Perched right on the edge of Fremantle Port, the WA Maritime Museum is a striking, modern building that celebrates Western Australia’s deep connection with the ocean. It’s an easy half‑day outing with kids, combining hands‑on discovery with plenty of “wow” factor for boat‑mad children and grown‑ups alike. From the moment you step into the soaring main hall, you’re surrounded by vessels, stories and objects that bring our coastal history to life.
One of the first things families tend to gravitate towards is the preserved Megamouth Shark. This incredibly rare deep‑sea species was discovered off Mandurah in 1988 and is one of only a handful ever found worldwide. It’s a bit of a jaw‑dropper and always sparks lots of questions from curious kids. Around it, the galleries explore just how many different kinds of boats and sea stories are part of everyday life in WA, from fishing boats and ferries to racing yachts and cargo ships.
The permanent exhibitions are organised into themed areas that make it easy to follow your interests. In Hooked on Fishing, you’ll see how WA’s fishing industry has evolved, with stories from Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour and displays of equipment that older relatives might even remember using. The Swan River gallery includes an old ferry you can hop aboard, giving kids a sense of how people have travelled around Perth over the decades and how the river’s shoreline has changed.
In Naval Defence, the focus shifts to Fremantle’s role in times of war and peace, with dramatic pieces like a huge torpedo that tends to stop younger visitors in their tracks.
The Indian Ocean gallery looks at the trade routes that have long linked Western Australians with communities across the region. Families can enjoy an interactive projection where your shadow “swims” among sea life, which is a fun way for kids to burn a bit of energy while still engaging with the displays.
Cargoes explores the animals, goods and people that have arrived through WA’s ports and the impact this has had on the state, from migration stories to changing industries.
A real highlight, especially for parents and grandparents, is seeing the famous America’s Cup–winning yacht Australia II up close. Even if children don’t know the history, the size and sleekness of the yacht are impressive, and there is lots of memorabilia from the 1980s racing triumph to explore. There is also Jon Sanders’ Parry Endeavour and a number of other iconic vessels that showcase WA’s adventurous spirit on the sea. Kids who like to get involved will enjoy the chance to test their strength on activities such as “try it yourself” winching, which helps them understand the effort behind competitive sailing.
For adventurous families with older children, the guided tour of the Oberon‑class submarine HMAS Ovens is an unforgettable experience. The one‑hour tour takes you through the cramped interior and gives a fascinating glimpse into life on board, from sleeping arrangements to the control room. Children must be at least five years old to join the tour and need to be confident with ladders and tight spaces. Tours can be affected by weather and operational conditions, so it’s wise to check ahead with the museum before promising the kids a submarine visit.
While many of the displays are traditional museum exhibits, school holidays are an especially good time to visit as the Maritime Museum often runs extra family activities, craft, and touch trolleys with objects kids can handle. The museum also offers education programs and special exhibitions throughout the year, so repeat visits can feel quite different. Younger children may not engage with every gallery, but there is still plenty for them to enjoy if you take it at their pace.
On the upper level you’ll find a kids’ corner aimed at younger visitors, with books, simple games and toys. It’s a handy little retreat if you have a toddler or preschooler who needs some time out from “looking with eyes” rather than touching. Parents can take a breather here while still keeping an eye on play. The whole building is pram‑friendly, with lifts and ramps between levels, so it’s easy to navigate with a stroller.
When tummies start to rumble, there is an onsite café offering coffee, cold drinks and light meals, with seating inside and out overlooking the busy port. It’s a lovely spot to sit and watch the ships and harbour activity while you refuel. On the ground floor near the entrance there is also a museum shop stocked with ocean‑themed books, toys, puzzles and gifts, which is ideal if you’re looking for a small souvenir or a birthday present for a young sea lover.
Practicalities are where the official information becomes especially helpful for families. General admission is currently $15 for adults, $10 for concession holders, and children 15 years and under are free, which makes the museum excellent value for larger families. Special exhibitions and some events may have an additional charge. A great tip is that on the second Tuesday of every month, entry to the WA Maritime Museum is by donation, so budget‑conscious families can plan around that date. If you know you’ll visit more than once, it’s worth looking at a WA Museum membership, which lets you pay once and enjoy unlimited general admission to participating museums for 12 months.
The museum is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm. It is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and on ANZAC Day it opens from 1pm to 5pm. The building itself is fully accessible, with ramps, lifts, accessible toilets on each level and a small number of ACROD bays in the nearby paid car park. Wheelchairs are available to borrow and assistance dogs are welcome. Do note that the HMAS Ovens submarine tour is not accessible for people with mobility impairments due to steep stairs and confined spaces.
Getting there is simple whether you’re local or visiting from further afield. The WA Maritime Museum sits on Victoria Quay Road in Fremantle / Walyalup, within walking distance of Fremantle Train Station and bus services through the CBD, and close to ferry services arriving at B‑Shed. There is paid parking right outside in the Wilsons car park. It’s also an easy stroll or short drive along the waterfront to the WA Shipwrecks Museum, so you can make a full maritime‑themed day of it.
For families, the WA Maritime Museum offers that ideal mix of learning, nostalgia and hands‑on exploration. Older children and teens will get the most out of the stories, technology and history on display, while younger kids will still enjoy the big boats, shark, harbour views and chances to climb aboard and play. Whether you’re filling in a school‑holiday morning or planning a special outing in Fremantle, it’s well worth adding to your list.
WA Maritime Museum
Address: Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle / Walyalup, WA 6160
Opening hours: Open daily 9.30am – 5pm. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. ANZAC Day: 1pm – 5pm.
Website: WA Maritime Museum
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
