WA Maritime Museum
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WA Maritime Museum

4.5
·3k reviews·Fremantle, Australia

Discover maritime history, explore a real submarine, and uncover shipwreck tales at this engaging, free-entry museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Free entry & extended hours

CrowdMedium
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WA Maritime Museum

WA Maritime Museum

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Free entry & extended hours

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover maritime history, explore a real submarine, and uncover shipwreck tales at this engaging, free-entry museum.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"A fascinating and peaceful place to visit, offering a unique look into naval and war history."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Submarine Tours Early

School holiday submarine tours book out fast! Search 'HMAS Ovens Tour' directly to find the booking link. 🎟️

Free Summer Entry

Enjoy free admission to the museum during summer until March 31st. Great value for a full day out! :moneywithwings:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 3,355 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

HMAS Ovens Submarine Tour

HMAS Ovens Submarine Tour

Submarine docked at the museum

Step inside a real submarine and hear tales of naval history from ex-submariners. A truly immersive experience!

Empress Josephine's Garden Exhibition

Empress Josephine's Garden Exhibition

WA Maritime Museum

Explore the digital uncovering of Empress Josephine's connection to Australian botanics through storytelling and visuals.

Shipwreck Artifacts

Shipwreck Artifacts

WA Shipwreck Museum (part of WA Maritime Museum)

Discover treasures from legendary shipwrecks like the Batavia, including cannons and artifacts of survival and mutiny.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Submarine Tours in Advance

Popular HMAS Ovens submarine tours, especially during school holidays, fill up fast. The website can be tricky to navigate for booking, so search directly for 'HMAS Ovens Tour' to secure your spot. Ex-submariners lead these tours, offering incredible detail.

Free Entry & Summer Specials

Enjoy free entry to the WA Maritime Museum, particularly during summer months until March 31st. This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly option for families and visitors looking to explore Perth's maritime heritage.

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Free entry & extended hours
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Family-friendly events
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The coolest Airbnb is a submarine! 🛟Docked in Manitowoc, WI, the USS Cobia at the @Wisconsin Maritime Museum is open for tours and overnights. #airbnb #airbnbfinds #travel #visitmanitowoc #travelwi #travelwithus
@visitmanitowoc
60.2K likes • 717.4K views

Book Submarine Tours Early

School holiday submarine tours book out fast! Search 'HMAS Ovens Tour' directly to find the booking link. 🎟️

Free Summer Entry

Enjoy free admission to the museum during summer until March 31st. Great value for a full day out! :moneywithwings:

Martime history is always Hot To Go at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum! #Manitowoc #wisconsin #usscobia #submarine #cobia #museum #museummoment #museumtok #wholefamily #thingstodo #maritime #boat #fun #learning #allages #greatlakes #galleries #history #chappellroan #hottogo #visitwisconsin
@wimaritime
41.8K likes • 197.4K views
This Saturday, WA Maritime Museum will celebrate 20 years of history, heritage, and exhibitions since their doors opened with an exciting free family-friendly event, including an outdoor concert, food, free entry to the museum and extended opening hours! 🎉 📆 Saturday December 10 | 4pm - 10pm 📍 WA Maritime Museum 🎟️ Free entry Stop by with the whole family! #WAMuseum #WhatsoninPerth #WAtheDream...
wamuseum
87 likes • 3.9K views

Interactive Exhibits

Engage with hands-on displays, including a digital aquarium and a captain's wheel boat. Fun for all ages! :child:

Cafe & Facilities

Convenient cafe and clean bathroom facilities are available on-site for a comfortable visit. ☕

“Unearth the secrets of the sea at the WA Shipwreck Museum. From ancient treasures to untold stories, it’s a maritime journey worth taking. Did I mention it’s free? Dive in! ⚓🌊 🎥: @rai.foodie
welcometoperth
432 likes • 20.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Submarine Tours Early

School holiday submarine tours book out fast! Search 'HMAS Ovens Tour' directly to find the booking link. 🎟️

Free Summer Entry

Enjoy free admission to the museum during summer until March 31st. Great value for a full day out! :moneywithwings:

Interactive Exhibits

Engage with hands-on displays, including a digital aquarium and a captain's wheel boat. Fun for all ages! :child:

Cafe & Facilities

Convenient cafe and clean bathroom facilities are available on-site for a comfortable visit. ☕

Explore Shipwreck History

Don't miss exhibits on famous shipwrecks like the Batavia. Learn about survival and maritime tales. :shipwreck:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the WA Maritime Museum for its immersive exhibits, particularly the HMAS Ovens submarine tour led by knowledgeable guides. The free entry, especially during summer, and the engaging displays make it a highly recommended, family-friendly destination. Some find the website for booking tours a bit difficult to navigate.

