tight spaces.
If you’re planning to visit with kids, keep in mind that while the museum is kid-friendly, really young children might not enjoy it as much. There’s a lot of walking, climbing, and historical context that older kids (or adults) will appreciate more. If your kids are very young, it might be better to wait a couple of years or, if possible, arrange for a nanny to supervise them while you explore the museum in peace.

Tip: There’s a good café near the entrance where you can take a break, and the gift shop offers some fun maritime-themed souvenirs and toys for kids.

Nearby Attractions: If you have extra time, Darling Harbour is right next door, and Pyrmont Bridge offers a scenic walk with plenty of great photo opportunities. There are also several good dining options in the area if you want to extend your day out.

Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience. I received complimentary tickets for my visit, but my opinions remain unbiased and genuine.