Australian National Maritime Museum

07/09/2026

"The only thing you should shoot a Grey Nurse Shark with is a camera." Valerie Taylor 📸🦈

How do you turn a hunted species into the world’s first legally protected shark? You change the story.

In the 1960s, the Grey Nurse Shark was targeted as a "man-eater." Fearing for their survival, marine pioneer Valerie Taylor traded her spear for a camera, using storytelling and imagery to prove their gentle nature.

Her advocacy paid off: in 1984, NSW became the first jurisdiction in the world to legally protect a shark species.

Image: Valerie Taylor, Diver taking photograph of grey nurse shark, October 1995
ANMM Collection (ANMS1458[350]). Donated through the Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor.

07/09/2026

⚓ This Week at the Australian National Maritime Museum! 🌊

Join us at Darling Harbour for three history-packed events:

🚢 Working Harbour Water Tours
Wed 9 – Fri 11 Sept
Glide across Sydney Harbour on a heritage vessel with the Sydney Heritage Fleet to discover the city's early industrial past.

🤠 Speakers Talk: 'Bold' John Donohoe & His Unmerry Men
Thu 10 Sept | 2PM – 3:30PM ($10 / FREE for Members)
Uncover the true story of the 1820s Irish convict who escaped into the NSW bush and inspired iconic Australian bushranger ballads.

📚 Book Launch: Salt In His Veins by Vice Admiral Peter Jones
Sat 12 Sept | 2PM – 3:30PM (FREE)
Hear retired Vice Admiral Peter Jones share the action-packed life of Sir Albert Poland, commander of WWII’s famous Tobruk Ferry Run. Book signing to follow.

📍 Location: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour
🎟️ Bookings: www.sea.museum/en/whats-on

07/09/2026

Thank you to SBS Chinese SBS中文 for taking the time to hear and share the story of Becky Kwong Cartwright, whose migration journey is now honoured on Australia’s National Monument to Migration.

Born in Hong Kong, Becky first visited Sydney in 1975 and immediately fell in love with the city. In February 1979, she decided to migrate to Australia and begin a new chapter in her life.

Over the years, Becky built a life in Australia, met her husband, worked across different businesses and eventually established a jewellery business specialising in Japanese Akoya pearls.

Today, Becky is enjoying retirement on the Central Coast and reflects proudly on both her Chinese heritage and the life she has built in Australia.

Stories like Becky’s are at the heart of the National Monument to Migration, recognising the courage, resilience and contributions of people who have made Australia home.

The Australian National Maritime Museum has recently launched a dedicated Chinese Heritage Panel, providing Chinese migrants and their families with a meaningful way to honour their migration journey and preserve their story for future generations.

Watch the interview in language here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmQBbK8F-1g

Registrations are now open:
https://www.sea.museum/en/support/national-monument/honouring-chinese-migrants

06/09/2026

Heavyweight or lightweight... which would you choose?

Introduced to Australia in 1934, the 12 Square Metre Sharpie became one of the country's most popular racing classes. Built in backyards and towed across Australia, Sharpies helped shape generations of Australian sailors.

We're excited to welcome two Sharpies recently accepted onto the Australian Register of Historic Vessels, both owned by Tony Jones: FALCON III, a heavyweight Sharpie built in 1949 by renowned sailor and sailmaker Rolly Tasker, and UP-YZ, a 1968 lightweight Sharpie that reflects the evolution of the class towards faster plywood construction.

We're also pleased to launch a dedicated Sharpie category on the Register. Special thanks to Don McArthur, whose suggestion helped make it happen. https://arhv.sea.museum/collections/189416/12-square-metre-sharpie

Question: Did you sail a Sharpie, build one, or race against one? And most importantly... were you Team Heavyweight or Team Lightweight? We'd love to hear your stories.

05/09/2026

Sunday Read: How well do you know Sydney Harbour’s history? ⚓️

Did you know Cockatoo Island was once a prison island where Captain Thunderbolt famously escaped by swimming to shore? Or that a heritage-listed 1960s shipwreck sits resting in Berry’s Bay?

