Western Australian Maritime Museum

Getty Images/Universal Images Group

Western Australian Museum – Maritime

Top choice in Fremantle


Significant West Australian boats are suspended from the rafters of this sail-shaped museum building. There's the yacht that won the America's Cup race in 1983, pearl luggers and an Aboriginal bark canoe. Take an hour-long tour of the submarine HMAS Ovens; the vessel was part of the Australian Navy's fleet from 1969 to 1997. Tours leave every half hour from 10am to 3.30pm. Book ahead.

While not an ocean-going vessel, a classic 1970s panel van (complete with fur lining) makes the cut – because of its status as the surfer's vehicle of choice.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Fremantle attractions

1. Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre

0.16 MILES

Various classes and workshops, including language, art and crafts, are held at this interesting Aboriginal cultural centre. Booking ahead for most is…

2. Round House

0.16 MILES

Completed in 1831, this 12-sided stone prison is WA's oldest surviving building. It was the site of the colony's first hangings, and was later used for…

3. Bathers Beach Art Precinct

0.16 MILES

The Bathers Beach area has artists' galleries and studios in heritage cottages and warehouses stretching from near the Round House north and west towards…

4. Customs House

0.21 MILES

Built in 1908 in Georgian style, this heritage-listed building is home to artist studios.

7. Bathers Beach

0.26 MILES

In late 2016 Bathers became the first beach in WA to be granted an alcohol licence – you can drink cocktails on the sand if you're in a deckchair in front…

8. WA Shipwrecks Museum

0.27 MILES

Located within an 1852 commissariat store, the Shipwrecks Museum is considered the finest display of maritime archaeology in the southern hemisphere. The…