"This is a world class museum that has been refurbished not long ago. I planned to stay there for half a day, but ended up spending a whole day there. I am glad that I visited the museum before starting my WA tour. The exhibits and the related explanation provide very comprehensive background information on the sites that I was going to visit. This made the tour so much more interesting. There is an admission fee of $15."

Sam

"We had our Wedding here. If you’re after a beautiful, unique & aircon indoor space I would highly recommend this venue. We loved our special day so much."

Erica Robertson

"Loved this place Awsome day out just a short train trip from Perth city and 2x markets and restaurants close walking distance.
Ferries available and large Ferris Wheel near by."

Mike Smissen

What People Like

Immersive submarine tour
Engaging exhibits
Free entry (summer)

What People Dislike

Tricky booking website

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The WA Maritime Museum is located in Fremantle, Western Australia. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options include taking a train to Fremantle Station and then a short bus ride or walk to the museum. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from the main Fremantle tourist areas. TikTok

Yes, there are several parking options available near the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle. Street parking and public car parks are generally accessible, though they can fill up quickly, especially during peak times and weekends. Reddit

Absolutely! Fremantle Station is a short and pleasant walk from the WA Maritime Museum, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. It's a great way to see more of the historic port city. Reddit

Yes, the museum is well-served by public transport. Buses frequently run to and from Fremantle Station, making it easy to access the museum from Perth and surrounding areas. TikTok

Taking the train from Perth to Fremantle Station is a popular and convenient option for a day trip. From there, you can easily walk or take a short bus ride to the WA Maritime Museum. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, general admission to the WA Maritime Museum is free! This is a fantastic perk, especially during summer when free entry is extended until March 31st. Instagram+1

It is highly recommended to book tickets for the HMAS Ovens submarine tour in advance, especially during school holidays. The website can be a bit tricky to find the booking button, so searching directly for 'HMAS Ovens Tour' is advised. Reddit

The WA Maritime Museum generally has standard opening hours, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information, as these can vary for special events or public holidays. Instagram

While general admission is free, keep an eye out for special events like the museum's 20th-anniversary celebration which offered free entry and extended hours. Summer promotions also often provide free access. Instagram+1

While general museum entry is free, the HMAS Ovens submarine tour typically has a separate fee. It's advisable to check the official booking site for current pricing. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the HMAS Ovens submarine tour, the 'Empress Josephine's Garden' exhibition, and the extensive collection of shipwreck artifacts, including pieces from the Batavia. The interactive displays are also a big hit. Instagram+2

Yes, the museum is very family-friendly! It features interactive exhibits, a craft area with a digital aquarium, and a boat where kids can spin the captain's wheel. TikTokReddit

Many visitors find themselves spending several hours here, with some even staying for nearly five hours, especially if they do the submarine tour and explore all the exhibits. Instagram

While general entry is self-guided, the HMAS Ovens submarine tour is led by knowledgeable ex-submariners who provide detailed insights. Reddit

This exhibition uses digital storytelling and visuals to uncover Empress Josephine's influence and connection to Australian botanics, offering a unique cultural and historical perspective. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum has an excellent cafe on-site, offering a convenient place to grab a bite to eat or a coffee during your visit. Reddit

While specific policies can vary, it's generally best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before entering the exhibition spaces. The on-site cafe is a good option for refreshments. Reddit

The WA Maritime Museum is located in Fremantle, which has a vibrant dining scene. You'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs within walking distance, offering a wide range of cuisines. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the WA Maritime Museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or areas. Tripods and flash photography may be restricted. TikTok

The museum's unique architecture, the HMAS Ovens submarine, and the 'Empress Josephine's Garden' exhibition offer great photo opportunities. The waterfront location also provides scenic views. Instagram+1

Photography inside the submarine is usually allowed for personal use, but be mindful of the confined spaces and the guide's instructions. Capture the unique atmosphere of this historic vessel. Reddit

While not a dedicated photo exhibition, the 'Empress Josephine's Garden' exhibition features rich storytelling and breathtaking visuals that are highly photogenic. Instagram

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