Australian National Maritime Museum Entry Ticket - See It All

It was very awesome and I loved the HMAS VAMPIRE, bring a hat and sunglasses because it can get very hot outside

I toured the museum by myself as such places don't interest the rest of the family. I arrived soon after the museum opened and stayed until closing time, a period of almost 5 hours, and still did not see it all. They need to have longer hours for people who want to get it all in. Of most interest to me were the ships in the harbour. There was a replica of a Dutch sailing vessel, which was tiny. The first European ship to touch on Australia's shores. Then there was a replica of the Endeavor, the vessel Captain Cook used to claim Australia for the UK. This vessel was also small compared to the people aboard. The distance and challenges such a ship managed were enormous. Seeing the vessel in real life was a treat. As well, there is a display area on the dock where you can learn much about the tools and methods of sailing at that time. An extra treat was having one of the present-day crewmembers at hand to answer questions. This man was very generous with his time answering questions when he surely had work to do. The next vessels were more modern. A submarine and destroyer which both served in the Australian Navy. It was interesting to go through both vessels to see their design, capabilities, and history. My only complaint is that I would have appreciate more attendants or signs on the destroyer Vampire to explain equipment and operations. There was some signage, but not enough. Most of the attendants I did chat with were quite knowledgeable on their vessel, but one or two individuals might have been new and did not really have answers to my questions. With time running short, I had to skip the last tall sailing ship and move indoors. I raced through the exhibits inside in about 40 minutes. You should probably spend two hours inside and three outside, to do it all justice. I would go back again when in Sydney.

I was pleasantly surprised by this maritime museum. There were so many things to see and do. I especially enjoyed the vessels to board and look around. I would definitely go back!