Western Australia · Attraction
WA Maritime Museum
Australia II and beyond
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Standing at the edge of Victoria Quay where tall ships once unloaded cargo, the Western Australian Maritime Museum is a striking piece of contemporary architecture that tells the story of Western Australia's deep relationship with the sea. Its most famous resident is Australia II, the revolutionary winged-keel yacht that won the 1983 America's Cup and ended a 132-year American winning streak in one of sport's most celebrated upsets.
The museum's permanent galleries explore themes of migration, trade, exploration, and recreation across Western Australia's vast Indian Ocean coastline. Alongside Australia II, exhibits include pearling luggers, refugee boats, and a comprehensive collection of maritime instruments, charts, and personal stories from the men and women who shaped the state's seafaring history.
Moored alongside the museum is the HMAS Ovens, a decommissioned Oberon-class submarine that visitors can tour with a guide, crawling through the narrow passages and control rooms exactly as submariners once did. A joint ticket covering both the museum and the submarine represents the best-value option for those with time to spend.
General admission is $15 for adults, with children under 15 and museum members entering free. The museum is fully accessible with ramps and lifts throughout, though the submarine tour involves steep ladders and is not wheelchair accessible.
Scenic views
Lookouts near WA Maritime Museum.
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