What's On
What's On
Immerse: Exploring the Deep
Immerse will plunge the visitor into an alien environment and experience what it's like to explore and work below the ocean.
Immerse will focus on technological innovations, illustrating the challenges, ingenuity and opportunities the underwater industry brings to the broader community. It aims to inspire young people to explore technical, subsea and marine related subjects as future careers by showcasing the offshore industry and research organisations in Western Australia.
Note: Thursday 1 Dec 2011 – Immerse will be closed for maintenance from 8am until 1pm. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Further information about Immerse: Exploring the Deep
- Maritime 9:30am – 5:00pm, Sat 3 September 2011 – Fri 2 March 2012
- Image copyright of WA Museum
Pinjarra Massacre Memorial
The Pinjarra Massacre Memorial exhibition shows how the arts can break boundaries and a small town's history can reach a large audience. This project has come about as Nyungar people have no outlet to share this story.
Through research over many years, extensive information has been accumulated about the massacre of the Bindjareb Nyungars at the hands of a group led by Governor James Stirling in October 1834 in the small WA town of Pinjarra.
This exhibition invited artists to visually interpret the event or Nyungar life before or after. Research has uncovered 21 victims by name and each artist adopted one or more of these names, giving each of the 21 artworks special significance. The artwork that each artist has produced stands as a monument to honour that person.
Pinjarra Massacre Memorial is an exhibition of artwork coordinated by Karrie-Anne Kearing and Mark Salmon.
The national tour of this exhibition is managed by ART ON THE MOVE.
Further information about Pinjarra Massacre Memorial
- Perth 9:30am – 5:00pm, Fri 28 October 2011 – Sun 12 February 2012
- Quiriupp
- Woodcut Print
- Image copyright of Laurel Nannup
Climate Change
‘Climate change: our future, our choice,’ will take you on an inspiring journey through two possible future worlds - one in which we have done nothing to combat climate change and one in which we have taken positive action to save the planet.
The interactive exhibition – developed over the past year by Australian Museum scientists and experts – puts the future in your hands as you take a surprising trip through these worlds of possibilities and discover what must be done to ensure or prevent our environmental fate.
A travelling exhibition from the Australian Museum in partnership with Scitech.
- Geraldton 9:30am – 4:00pm, Sat 3 December 2011 – Sun 22 April 2012
- Image copyright of the Australian Museum
Edward Burtynsky - Australian Minescapes
This exhibition is a spectacular photographic showcase of photos of the landscape at several mining sites in Western Australia. The exhibition contains 28 images of minescapes taken from both the air and at ground level. The photographs are displayed as large-scale chromogenic prints showing the details of the landscape and the mines.
- Kalgoorlie-Boulder 9:30am – 4:00pm, Fri 9 December 2011 – Sun 11 March 2012
- Tailings #1 Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
- Photo by Edward Burtynsky
- Image copyright of Edward Burtynsky
School holidays at Geraldton
UNDER THE SEA
Explore the fantastic facts and mysterious myths of creatures in the watery world under the sea. Start with a visit to Sea City- a place of activity, discovery and lots of fun for children and their families!* Sea Lore or Sea Life - can you identify the real sea monsters from the mythical?
* Incredible Creatures - what incredible creatures can you snap, lock, and rotate together with Zoob?
* Sea Garden - create your own felt board underwater garden!
* Creatures of the Deep - a game of dominos with a difference!Fantastic Fantasy – dive into the dress up box and become a mermaid or monster of the deep!Dates: 15 December 2011 to 3 April 2012
(closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)
Times: Between 10.00am – 4.00pm
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free – no bookings required.
Catch of the Day
Colour and cut your own fantastic little fish complete with a mini fishing line. You can choose from viscious looking fishes of the dark depth or sweet little fishes in the warm shallows.
Dates: 15 December 2011 to 1 February 2012
Times: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Ages: 4+ years
Cost: $2Trails
Non readers: Look for the little yellow submarine to help you find the ocean’s object on the trail.
Readers: A trail jam packed with activities and discoveries of life under the sea.Dates: 15 December 2011 to 5 April 2012
Times: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Participants: This activity caters for readers and non-readers
Cost: All trails $2
A Window of Wonder (workshop)
Learn about some of the astonishing creatures that live in the deepest depths of the sea. Make your own porthole view of this mysterious world.
