Perched dramatically on Fremantle’s historic World War Two submarine slipway, the Oberon-class submarine HMAS Ovens is one of those experiences that makes history feel very real. Managed by the WA Maritime Museum, this long-term exhibit is both a fascinating guided tour and a moving memorial to the submariners who served from Fremantle during World War II and the Cold War era.
From the outside, kids will love the sheer size and presence of the 89-metre-long black submarine, looming over Victoria Quay. Once you’re checked in at the WA Maritime Museum front desk, you join a small guided group and make your way up the 9-metre scaffolding stairs to board. The tour is guided from start to finish, which keeps things engaging for school-aged kids and adults alike, and helps everyone navigate the tight spaces safely.
Tours are run by knowledgeable volunteers, many with firsthand naval experience. They give a vivid picture of life below the surface, from how the submarine dived and navigated, to where the torpedoes were stored, to how 63 people managed to live, sleep and eat in such incredibly cramped conditions.
You’ll weave your way past controls, sensors, tactical equipment and torpedo tubes, and peer into tiny mess areas and shared bunks. Children are usually fascinated (and slightly horrified!) by the idea of sailors hot-bunking and working in near darkness for long stretches of time.
The tour is quite physical, so it’s important to know it won’t suit every family. To get around the submarine you’ll climb steep, narrow ladders and bend through a series of small circular hatchways. You need a reasonable level of fitness and must be able to move independently without prams, walking aids or being carried.
For safety reasons, children must be at least six years old and over 100cm tall to join the tour, and children under 5 are not permitted. If anyone in your group is very claustrophobic or has mobility issues, staying topside at the Maritime Museum itself is a better option.
Guided tours typically run every half hour between 10am and 3.30pm, and you should allow up to around 1 hour and 15 minutes for the full experience, including safety briefing and boarding time. Places are limited and tours can book out on weekends and during school holidays, so advance bookings are strongly recommended. Tours can also be cancelled at short notice due to severe weather such as high winds, thunderstorms or very high temperatures, so it’s worth checking the latest advice and session times before you travel.
Recent maintenance and heritage restoration work has revitalised HMAS Ovens, including repairs and repainting of the hull, helping to preserve the submarine for future generations and ensuring it remains an enduring symbol of Australia’s Cold War capabilities and Western Australia’s role as a key strategic submarine base.
If you’d like to whet the kids’ appetites before you go, or keep exploring after your visit, the WA Museum also offers a 360° virtual reality tour online, complete with photos and video that reveal more about the daily lives of submariners and the equipment they used.
Ticket options include standard, concession and junior pricing, and you can buy either a submarine tour ticket on its own or combine your visit with entry to the WA Maritime Museum. Current tour pricing and any changes to session times are listed on the WA Museum website, so always check there or call ahead before planning your day out,
Overall, HMAS Ovens is best suited to families with primary-aged kids and teens who are curious about history, engineering and the military. Combined with a visit to the WA Maritime Museum and a wander around Fremantle’s waterfront, it makes for a memorable and educational day out.
Submarine HMAS Ovens, Fremantle
Address:
WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay, Fremantle, WA 6160
Opening hours (submarine tours):
Daily, every half hour from 10am to 3.30pm from 11th April 2026 (subject to availability – check website or call ahead for up-to-date session times). Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour.
Official website:
https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/maritime/hmas-ovens
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Jennie McNichol is on a mission to prove there is always something fun to do in Perth. After 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie moved to Perth in 2010 and founded Buggybuddys to silence the “nothing to do” crowd. Fifteen years later, it is the city’s number one guide for families, packed with daily inspiration and a huge focus on free local activities.
As a mum of two daughters, Jennie has evolved the site right alongside her own family—growing from a toddler-focused resource into a guide that supports parents through every stage, from the early years through to the teens. A passionate advocate for the WA lifestyle, Jennie loves helping families discover the best playgrounds, hidden gems, and budget-friendly days out in the most family-friendly city in the world.
