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Australia/Things to Do in Sydney, with kids

Australian National Maritime Museum (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Australian National Maritime Museum?

92%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 92% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can craft in Kids on Deck, build the LEGO Reef and climb on HMAS Vampire, while lifeguarded water play, family toilets and height rules (≥90 cm) keep activities safe and clear.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 5,839 reviews)
Best Museum I have been to | Australian National Maritime Museum tour
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Best Museum I have been to | Australian National Maritime Museum tour
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Positives:

  • Harbourside dining: Ripples Café overlooks the water and has high chairs for kids.
  • Free permanent galleries: Permanent collections have no extra cost and are open to all families.

Challenges:

  • Height and age restrictions: HMAS Vampire and Onslow require visitors to be at least 90 cm tall to board.
  • Steep ladders on vessels: Metal ladders inside the ships can be narrow and steep for younger children.
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What is Australian National Maritime Museum?

  • A national museum dedicated to Australia’s maritime heritage and naval history, established in 1991 on Sydney’s Darling Harbour waterfront
  • Home to thousands of maritime artefacts and historic vessels, including the Cold War destroyer HMAS Vampire, the Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Onslow and the replica HMB Endeavour
  • A harbourside complex blending indoor exhibition galleries on shipbuilding, exploration and migration with an outdoor wharf display of ten significant ships

What is so special about Australian National Maritime Museum for with kids?

  1. Hands-on maker space and water play at Kids on Deck
  2. Board real naval vessels like HMAS Vampire and Onslow
  3. Build giant underwater LEGO reefs together
  4. Learn rope-making and watch ocean documentaries
  5. Enjoy waterfront views and family-friendly café

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit lasting 2-3 hours is enough for a family with kids to explore key highlights like Kids on Deck, vessel boarding, and galleries without rushing.

(View Australian National Maritime Museum on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Australian National Maritime Museum

Kids on Deck Maker Space:

Join daily drop-in crafts, boat races and water play from 10:30 am–4:30 pm.

Tip: Bring spare clothes as kids may get wet during boat racing.

Board Historic Vessels:

Climb aboard HMAS Vampire, HMAS Onslow and replica HMB Endeavour to explore real naval decks.

Tip: Arrive by 3 pm to catch the last boarding; all kids need to be over 90 cm tall.

Great Southern LEGO Reef:

Help build a giant underwater LEGO reef together in the galleries.

Tip: Open 10 am–4 pm; ask staff for the LEGO Reef station.

Nautical Knots & Ropemaking:

Watch and learn rope-making techniques at 11 am on Saturdays.

Tip: Let kids try weaving small ropes for a hands-on souvenir.

Drop-in Docos:

Catch PG-rated ocean documentaries in the museum theatre any time between 9:30 am–5 pm.

Tip: Use this as a quiet break if kids need downtime.

When is the best time to visit Australian National Maritime Museum (Sydney, Australia)?

During school holidays check for extra events like Deep Sea Disco and Superluminal shows on the museum website.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Sydney on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Reviews of Australian National Maritime Museum (Sydney)

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Funda Aykan

Funda Aykan

Jun 2025

We had a great family day at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney! My daughter loved going inside the submarine and Captain Cook’s ship. It was amazing to explore real navy vessels and imagine how people lived at sea back then. There were fun, hands-on activities for kids and lots of interesting exhibits for adults too. A perfect mix of history, learning, and fun. Definitely worth a visit!

Kimberly Matthews

Kimberly Matthews

Apr 2025

I enjoyed spending an afternoon at the Maritime Museum. They had an interesting variety of exhibitions catering for all ages and interests, including a room filled with a variety of cushions and a video running, which seemed to be quite popular with kids, and a good break for parents! I appreciated the accessibility of the museum, with ramp and lift access to nearly everything, and automatic door...

Map Roy

Map Roy

Apr 2025

Visiting the Australian National Maritime Museum was an enjoyable experience. I have previously been on a few other occasions. As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to the history of Australia as it happened in and around the sea. I particularly enjoyed learning about the migrant history and how many Australians came to the country on a ship or boat. There is also an area dedicated to nava...

Rosa Zheng

Rosa Zheng

Mar 2025

This place is truly wonderful for families to spend time together. Children will have a remarkable opportunity to learn and explore, discovering so much about submarines, warships, and the mysteries of the sea. It's a great chance for bonding and creating memories while gaining new insights that can inspire curiosity for years to come.

Sakshi Kulkarni

Sakshi Kulkarni

Mar 2025

This is a must mention review. The Australian national maritime museum is the one and only museum that hosts all the maritime collections from the past that respects all the first nations. Apparently I work here as a volunteer and the experience is amazing. The museum holds all kinds of historic and modern vessels (boats) that were used for voyages back then with its exact condition or some in wit...

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
See It All tickets (4)AUD 140
Lunch at Ripples CaféAUD 40
Souvenirs and extrasAUD 20
Total EstimatedAUD 200

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

How to Maximize Your Visit to Australian National Maritime Museum

  1. Arrive at opening: Get there by 10 am to join popular Kids on Deck activities before they reach capacity.
  2. Download the museum app: Use the free app for a self-guided tour with interactive stories to engage kids.
  3. Pack snacks: Bring water and light snacks to keep energy up between activities.
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Map of Australian National Maritime Museum

Address: 2 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Australian National Maritime Museum (Sydney)?

← See other Things to Do in Sydney (with kids)

About Australian National Maritime Museum

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+61 2 9298 3777

Average price

US$ 16.31
Book on GetYourGuide

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Average price

US$ 16.31
Book on GetYourGuide
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