Moored at Sydney‘s Darling Harbour, the Australian National Maritime Museum is home to historic vessels, maritime galleries and waterfront dining. This guide gives you all the practical info: how to get there, opening hours, ticketing, parking, accessibility and best times to visit, plus nearby attractions so you can plan a full day out.
History and overview of the Australian National Maritime Museum
The museum opened in 1991, with the aim of to preserving, displaying and interpreting Australia’s maritime history, including its seafaring traditions, naval heritage and role in exploration. Its collection includes several historic vessels visitors can board, like the HMAS Onslow, and replicas such as the HMB Endeavour. It also holds galleries of artefacts, stories of Indigenous maritime cultures, navigation and naval technology.
With a setting on the waterfront at Darling Harbour, next to Pyrmont Bridge, the museum aims to be family-friendly, with interactive displays, a play zone for young visitors, and café by the water.
How to get there and transport options
The museum is located at 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour waterfront, Sydney. It’s in the heart of Darling Harbour, right by the Pyrmont Bridge, so it’s visible and walkable from many nearby attractions.
Public transport works very well: trains, buses, ferry and light rail all serve the waterfront area. Many visitors come via the light rail to Pyrmont Bay, or take ferry to nearby wharves. Walking from central Sydney is pleasant along the harbour. If you drive, options exist but parking is off-site and often violently expensive; traffic in Darling Harbour can get congested, especially at peak times or during special events.
Five great things to do while you’re in Sydney
- Take a small group tour to the Blue Mountains – with a Parramatta River cruise thrown in.
- See the landmarks and secret beaches – on a Sydney Harbour cruise.
- Discover Sydney’s most historic neighbourhood – on a Rocks walking tour.
- Go on a whale-watching cruise – and admire migrating humpbacks.
- Learn to surf at Bondi Beach – with beginner surfing lessons.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The last boarding on vessels is at about 3:10 PM. During New South Wales school holidays, hours are extended: generally from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Christmas Day.
Ticketing: Entry is free for the bulk of the museum galleries, but boarding the ships costs more.
The “See It All Ticket” gives access to all exhibitions and vessels. As of September 2025, the prices are:
- Adult: AUD $35.00
- Concession: about AUD $30.00
- Child (4-15 years): about AUD $25.00
- Infant (under 4): Free
- Family (2 adults + 3 children): about AUD $89.00
- Members enter for free. There is also a “Special Exhibitions” ticket which is cheaper if you do not plan to board the vessels. Advance online booking usually gives a small discount.
Parking, amenities and what to expect on site
Parking right at the museum is limited. Visitors often use nearby (but expensive) car parks such as the Harbourside Car Park or the Star Casino Car Park in Pyrmont, and sometimes receive discounted rates when validating parking at the museum reception. It helps to arrive early or allow extra time for finding parking.
The museum offers waterfront dining at Ripples Café, which is accessible and overlooks the harbour. There are also a shop, restrooms, places to rest, and outdoor boardwalks. Vessel decks and wharves are open to the elements, so wear weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and have a layer ready in case of wind or shade.
Accessibility and what visitors should know
The museum provides ramp access at the main entrance, and lifts or ramps to most exhibition spaces inside, plus the viewing platform and some wharves. Courtesy wheelchairs are available with photo ID; it is best to pre-book if needed. Accessible toilets are located at ground level and on lower levels.
Some vessels have limitations: because of how the deck walkways are built, not all vessels are fully wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs and companion animals are welcome. A reduced-sensory or supportive environment is offered through programs like “Sensory Friendly Sundays”. Staff are available to assist visitors with particular access needs.
Best times to visit and what to expect
If I had to choose, I’d visit weekday mornings just after 10 AM during school term. It’s generally calmer then, with galleries less crowded and queues for vessel boarding shorter. After midday, especially on weekends, things get busier on the decks.
Late afternoon before closing is quieter again, though vessel access closes earlier – so do the ships first.
Nearby attractions to combine into the same day
Since you’re in Darling Harbour, you can combine your visit with nearby waterfront sites such as the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. The Chinese Garden of Friendship is also in Darling Harbour.
FAQ / practical tips
Are the paths wheelchair-friendly?
Mostly yes. The museum building, the galleries, viewing platform and wharves are accessible by ramps or lifts. However, some historic vessels have steep ladders or deck walkways that are not wheelchair friendly.
Is there accessible parking close to the museum?
Yes. Two dedicated accessible parking spaces are located just outside the main entry. You may need to reserve or call ahead. Nearby off-site car parks also have accessible options.
Can I bring my own food or are there cafés on site?
There is a café on site (Ripples Café) that overlooks the harbour. You may bring snacks but eating inside exhibition zones or vessel decks is restricted.
When are the quietest hours or days to visit?
Weekday mornings, especially just after 10 AM, tend to be least crowded. Also, afternoons during school term can be quieter. Weekends and holidays draw larger crowds, especially around vessel boarding times.
How long should I budget for a visit?
If you only visit the indoor galleries and walk around a vessel or two, about 2 hours will do. If you want to explore more ships and eat in the café, allow 3-4 hours.
Are photos allowed everywhere?
General photography for personal use is allowed in most galleries and on many vessel decks. Some vessel interiors have signage restricting flash or tripods – observe posted rules or ask staff.
Are there kid-friendly facilities or activities?
Yes. There is a “Kids on Deck” zone, plus interactive exhibits, family-friendly displays, and waterfront spaces for children to explore. The café and boardwalk offer places to rest between galleries.
Australian National Maritime Museum booking tips
Book your “See It All Ticket” or any special exhibition tickets online in advance. It will save you money and guarantees vessel boarding, which sometimes has capacity limits. Check vessel availability on the day, as maintenance sometimes closes parts of the collection.
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