Dates: Thurs 12th January and Wed 18th January 2012
Times: 1:00pm (1 hour duration)
Ages: 6+ years
Cost: $5
Booking: Essential 9921 5080
Creatures to Keep (workshop)
Discover the different sea creatures in the Museum’s aquarium. Get creative, make your own unique little sea creatures to keep and give them personality plus!
Dates & Times: Wed 11th January 2012, 10:00am
AND Tuesday 17th January 2012, 1:00pm
duration: 1 hour
Ages: 6+ years
Cost: $5
Bookings: Essential 9921 5080
Mini Monsters and Mermaids (workshop)
Find out more about the folk stories of monsters and mermaids. Be inspired and make your own mini monster or mermaid finger puppet.
Dates: 1:00pm Wed 11th January 2012, 1:00pm
AND Thurs 19th January 2012, 10:00am
duration: 1 hour
Ages: 6+ years
Cost: $5
Bookings: Essential 9921 5080
Dive, Dive, Dive!
Create a new species of sea creature born for the deep. Amaze your family and friends as it plummets to the depths and resurfaces with astonishing speed. Discover what taxonomy is and how it can help to name your new species.
Dates: Thursday 12th January and Wednesday 18th January, 2012
Times: 10:00am
duration: 1 hour
Ages: 6+ years
Cost: $5
Bookings: Essential 9921 5080- Geraldton 9:00am – 4:30pm, Thu 15 December 2011 – Tue 3 April 2012
- Image copyright of WA Museum
Festival Museum
This year the WA Museum – Perth is delighted to welcome the Perth International Arts Festival to our grounds.
The all-new Festival Gardens will make its home in the Museum Grounds, where the former Francis Street building was located, with fantastic live bands including The Medics, Death Cab for Cutie and Neon Indian to name a few.
Within the Museum the Festival will be featuring Home Sweet Home, where visitors can build a vibrant new Perth from the ground up using special cardboard kits. Come in to Hackett Hall Gallery and let your creativity run wild!
For all the details about the Festival go to http://www.perthfestival.com.au
- Perth 8:00pm – 10:00pm, Fri 10 February 2012 – Sat 3 March 2012
- Image copyright of the Perth International Arts Festival
ten(T)
11 February - 5 March 2012.
Free exhibitionFor the tenth Great Southern Festival MIX Artists present ten(T), an exhibition featuring diverse works of sculpture, installation, textile, photography and mixed media art.
In ten(T), Albany contemporary artists interrogate the layers of meaning within this seemingly simply word, resulting in a fascinating exploration of personal memories, local history and universal concepts.
Presented by Western Australian Museum and MIX Artists inc. with the support of Perth International Arts Festival.
- Albany 10:00am – 4:30pm, Sat 11 February 2012 – Mon 5 March 2012
- Image copyright of WA Museum and MIX Artists
Immerse: diving deeper into underwater technology
Batavia Lecture Series 2012, Programs and Events
Corioli Souter, Curator – Immerse: Exploring the Deep; Curator, Maritime Archaeology, WA Museum
6.00pm, Friday 17 February 2012
NWS Shipping TheatreThis lecture explores key exhibits in the Immerse: Exploring the Deep exhibition currently on display at the WA Museum - Maritime (until 2 March 2012). People have been pioneering ways in which to explore and ultimately utilise the resources found on and below the sea-bed. Helmet and corselet or ‘hard-hat’ diving was introduced to the pearling industry in the 1860s and since then Western Australians have been at the forefront of subsea technological innovation. This includes underwater technology in many sectors: the oil and gas sector; specific scientific endeavours; the search for historically significant shipwrecks such as HMAS Sydney; investigating the flora and fauna of the world’s oceans; and the future of finding renewable sources of energy offshore.
Join Corioli for a short presentation followed by a guided discussion tour through the exhibition, with a special focus on the underwater technologies employed in maritime archaeology.
Cost: $12 per person. Includes refreshments after the lecture
Bookings: Essential on 9431 8455. Please RSVP by 5.00pm, Wednesday 15 FebruaryMaritime 6:00pm - 7:00pm, Fri 17 Feb 2012
- Image copyright of WA Museum
Debt of Honour
In 1942 a small force of around 300 Australian commandos fought against all odds to wage a successful guerilla campaign in East Timor, holding down over 10,000 Japanese troops at a critical moment when the Japanese were only a few miles from Port Moresby.
