Located just back from Fremantle Harbour, the WA Shipwrecks Museum is a brilliant, low-cost way to turn a wander around Freo into a full-blown pirate adventure with kids. General admission is free (a small donation is appreciated), and the museum’s size and layout make it ideal for families who want something manageable but memorable.
Housed in the beautifully restored 1850s Commissariat buildings, the museum feels special from the moment you step inside. These historic limestone buildings once stored supplies for the Swan River Colony and now hold hundreds of relics pulled from shipwrecks along Western Australia’s notoriously dangerous coastline. It’s recognised as the state’s leading maritime archaeology museum, and you really do get a sense of how treacherous our coast has been for ships over the centuries.
The star attraction for many visitors is the Batavia Gallery. The partially reconstructed hull of the Batavia is jaw-dropping in scale, and the elevated viewing deck lets you look down on the stern and appreciate just how big this 17th-century ship was.
Older children and teens who know a bit about the Batavia mutiny will be fascinated – it’s one of the deadliest mutinies in maritime history – and the associated artefacts really help bring the story to life.
Sensitive kids may find the human remains and the darker parts of the story confronting, so it’s worth being prepared to answer questions or simply skirt that section if needed.
Families with younger children will find plenty to fire up their imagination, even without big digital interactives.
The Dutch Wrecks Gallery is treasure central, with glittering coins, delicate lace, pottery, navigation tools and old maps recovered from several Dutch shipwrecks. It’s the perfect spot to set up a “treasure hunt” style visit, challenging kids to find cannons, anchors, coins and figureheads as they move through the galleries.
There are also detailed miniature model ships that tend to captivate both kids and adults, and lots of impressive cannons to inspect up close.
While there aren’t large-scale play zones, there is a small area upstairs near the Batavia viewing gallery where younger children can sit with books and simple puzzles, offering a short break if they need some quiet time.
The museum is otherwise more traditional, with display cases and interpretive panels, so it tends to suit primary aged kids and upwards best, or younger ones who are happy to follow along on a “pirate” or “explorer” themed adventure.
During school holidays, the museum frequently adds extra family-friendly activities such as touch trolleys, trails and hands-on experiences, which are usually low-cost and great value. These special programs are a good time to visit if your kids enjoy more interactive elements and structured activities.
Practicalities are generally very good for families. The building has ramp and lift access, and there is an accessible toilet on the ground floor. Prams are welcome, but it’s worth noting that there are no bag or luggage storage facilities, so avoid bringing large backpacks or suitcases. The entrance foyer includes a small but well-stocked museum shop with sea- and history-themed books, toys and souvenirs, which can make a fun final stop before you head back out into Fremantle.
Getting there is easy: the museum is within walking distance of Fremantle Train Station, and there is paid parking nearby along Cliff Street and at surrounding car parks. Its location makes it simple to combine with a visit to the WA Maritime Museum down the road, a wander through the Fishing Boat Harbour, or an ice cream by the water. Plan on spending about an hour to 90 minutes exploring at kid pace; you could certainly stay longer with older children who like to read more in-depth information.
Whether your children are obsessed with pirates, fascinated by history, or just love the idea of “real shipwreck treasure”, the WA Shipwrecks Museum is a fantastic, budget-friendly addition to any Fremantle family day out.
WA Shipwrecks Museum
Address: Cliff Street, Fremantle / Walyalup, Western Australia, 6160, Australia
Opening hours:
Open daily: 9.30am – 5.00pm
ANZAC Day: 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday
Official website: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/shipwrecks
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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.
