In this section
Guided tours
Is there anything our volunteer guides don't know? Perhaps - but what they can tell you is amazing! Benefit from their 'insider knowledge' when you take one of our highly recommended guided tours. Some tours do not operate daily. Please phone +61 2 9298 3777 on the morning of your visit to check tour times and availability.
Opening hours
Every day 9.30 am - 5.00 pm (6.00 pm in January)
Closed 25 December (Christmas Day)
Guided tours
| Tour | Description |
| Galleries | Relive Australia's maritime heritage and culture on this free tour of the museum galleries. When you arrive, check the interactive touch screens in the foyer for tour times, information and directions. |
| Behind the scenes at Wharf 7 | Not all of our precious objects live in the museum. We store a wealth of interesting pictures and objects at the Maritime Heritage Centre at Wharf 7. This is also where our conservation work is done. Take a free 'backstage' tour to discover a part of the museum rarely seen by the public. These free tours are available only for group bookings. To book a tour, please phone: +61 2 9298 3655. |
| Small historic vessels | View the museum's fleet of small historic vessels afloat at North Wharf. This is a self-guided tour, using a printed brochure and map available at the museum foyer ticket desk. A free guided tour is available on request. |
| Cape Bowling Green lighthouse | Join our knowledgeable guide for a free climb to the top of Cape Bowling Green lighthouse, built in 1874. The lighthouse is open at selected times throughout the day. |
| HMB Endeavour replica | Explore the historic replica of Captain Cook's Endeavour with a self-guided tour using an information brochure and map. Volunteer guides are stationed at strategic points to help reveal the story of Cook's ship and voyage. Cost: Included in Endeavour ticket or Big ticket. |
| HMAS Vampire | Why is the ship called Vampire? You'll have to take the guided tour of this fascinating ship to find out! Imagine life onboard, view the crucial workings of the ship, then experience Action Stations in 'A' Gun Bay and listen to former Vampire sailors' recordings of their experiences at sea. Cost: Included in Navy ticket or Big ticket. A self-guided audio tour is also available from the ticket booth located near HMAS Vampire for $5.00. |
| HMAS Onslow | What is 'hot bunking'? You'll have to take the guided tour of this submarine to find out! View the cramped conditions (including a tiny galley capable of serving four meals a day for 64 men) and visit the control room with its two periscopes, the 'eyes' of the vessel. Cost: Included in Navy ticket or Big ticket. |
| Kay Cottee's yacht, Blackmores First Lady | Explore Australia's best-known yacht - Kay Cottee's globe-circling Blackmores First Lady - with this free tour, available at selected times through the day. |
| Tall ship James Craig | The story of the James Craig's rebirth, the result of an award-winning 30-year restoration, is even more extraordinary than her life before. Discover the story of this 1874 tall ship with a self-guided tour (information brochure and map). Our knowledgeable volunteer guides are on board to answer your questions. Cost: Included in the James Craig ticket. |
Health and safety info
Before boarding our vessels, please observe the following health and safety information:
- All backpacks and large bags must be stored at the museum cloakroom, located in our main foyer.
- The vessels include confined spaces. Some areas are only 1.5 metres (4 feet 6 inches) high.
- You will be required to climb and descend ladders on all vessels.
- High-heeled shoes are not permitted on board any vessels.
- Access to some of our vessels is limited for people with mobility concerns. Please visit our access guide or phone +61 2 9298 3777 for more information.
Monthly Highlights
 | Macquarie's Light 200th anniversary of the govenor's legacy. |
 | On Their Own A better life for child migrants? |
 | Endeavour Circumnavigation Voyage of a lifetime |
 | Quest for the South Magnetic Pole The history of magnetism |
 | Sons of Sindbad Capturing the 'last days of sail' |