This exhibition investigates the heroic exploits of the commandos, the reasons for their initial successes and why the Timorese supported the Australians. It also explores the enduring relationship between the men of the 2/2nd and the people of East Timor, and the contorted relationship between the Australian Government and East Timor/Timor Leste from the 1975 invasion to the 1999 Intervention and beyond.This exhibition highlights the war efforts of Australia’s first guerilla commandos and their life-long endeavour to repay a ‘debt of honour’ to the people of Timor-Leste.
- Perth 9:30am – 5:00pm, Sat 18 February 2012 – Sun 20 May 2012
- Image copyright of WA Museum
City of light - 50 years in Space
On February 20, this year, WA will celebrate the 50th anniversary of a very significant event. On that day in 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth in the Friendship 7 spacecraft. On this mission, Glenn flew over Perth and the people of Perth turned on their lights to acknowledge his mission. Glenn observed that the city was clearly visible from space and Perth became known worldwide as the ‘City of Light’. This early space exploration mission set the stage for the Gemini and Apollo programs which culminated in NASA landing men on the moon.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Glenn’s orbit, on Monday 20 February 2012 an outdoor public event will be staged in the Northbridge Piazza, featuring a live audio and video link to the International Space Station as it orbits the Earth.
The highlight of the event will be an opportunity for young people to speak with and ask questions of the astronauts on the International Space Station.
The event will also include activities, displays and presentations highlighting Western Australia’s involvement in space exploration and the development of telecommunications in WA over the last 50 years.
This free public event is being organised by the State Records Office of Western Australia and the WA Museum working with the City of Perth, the Hills Amateur Radio Group, the Amateur Radio International Space Station and NASA.
Perth 5:00pm - 6:00pm, Mon 20 Feb 2012
- Image contains elements copyright of NASA
Mini Muses 2011: Kullaru (gorgeous gecko)
Mini Muses is a fun series of junior sessions (children 5 years and under) which will introduce your child to the wonderful native creatures of Western Australia.
The programs use elements of song, dance, games, puppetry, stories and a variety of hands on activities, allowing children to learn interesting aspects of wildlife habits and biology.22 February 2012 - Kullaru (gorgeous gecko)
So cute and clever, the Kullari is so good at hiding I bet you can’t find him? Make your own Kullari to hide and find out what special things he can do.
Cost: $5 per child (adults free)
$10 per group or family (of three or more children)
Duration: 1 hour – 1.5 hours
Ages: Suitable for ages 5 and under
Bookings essential on 9841 4844Albany 10:00am - 11:30am, Wed 22 Feb 2012
- Mini muses 2011
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of WA Museum
Tuesday Curatorial @ Albany - Albany - Term 1
Join us for a short talk and discussion (40-50 minutes) on many different aspects of life in Albany and around the region. And, in week 2, visit some of the historic sites associated with the talk and meet some of the people who maintain them.
No bookings required. Entry by gold coin. Come early and enjoy morning tea with us!
And this year, by popular demand, some Thursday evening talks of the best topics of 2011!
14 February - Churches in Albany
Stories behind some historic buildings (Malcolm Traill – Public Programs Officer)
WA Museum Albany21 February - Wesley Church
A tour of the Church and Albert Hall (Judy McKechnie, former Uniting Church minister)
Uniting Church, Duke StreetTHURSDAY 23 February: 5.15 pm start - Should we speak French?
