WA Maritime Museum — Attraction in Fremantle

Had wanted to go here since we moved to Perth as Gage Roads is a favourite watering hole. Beautifully designed building and heard about some cool items on display, however on arrival is in serious need of internal re-design and lighting upgrade/maintenance.

The exhibits were shockingly dark and terribly lit, lamps and globes in numerous places were blown or failing - we had to get our phone torches out to see in some cabinets - something I've never experienced in a museum before. The lay out didnt flow at all, with lots of dead ends and labels to the photos or artifacts were also terribly placed or non-existent. So even if you could see what was on display, good luck finding out what it actually was. Having said that, the replica of the Australia II is gorgeous and very impressive, even if all you can mainly see is it's hull (and the manikins onboard look totally cooked). We did enjoy the upstairs maritime displays, but again, the lack of adequate lighting takes from the experience - especially the shark half in the dark. Unfortunately the submarine was out of action during our visit, but I would probably go back for that at a later date. Worth $15? As a local, I guess. But I would be embarrassed to take visitors to it in its current state. Let me know when the lighting is fixed (or if you need a new...

We quickly enrolled for the 10am Submarine guided tour that lasted for approximately 1.5hrs since we reached the museum at 9.55am with 4 teenage boys in tow.

Our ex-submariner tour guide - Jeff was highly knowledgeable, the tour was comprehensive & he was lighthearted & funny. The inside of the submarine HMS Ovens was filled with laughter that morning. We learned so much from the tour & such a tour is unique & you don't find it available elsewhere in Asia... don't think there are many retired submarines around.

This submarine tour is highly recommended if you are visiting the WA Museum. It was like being James Bond 007 in the days of Roger Moore for a day. Make no mistake, join the guided tour when you are here.

We left for lunch after the Submarine tour since our parking period was expiring soon. Did not visit the Maritime museum & therefore no comments available.

PS: Remember to pay for adequate parking before entering the museum. The car next to us got a AUD65 fine because they probably had no clue that they were supposed to pay for parking. The parking wardens were extremely "on the ball". So...

I really enjoyed the WA Maritime Museum, and would happily add it to a lost of 'Must do' things for Perth/Fremantle. It's a very reasonable entry price and the range and layout of the exhibits is very well done. The building it'self is also architecturally impressive and adds to the experience.

disclaimer - my visit was actually a while ago before Covid. The submarine tour may be closed due to Covid so check in advance HMAS Ovens is an Oberon Class submarine of the Royal Australian Navy next to the WA Maritime Museum and you access it by booking a tour, which is an additional cost to the museum entry fee. The tour last about 90mins and I'd advise you were comfortable, warm clothing and footwear. It's not suitable for people with less than minor mobility restrictions, or for large framed people, as you'll be climbing up and down steep ladders and squeezing through narrow entry points and doorways. I really enjoyed the tour, as the guide was a former Navy serviceman and was extremely knowledgeable and ready with answers to...