We are Australia’s museum of the sea. A place to explore our relationship to the oceans, rivers
and lakes around us and to dive deeper into the rich maritime heritage that binds us all.
As an island nation, we have always been fascinated by the waters that surround us. The ocean,
and its ever-shifting tides, have been central to our stories throughout time, shaping the
Australian identity. By sharing these stories, we want to spark curiosity and conversations
about how the sea shaped our world and continues to transform us today. Our purpose is to
excite people about their connection to the sea, so they value it more.
Australia’s maritime history abounds with people who lived, worked, and explored our waters.
The maritime museum brings a modern perspective to these narratives, exploring topics of
migration, commerce, archaeology, ocean science and culture and lifestyle. We are proud
to honour the stories from autonomous Indigenous voices and represent the innumerable
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander living cultural connections to ancestral waters.
As the national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, experiences and knowledge,
we are custodians of historic vessels and a cultural hub for Australian maritime heritage and
contemporary stories of the sea. These stories come to life for visitors at our Sydney Harbour
site and connect with national and global audiences in immersive and innovative ways, including
online experiences to explore from anywhere.