French exploration in WA’s southern coasts (Malcolm Traill – Public Programs Officer)
WA Museum Albany28 February - Albany Newspapers
Discover the origins of Albany papers (Malcolm Traill – Public Programs Officer)
WA Museum Albany6 March - The Albany Advertiser
Albany’s journal of record since 1897 (Albany Advertiser representatives)
WA Museum Albany13 March - Ferdinand Bauer (1760-1826)
Flinders’ legendary Austrian botanist (Ellen Hickman, Botanical Illustrator)
WA Museum Albany20 March - Albany Herbarium
A tour of Albany’s hidden gem (Coralie Hortin, Wildflower Society of WA)
Albany Herbarium, Moir Street27 March - Burial Grounds in Albany
Some famous names buried there (Malcolm Traill – Public Programs Officer)
WA Museum AlbanyTHURSDAY 29 March 5.15 pm start - Eclipse Island Lighthouse
Life as a lighthouse keeper (Malcolm Traill – Public Programs Officer)
WA Museum Albany3 April - Memorial Park Cemetery
A walk around this heritage site (Ian Lunt, Member, Albany Cemetery Board)
Memorial Park Cemetery, Middleton RoadAlbany 10:30am - 11:30am, Tue 14 Feb 2012
Albany 10:30am - 11:30am, Tue 21 Feb 2012
Albany 5:15pm - 6:15pm, Thu 23 Feb 2012
Albany 10:30am - 11:30am, Tue 28 Feb 2012
Albany 10:30am - 11:30am, Tue 6 Mar 2012
Albany 10:30am - 11:30am, Tue 13 Mar 2012
Albany 10:30am - 11:30am, Tue 20 Mar 2012
Albany 10:30am - 11:30am, Tue 27 Mar 2012
Albany 5:15pm - 6:15pm, Thu 29 Mar 2012
Albany 10:30am - 11:30am, Tue 3 Apr 2012
- Lighthouse keepers & families, Breaksea Island
- Image copyright of WA Museum
An Everyday Transience
John Joseph Dwyer photographed the Western Australian Goldfields from 1896 to 1917.
Witnessing a period of rapid change and growth, he documented the rise and fall of towns during the gold rush. His revealing images of townscapes, industrial landscapes, machinery and people give an historic and honest perspective, not only of the Goldfields but also the experience of transcience. Through his camera lens Dwyer poignantly captures the material, social and psychological reality of fast-changing communities.
- Kalgoorlie-Boulder 10:15am – 10:15am, Sat 17 March 2012 – Sun 19 August 2012
- Book cover copyright of UWA
The Mysterious World of Biochar Research
Dr Paul Blackwell, Department of Agriculture and Food WA
7.00pm, Thursday 22 March 2012
WA Museum TheatreBiochar, charcoal or just char has been investigated for a long time; some of the earliest research reports are from Japan in the 1600’s. It is a challenging material that can help make renewable energy, sometimes improve plant and animal growth and provide a method of locking up atmospheric carbon.
Join Dr Paul Blackwell, Department of Agriculture and Food WA as he explain what biochar is made from, how it is made, what it has been used for in agriculture, and some of the most recent activity making and testing enhanced biochars in the Mid West.
Entry by gold coin donation. Bookings essential 9921 5080
Geraldton 7:00pm - 8:00pm, Thu 22 Mar 2012
- Wheat chaff char in hand
- Photo by Dr Zakaria Solaiman
- Image copyright of Dr Zakaria Solaiman
Tales of Women at Sea: The remarkable women who dared to 'invade' the maritime domain
Batavia Lecture Series 2012, Programs and Events
Presented in association with the Nelson Society of Australia Inc.
Gillian Mead
Member, Nelson Society of Australia Inc.
6.00pm, Friday 23 March 2012
NWS Shipping Theatre
Join Gillian Mead as she relates the true 'her'-stories of women who boarded vessels (often disguised as males) and experienced life at sea in the same manner as male sailors. These adventurous women showed remarkable courage and adaptability as they faced the many trials and challenges that awaited them on these ships. They embarked on these journeys despite prevailing eighteenth century attitudes that superstitiously regarded the sea as a male domain.
COST: $12 per person. Includes refreshments after the lecture
BOOKINGS: Essential on 9431 8455. Please RSVP by 5.00pm, Wednesday 21 MarchMaritime 6:00pm - 7:00pm, Fri 23 Mar 2012
- Hannah Snell
- Image copyright of Gillian Mead
ANZANG 2011
ANZANG is focused on the unique natural heritage of the bioregion of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and the New Guinea region.
The annual photography competition highlights this unique area by encouraging conservation and protection of the region's native flora and fauna.
- Cocos Crab
- Photo by Michael Seebeck
- Image copyright of Michael Seebeck
Long Term Exhibitions
Batavia Gallery
The Batavia Gallery is the centrepiece of the Shipwreck Galleries. The gallery houses the reconstructed remains of the VOC ship Batavia, excavated by archaeologists in the 1970s.
After an extensive treatment and restoration process, the remains of the ship’s stern were rebuilt in this gallery.