Discover 10 fascinating industrial heritage facts about Sydney Harbour—and how you can visit them from the water aboard MV Harman.

📖 Read the article:

10 heritage facts you may not know about the Sydney Harbour 1 0 h e r i t a g e f a c t s y o u m a y n o t k n o w a b o u t t h e S y d n e y H a r b o u r Related topics Society and water Published 4 September 2026 Smoke, coal, gas and steam - famili...

05/09/2026

MUSEUM SHOP |

You can't buy happiness, but you can buy anglerfish earrings!

https://store.anmm.gov.au/products/denz-co-anglefish-earrings-in-teal-mint?

Shop online or in store at the museum to see the full range!

05/09/2026

Wearing your wealth on your sleeve, literally. ⚔️✨

How did Vikings value their silver? As Dr Adrian Maldonado from National Museums Scotland explains, silver was the ultimate currency.

To make trade and travel easier, Vikings melted down collected coins, brooches and jewellery into portable silver ingots. But they didn't just hide their wealth away, they crafted heavy silver armbands and wristbands so they could show off their fortune wherever they sailed.

See these extraordinary silver artefacts up close in Sydney for a limited time! LAST WEEKS!

📍 Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard
⚓️ Open daily | 10am – 4pm

🎟 Book tickets: sea.museum/galloway-hoard

Presented by National Museums Scotland.

04/09/2026

Visitor: Do you have any weird trophies?
Staff: Define "weird."

The John Walker Intercolonial Sailing Carnival Trophy!

In 1897, after winning the Intercolonial Championship on Sydney Harbour, the crew of the 22-foot skiff EFFIE was presented with this one-of-a-kind trophy. Crafted in Scotland by Robert & Henry Bruce Kirkwood, it features sterling silver fittings set directly into a Merino ram's head mounted on horn castors.

📍 Object Ref: 00048268 | Donated by the Wright Family of Roma, Queensland.

03/09/2026

Celebrate Father's Day at the Museum! 🌊

Looking for the ultimate Father's Day plan on Sunday 6 September? Dads (and carers) receive a FREE See It All ticket with any accompanying paying visitor!

What's on for Dad:
🛠 Climb aboard historic warships, tall ships and exhibitions including Treasures of the Viking-Age: Galloway Hoard
🍔 HarbourWatch Specials: Texan Brisket Roll + B**r ($25) or Braised Beef Cheek + W**e ($35)
🎁 Museum Store: Books, nautical gifts, tees and caps for every type of father-figure with 15% off
👉https://www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/events/fathers-day

02/09/2026

3 September marks 125 years since Australia’s national flag designs were first flown in 1901 including the Australian Red Ensign.

Both the Australian National Flag (Blue Ensign) and the Red Ensign came from the 1901 Federal Flag Design Competition after Federation. While the Blue Ensign took on official government duties, the Red Ensign belonged to the people of the ocean. It was the official flag of Australia’s merchant fleet, keeping vital trade lines open and representing Australian mariners on high seas around the globe.

Next time you're out on Sydney Harbour, keep an eye out for the red flag flying proudly at the stern of civilian and historic vessels - and here at the museum.

How many of you knew the story behind Australia’s two national flags?

02/09/2026

If the Vikings were on the horizon, what would you bury to keep safe? ⚔️

​Here’s what our visitors would hoard.

​Tell us yours in the comments or add it to the tree at Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard.

​Exhibition closes 11 October.

01/09/2026

Ever wanted to create your own Viking-inspired jewellery? 🔨✨

Design and create your own wearable metalwork inspired by the Galloway Hoard! In this 1-day workshop with SquarePeg Studios, you’ll learn metal stamping, roller printing, texture-making and light forming to craft a custom pendant, ring or cuff.

📅 Saturday 12 September | 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 Australian National Maritime Museum
🎟 Tickets $125 Book now!
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/amulets-and-adornment-tickets-1993806284268?

01/09/2026

Spring florals - groundbreaking! 🌻🏊‍♀️

Did you know spring flowers dominated Australian beach and pool culture in the 1950s and 60s?

