The lens from the Cape Leveque Lighthouse, which is on display at the New Maritime Museum.

The Western Australian Maritime Museum has Australia's largest water-craft collection. The Maritime History Department's collection is distinct from maritime archaeology in that the collection comprises non-archaeological materials (donated by the public) representing individuals, communities and organisations that have contributed to our maritime heritage.

The maritime history programme deals with the contributions made by our multi-cultural population and women, the future for our youth, the management of our natural maritime resources, and the significance of Western Australia's development within the Indian Ocean region.

The programme is largely dependant upon volunteers and sponsorship and the Maritime Museum seeks local and regional community participation in displays and collection development. The museums at Albany, Geraldton and Shark Bay retain and care for materials relevant to their regions, in association with the Maritime Museum.

The Historic Boats collection includes pearling luggers, a wide variety of leisure craft, fishing boats and government service craft over the last 100 years. The collection is a reflection of Western Australia's success in boat designing and boat-building. It is also a reflection of the long tradition of sailing prowess which culminated in the winning of the America's Cup. In Western Australia, maritime industries contribute more to the export earnings than agricultural industries.