The gallery also features a skeleton of one of the people murdered on the Abrolhos Islands, a replica of the impressive portico façade – carried as cargo to be used as a grand entrance to the city of Batavia - a reconstruction of the Captain’s cabin, and numerous other artefacts recovered from the wreck.
There is an elevated viewing deck to look down upon the stern of the Batavia, and appreciate the size and scope of the wreck and gallery.
- Batavia Gallery
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Bird Gallery
From the forest dwelling parrots to coastal birds, this gallery explores the amazing variety and diversity of Western Australia’s birds.
The Bird Gallery features in the Jubilee Wing of the Western Australian Museum - Perth, a high-ceilinged Victorian-era room bathed in natural light. The display is glass encased and removed from the wall, to enable viewing from all angles.
- Bird Gallery
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
British Arms Hotel
This gallery resides in a modern building attached to the ‘British Arms’ Hotel, built in 1899. This heritage-listed hotel is said to be the narrowest pub in the Southern Hemisphere. Today it houses Dr Rout's dental surgery, historic union banners and an elegant recreation of the Cucel’s wedding breakfast.
Dr Rout’s dental surgery is a reconstruction of a dental surgery typical from the period.
The Union Banner display showcases a collection of local historic union banners that date back to the initial union actions of this mining town.
The Wedding Room is an elegant recreation of Stella and Jack Cucel’s 1910 wedding breakfast. The room gives visitors a glimpse at how early settlers to the goldfields tried to establish ‘normal’ British patterns of life in a remote and unfamiliar area.
- British Arms Hotel
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Bush Tucker, Frog and Lizard Gardens
The Western Australian Museum – Albany also features three gardens built to inspire an appreciation of the local flora and fauna: the Bush Tucker, Frog and Lizard Gardens.
Each garden has a number of related activities and focuses, such as the intergenerational project. Also, the Bush Tucker Garden contains stories of local bush tucker and is built to reflect the six seasons of the Minang (the local Aboriginal nation).
- Bush Tucker Garden
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Butterfly Gallery
The BankWest Butterfly Gallery displays an extensive collection of butterfly species from Australia, South East Asia, South America and Africa.
- Butterfly Gallery
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Cargoes
This gallery tells the stories of the many kinds of cargoes that have passed through the Western Australian ports, and how sea trading has shaped Western Australia.
A wall of cargoes displays the incredible variety of trade goods, from sandalwood to sheep, whale oil to wheat, all celebrating Western Australia’s maritime trade.
- Cargoes
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Dampier Marine Gallery
Travel along the shores and beneath the waters of the Dampier Archipelago.
This gallery presents the results of the four-year partnership between the Woodside Energy Ltd. and the Western Australian Museum to explore the region’s marine diversity. This exhibition showcases a selection of organisms recorded by Museum scientists to give visitors a glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the marine habitats of Western Australia’s northern coast.
- Divers of Scott Reef
- Photo by Clay Bryce
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
De Bernales Building
Claude De Bernales was a successful mining entrepreneur who made his fortunes on the Kalgoorlie-Boulder goldfields. In this display, the opulent Kalgoorlie and Perth office and boardrooms have been recreated in all their grandeur. Note the difference between the typical miner’s cottage – found nearby in the Museum grounds – and these elegant quarters.
- De Bernales Building
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Diamonds to Dinosaurs
Take a journey though 12 billion years of history, beginning at the origins of our universe, through to the birth of our solar system before exploring the evolution of life on our planet.
This exhibition features a wealth of significant geological artefacts, including 10 million diamonds that pre-date the solar system, rocks from Mars and the Moon, our world-famous array of meteorites, fluorescent and unusual minerals, and the Argyle Diamond Display.
The exhibition also showcases the evolution of life on Earth, beginning in an inhospitable furnace and resulting in the diversity of life that exists today. The gallery features dinosaur skeleton casts, fossils of extinct life, and displays that show the evolution of humans, mammals, marine life and reptiles.
- Diamonds to Dinosaurs
- Western Australian Museum
Discovery Centre (Perth)
Do you want to see dinosaur fossils, stone-age tools, meteorites, preserved vertebrates and invertebrates or perhaps some living frogs? The Discovery Centre has interactive displays and activities where young people and adults can get busy with their hands and minds. It is also the place to go to find answers to your scientific questions or to identify a biological specimen. Read more about the Discovery Centre in the explore section of this site.