During the mid-20th century, Australian beachgoers accessorised with statement swim caps adorned with moulded sunflowers, delicate petals, and costume jewels. Designed to protect the popular perm hairstyles of the era, these caps turned a dip in the ocean into a runway moment.

Shall we bring these back into fashion?

Featured Objects:
🌸 Pink rubber swimming cap, 1950s | ANMM Collection 00003678
💎 Playtex textured rubber cap with costume jewels, 1950s | 00046087
🌻 Yellow rubber sunflower cap, 1960s | 00006709
🌿 Kleinert's swimming cap, 1950s | 00039525

31/08/2026

Viking gold, jewellery workshops, historic cruises and school holiday fun, September is bursting at the seams! 👑⚓️

Swipe to check out the events dropping at the Museum this month. Make sure to catch The Galloway Hoard before its final weeks wrap up, grab tickets to our exclusive Amulets & Adornment jewellery workshop or set sail on the historic steam yacht Ena or MV Harman.

Which event are you booking first? Tell us below! 👇

www.sea.museum/en/whats-on

31/08/2026

Don't miss the LAST Sydney Open Day for the STS Young Endeavour (I)! ⛵️💙

Come aboard for FREE this Saturday 5 September from 11am - 2pm at the Maritime Museum. Tour the ship, meet the Navy crew and find out how to apply for a life-changing youth voyage at sea (ages 16–23)!

🎟 Free ship entry (no tickets needed)
👟 Wear flat, enclosed shoes!
www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/events/sts-young-endeavour-open-day-at-the-maritime-museum

29/08/2026

POV: It's Sydney Harbour in the 1950s

You're heading to Cockatoo Island Dockyard, one of Australia's busiest shipbuilding yards. Instead of catching a ferry, you step aboard HARMAN, the hardworking timber launch.

Built by Storey & Keers and powered by a five-cylinder Gardner diesel, HARMAN spent years transporting Royal Australian Navy personnel before beginning a second career at Cockatoo Island, where it continued ferrying people and supporting the daily operations of the historic dockyard.

Most working harbour launches have long since disappeared. HARMAN survived, earned a place on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels, and today remains in operation thanks to the Sydney Heritage Fleet.

This History Week, step aboard HARMAN and enjoy Sydney Harbour exactly as generations of sailors, dockyard workers and passengers once did.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/working-harbour-early-industrial-heritage-from-the-water-tickets-1996423822395?aff=oddtdtcreator

Some history is best explored from the water.

(1) HARMAN in 2007 off WALSH BAY in Sydney Harbour.
(2) HARMAN with its original low wheelhouse cruises past HMAS PARRAMATTA at Cockatoo Island in August 1960. Reproduced courtesy photographer John Jeremy
(3) HARMAN, 2026.

29/08/2026

Give Dad a story worth keeping this Father’s Day. 🎁

Skip the ordinary gifts and explore our curated museum collection—featuring handcrafted historical instruments, exclusive ANMM vessel apparel, and gripping maritime reads.

https://store.anmm.gov.au/

28/08/2026

Pyrmont Bridge, Cockatoo Island, the Coal Loader and so many other tales from the working history of the harbour!

This History Week, the Maritime Museum joins with Sydney Heritage Fleet aboard a classic vessel for the Working Harbour Tour. Discover early industrial heritage from a whole new perspective - from the water.

Hear the tales behind the working waterways of Sydney Harbour.

🎟 Dates: 9–11 September 11 and 1.30pm
📍 Departs: Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
🔗 Secure your seats before they sell out: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/working-harbour-early-industrial-heritage-from-the-water-tickets-1996423822395?

27/08/2026

All hands aloft! Bending on the forecourse on the Duyfken replica today 💨

Nothing beats seeing traditional canvas go back on the yards.

27/08/2026

What does an Aussie look like?

Since 2016, artist Peter Drew has posted thousands of his iconic 'AUSSIE' portraits on streets nationwide—highlighting stories from the White Australia Policy era to reflect on Australian identity today.

Now, see a collection of these powerful works together in a free outdoor exhibition at the museum!

📍 In front of Wharf 7 (near the Pyrmont ferry stop)
🎟️ Free admission

www.sea.museum/en/whats-on/exhibitions/aussies