As an Island nation, Australia has a rich and fascinating maritime history…and to take a ‘deep dive’ into it, head straight to the Australian National Maritime Museum at Pyrmont.
The museum houses a rich and diverse permanent collection inside its doors, with highlights including Kay Cottee’s vessel ‘First Lady’, which she sailed around the world as the first woman to perform a single-handed, non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of the globe. There’s also an incredible range of objects on display, and stories documenting seafaring escapades.
Outside, docked in Sydney Harbour, is an impressive array of historic maritime vessels. As well as The Endeavour, there’s The Duyfken which is an incredible replica of the very first European ship to reach Australia in 1606, as part of the Dutch East India Trading Company. You can explore both vessels, and enjoy regular sunset cruises on stunning Sydney Harbour. The museum is also home to the last of the ‘big gun’ ships, the HMAS Vampire! The largest maritime vessel, owned by an Australian museum, visitors can explore the ship, and learn about the life and times of sailors on board.
As well as our European seafaring history, visitors to the Australian National Maritime Museum can also learn about First Nations Peoples and their connection to the sea. The museum is currently featuring an exhibition of artworks, by the celebrated Torres Strait Islander artist Alick Tipoti, for the first time in Australia.
FOR MORE INFO:
Australian National Maritime Museum
@sea.museum
sea.museum