- Kids with a crocodile in the discovery centre
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Dutch Wrecks Gallery
Discover the fascinating stories and relics from the Dutch wrecks Zuytdorp, Zeewijk, Vergulde Draeck and Batavia. This gallery includes coins, lace, cannons, maps and pottery recovered from these wrecks.
- Cannon
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Eclipse building
The Eclipse Building is the main focus of the Western Australian Museum - Albany, where long-term collections, such as the Lighthouse Exhibition, Fishing Collection and the exhibitions about the local area's history are displayed.
The showpiece of the Eclipse Building is the Eclipse Island Optic, consisting of three glass lenses, each three metres high. The optic rotates silently on its bed of mercury and lights up the building.
The marine discovery centre is located at the Eclipse building, which is all about hands-on interactive learning. During school holidays, a variety of activities are conducted in this space for kids to learn about the world of aquatic zoology.
All temporary and traveling exhibitions are also held in this space.
- Eclipse Building
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Entrance Gallery
The Entrance Gallery contains artefacts from Australia's first known shipwreck, the Trial, as well as the Rapid, James Matthews and stories from shipwrecks off the Ningaloo Coast.
- Shipwreck Anchor
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Fremantle
The story of Fremantle Harbour is told against the background of the modern ever-changing shipping activity in the port, located just outside the museum.
Explore the gangway that bought thousands of immigrants ashore, learn about the port's history, and the story of CY O’Connor.
- Fremantle Off Gangway
- Photo by Andrew Rowe
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Highlights Tour - Geraldton
Would you like to know a little bit more about the history of the Mid West? Our friendly Visitor Services Officers can take you and your family or friends on a 15 - 20 minute highlight tour. These tours focus on one or two of our stories and can be asked for any time throughout the day. They are suitable for all ages and can be given to groups as large as 15 people. For bookings contact the Museum on 08 9921 5080.
- Highlights Tours
- Photo by Graeme Gibbons
- Image copyright of WA Museum
HMAS Ovens
The Oberon class Submarine HMAS Ovens is an authentic Cold War-era vessel situated on Fremantle's historic World War II submarine slipway. This exhibit serves as a living memorial to submariners and those who gave their lives while serving from Fremantle during World War II.
Guided tours of the submarine leave every half hour (10am - 3.30pm) from the Western Australian Museum - Maritime. Bookings are advised. The guided tours take approximately one hour and reveal intimate details about living and serving aboard the 89 meter long vessel. Quite amazingly, 63 people served aboard the vessel living amongst pumps, controls, sensors, tactical equipment and torpedoes in extremely cramped conditions.
Individual tickets to the submarine or joint tickets with the Maritime Museum are available. View admission details on the Western Australian Museum - Maritime page.
Find out what life is like aboard a submarine and immerse yourself in Fremantle's secret wartime history.
Health and Safety information: because the tour includes climbing 9 meter high scaffolding stairs, steeply inclined ladders and bending through narrow hatchways, a reasonable level of fitness, freedom from significant injuries, and the ability to climb independently (without walking aids) is required. Please see the Submarine Access Policy and the Submarine tour FAQs.
Age Restrictions
For safety reasons, children under the age of five are not permitted to participate on the submarine tour.Note: tours can be canceled because of severe weather conditions (eg. high winds, thunderstorms or high temperatures) - tickets will be refunded in such events.
Vounteering: if you are interested in volunteering as a tour guide, find out how on the get involved page of this website.
- HMAS Ovens
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
HMAS Sydney (II) - Pride of the Fleet
The ship HMAS Sydney (II) was lost after a fierce sea battle with the German raider HSK Kormoran on the 19 November 1941. None of the 645 crew on board the Sydney survived and this loss had a profound effect on wartime Australia, generating enormous grief and a desire to reveal the mystery of what happened on that fateful evening.
Sixty-seven years later, on 16 March 2008, the wreck of HMAS Sydney (II) was found about 112 nautical miles off Steep Point Western Australia in 2,470 metres of water. This momentous find occurred five days after the wreck of the Kormoran was also discovered.
HMAS Sydney (II) - Pride of the Fleet is the first formal exhibition to cover all major aspects of one of Australia’s most enduring maritime mysteries.
Pride of the Fleet gives a comprehensive overview of the story of HMAS Sydney II as well as telling some of the stories of the men who were lost and the families they left behind.
The exhibition gives due recognition to the Finding Sydney Foundation, the HMAS Sydney Search team and their work in discovering the battle site and wreck sites for both ships.
- HMAS Sydney II
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Hooked on fishing
This gallery explores Western Australia’s fishing industry, especially the contributions of our fishing communities. The gallery features stories from the past and the present that have helped shape the industry. See Aboriginal fish traps, stories of Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour, the beautiful Broome pearling luggar Trixen, and learn about the history of Western Australia’s varied fishing industries.
The exhibition brings together a compelling mix of technological innovation, changing experiences and the challenges of managing the ever-increasing pressures on fish stocks.
- Hooked On Fishing
- Photo by Andrew Rowe
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Indian Ocean
The people bordering the Indian Ocean have been linked by trade and the exchange of ideas for thousands of years.
This gallery traces the paths of these maritime travelers, giving visitors a chance to explore the roots of our modern multicultural community. Experience the sights and sounds of a 15th century Middle Eastern marketplace, and see the Sama Biasa (Indonesian Fishing Boat).
- Indian Ocean
- Photo by Andrew Rowe
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Main Exhibitions
The Kalgoorlie-Boulder main gallery building explores the heritage and history of the Eastern Goldfields explaining the influence of the gold rush in transforming the region into an economic powerhouse.
In the mezzanine gallery there are numerous displays featuring artefacts, objects, photos, furniture and memorabilia to tell the stories of the goldfields. Many of the photographs on display are from the studios of pioneer Goldfields' photographers JJ Dwyer and TF Mackay.
The Museum’s underground Gold Vault features a spectacular collection of gold, jewelry and historical items. The Gold Vault also features the unique Geological Survey collection of nuggets, decorative miners’ brooches and the first gold bar refined in Kalgoorlie- Boulder. Half of the State's gold collection is housed in this vault, which is the most secure public access vault in Australia.
- A gold nugget
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Katta Djinoong
Katta Djinoong: First Peoples of Western Australia depicts the history and culture of the Aboriginal peoples of Western Australia from past to present.
Katta Djinoong is a Noongar term that means “see and understand us”. Many individuals, communities and organisations shared their stories, gave information, lent objects and approved photographs for inclusion in Katta Djinoong. The exhibition focuses on issues identified as important by Aboriginal people - family, land and continuity between traditional and contemporary life.
The exhibition examines traditional Aboriginal hunting and gathering lifestyles in the four major cultural regions of the State – South-West, Desert, North West and Kimberley.
It considers the impact of European settlement on people’s lives and social systems. It tackles contested histories including massacres, the inquiry into Deaths in Custody, the Stolen Generations, and progress towards reconciliation, including the origins of Sorry Day and Kevin Rudd’s historic Sorry speech.
Katta Djinoong also examines contemporary Aboriginal arts and crafts, and issues of ongoing importance from politics to success as sporting heroes.
Katta Djinoong: First Peoples of Western Australia provides an opportunity for the Aboriginal peoples of this state to share their stories and for visitors to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Western Australia’s Aboriginal’s peoples, their role in modern society, and their heritage and cultural values.
- A student in Katta Djinoong
- Photo by Norm Bailey
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Mammal Gallery
A large array of mammals from Australia and the world are on display in this exhibition. Deer, bison, elephants, camels, horses, wallabies, kangaroos, numbats and many more mammals have been preserved and displayed in Victorian-era glassed case displays.
- Mammal Gallery
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Mid West Gallery
A winding road of discovery inspired by the Murchison River, this exhibition offers surprises and fascinating artefacts around every bend of the snaking gallery.
The exhibition consists of two major sections: natural history and social history.
In natural history, see fossils that reveal the Mid West’s prehistoric past and discover its unique native flora and fauna.
In social history explore the rich culture of the local Yamaji people, tales of European exploration and settlers of more recent times - all of whom have battled this challenging environment.
- Mid West Gallery
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Miner’s Cottage
The miner’s cottage is a replica building that illustrates the living conditions and social lives of early goldfields settlers.
Visitors are invited to stroll through the scenic courtyard in the Museum grounds, and visit the sandalwood camp, the West Australian Bank, a miner’s cottage, the Woodline office and the Woodline Police Office rail wagon.
- Miner's Cottage
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Naval Defence
Stories of bravery, war, peace, sacrifice, weapons and naval defence are showcased in this gallery. This exhibition explores the role of naval defence in protecting Australia’s interests, the Royal Australian Navy's post war role, and the strategic importance of Fremantle.
The exhibition is bought alive with WW1 Tenix AE2 submarine conning tower and Sleeping Beauty replicas.
- Naval Defence
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Old One Teacher School Room
The Torbay School building – an old one room, one teacher school – stands as a tribute to Western Australia's pioneer teachers. The building fosters an appreciation and understanding of the history of rural education, and the conditions experienced in early settlement days.
This old school building is also used for school holiday activities, special events and Museum programs. Events are posted in the "what's on" calendar in the website.
- Old One Teacher School Room
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Residency building
Built in 1850 and extended in 1875, the Residency Building served as a store and offices for the nearby convict-hiring depot. When the depot closed, more rooms were added and it became home to the Government Residents and then to the Resident Magistrates.
The Residency contains the newly redeveloped exhibitions telling the stories of the Great Southern’s natural and social history, from its early geological formation, its indigenous history through to early settlement and on to the area’s modern day events such as the introduction of the wind farm, the largest in Australia.
Also, you can view a photo gallery of the residency building's recent refurbishment.
- Residency building
- Photo by Perin Mulcahy
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Robert Steele Steam Machinery Exhibition
Robert Steele Steam Machinery Exhibition is located in a wharf shed adjacent to the Maritime Museum in Victoria Quay. This exhibition houses many historic engines from WA's maritime past, and also showcases restored engines in action and full movement.
- Compound steam engine in the Robert Steele Marine Machinery exhibition
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of WA Museum
Shipwrecks Gallery
Discover the fascinating maritime history of the State’s midwest, from the famous Batavia mutiny, to lesser known tales such as the inspiring saga of human ingenuity displayed by Zeewijk survivors and the unknown fate of other European shipwreck survivors stranded on Western Australian shores.
The gallery features artefacts from four local shipwrecks including clay pipes, silver coins, cannons, the original Batavia stone portico and numerous other relics.
- Batavia
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Swan River
Changes and the development of the Swan River are traced throughout this gallery, encompassing the natural, social and transformations within the landscape.
Climb aboard the Valdura, an old Swan River ferry, and see Lady Forrest, Fremantle’s first steam pilot boat, both restored to their original condition.
- Valdura Steam Boat
- Photo by Andrew Rowe
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Tin Canoe to Australia II
This gallery celebrates Western Australian’s love affair with the water.
The exhibition displays watercraft, old and new, that showcase the adventures of people challenging nature and themselves as they “take on the world” on the water.
The gallery features the Parry Endeavour, the yacht that took solo yachtsman Jon Sanders* three times around the globe and Australia II, the racing yacht with the winged keel that won the America’s Cup from the United States in 1983.
* Further information about John Sanders' journey can be found on the Curtin university library website.
- Tin Canoe to Australia II
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
WA Land and People
This exhibition explores relationships between people, the land and the natural environment. Find out how these interactions have shaped the history of Western Australia.
Stories of Western Australia’s past and recent present are illustrated with fascinating and important historical objects.
The exhibition is set within a magnificent heritage gallery space - the former Public Library building (Hackett Hall) which opened in 1913.
- WA Land and People
- Photo by Trish McDonald
- Image copyright of WA Museum
Woodblock Gallery
This gallery features artefacts, charts, documents and books from Australia's early Dutch explorers. It explores the journeys of Hartog through to de Vlamingh showcasing 100 years of Dutch explorations of Australia.
The Woodblock Gallery also features the Dirk Hartog Plates, the replica Duyfken, and a replica of the original Pelsaert’s journal – which documented the horror of the Batavia mutiny.
The gallery's floor is built from wooden blocks made of jarrah, a local Western Australian timber crucial to the development of the State. These formed part of the Museum’s original convict-constructed building.
- Replica Duyfken
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum
Xantho Gallery
See the conservation and restoration of the SS Xantho steam engine after it spent more than a century underwater, and learn about the remarkable story of the Broadhurst family.
- Xantho
- Photo from WA Museum
- Image copyright of the Western Australian Museum