WA Shipwrecks Museum image

WA Shipwrecks Museum

Tourist attraction Museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Fremantle


Address

47 Cliff St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia

Website

museum.wa.gov.au

Contact

+61 1300 134 081

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (27) interesting (22) history (19) visit (19) donation (16) Batavia (14) shipwrecks (12) recommend (11) Museum (10) free (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Deb R. 1 year ago on Google
    Very interesting place but got there just before closing so didn't see as much as I would have liked. The museum is in a great location near Bathers Bay and some tummy eateries. Was particularly interested in the Batavia exhibition and was not disappointed.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hotchip Hotchip (. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic, what a place. I was expecting a rubndown exhibit for a voluntary donation for entry but this place was amazing. The exhibits are masterfully done and some of the things you just have to see to appreciate them. This establishment has a lot to say in the realm of historic ship battles around Perth, some of them very sad. My family (myself, my wife and my two children, 7 and 3) enjoyed it equally. I would recommend going to have a look.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth “Nanny E” Van Der S. 3 years ago on Google
    A must see museum... incredible history and fantastic displays. Well done & excellent!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon E. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful hidden gem - well worth the $5 suggested donation. It's a small museum but I was surprised how much there was to see (II was expecting something a lot less for the price). Spent well over an hour here and learnt lots. The current Dutch explorer exhibition is particularly interesting.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 aqib k. 3 months ago on Google • 480 reviews New
    Amazing!.Museum is housed in Fremantle's historic Commissariat buildings on Whadjuk Nyoongar. These structures were among the first Western Australian locations built with convict labour to store Swan River colony food, clothing, and building materials.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Luke I. 3 months ago on Google • 412 reviews New
    Very informative. One star off for not acknowledging the Portuguese (Mendonça) as the first Europeans who explored Australia from their bases in Malacca and East Timor long before the Dutch. The National Library in Canberra holds the Portuguese maps/charts from 1540-1560s that show the Australian east coast.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 4wd G. 7 months ago on Google • 154 reviews
    We really enjoyed walking around this Museum, some museum can be very boring and lack interesting pieces, but not this one. The lay out of the pieces, history and details given, staff and the overall look of the building in general was amazing. We learnt so much about the different ship wrecks here in Western Australia and the history surrounding them all. 10/10 Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charles Sng (. 3 months ago on Google • 64 reviews New
    This place is a surprise find. No entrance fee required but please do donate generously as it is ran by donations. There is a lot of historical events, facts and stories you can learn from this small but awesome museum. Highly recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jair 1 year ago on Google
    If you love history.Highly recommend to visit here when you come to Fremantle!! And it’s quiet big, might took you 1-2hours.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Travis H. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited here as part of Freo Builds, very surprised that I had never know it was in Freo and also free entry. We explored a bit with the kids, but would like to visit in more detail another time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin A. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting museum with plenty of relics and lost items that are retrieved from various sunken ships. Very informative. Give yourself some good amount of time to browse through all the displays, immerse yourself in its history and learn the discoveries made.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Phil R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great museum, entry by donation. Lots of maritime artefacts.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas B. 1 month ago on Google • 699 reviews New
    Außerordentlich schönes und informatives Museum. Vor allem werden in diesem Museum auch die Errungenschaften der niederländischen Seefahrer in Bezug zu Australien dargestellt und damit wertgeschätzt. Das haben wir so kaum in australischen Museen gesehen. Wir können das Museum s e h r empfehlen!!

  • 5/5 Jeffrey S. 2 years ago on Google
    Surprisingly interesting museum with various interesting artifacts from previous shipwrecks. Gives you a bit of an idea into early explorers getting to Australia. Bonus is that it does not cost you money! Gold coin donation entry. Very close to various eateries so it is easy to get to.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel S. 2 years ago on Google
    Got some great artifacts. And interesting stories about a whole host of wrecks. The preservation used for the Bavaria is amazing. Also zero $, definitely superior to the maritime museum IMO.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David B. 4 months ago on Google • 672 reviews
    I'm not usually into this sort of thing but I found it very interesting & spent a good 90 minutes looking around the museum, some areas were closed off though. Free to enter but they appreciate a donation 👍

  • 5/5 chris g. 1 month ago on Google • 423 reviews New
    Absolutely amazing museum with so much on show. Interactive screens that are very educational as well as many salvaged relics. The history of the displays well documented. If you visit I'm sure you'll be amazed at all there is displayed. Highly recommend a visit. Technically no charge to enter but if you like you can donate $5.

  • 4/5 Mick I. 1 month ago on Google • 229 reviews New
    Fascinating display housed in an old building built by convicts. Really enjoyed the setting and display. Free but you can donate if you like.

  • 5/5 Bob H. 1 month ago on Google • 183 reviews New
    I had only planned on less than an hour to visit. I stayed the whole day and could have seen more. These exhibits and video presentations were very well done. To read the brief histories of the many shipwrecks was very interesting. The $5 donation was more than a bargain. Buy something at the gift shop to help support this place. There were many volunteers to guide and answer questions.

  • 5/5 Roswitha F. 4 months ago on Google • 115 reviews
    Really well done. Great artifacts. Will be back. The only feedback for improvement I have is to put the original engraved maps in a more prominent place. The downstairs maps are almost, if not all, understandably reproductions.

  • 5/5 scottdennis 6 months ago on Google • 101 reviews
    An absolutely fantastic museum. Discovered by accident but so glad we end there. To see and learn more about the shipwreck of the Batavia and the Dutch explorations in WA. Highly recommended and I’d visit again when in Fremantle

  • 5/5 Narelle W. 4 months ago on Google • 86 reviews
    So much to see here, 2 levels of delightful relics. Hard to believe that some of these things are 400+ years old. Didn't have enough time to view everything that was here in detail, will definitely be returning.

  • 5/5 Liam W. 2 months ago on Google • 21 reviews New
    Was really cool to visit, lots of information about the shipping history of WA in an easy to digest way. ITS FREE, they have a donation option which I recommend but it is free so there is no risk if you decide you don't like it then you haven't lost anything. Friendly staff. Directly across the way from the fremantle ferris wheel to do multiple activities at the same time. I highly recommend

  • 5/5 Katrina F. 6 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    The WA Shipwreck Museum is a great place to visit in Fremantle. Loads of exhibits with interesting historical artifacts. Our group of 4 adults and 2 teenagers all thoroughly enjoyed our visit. It wasn't crowded and there was plenty of room to comfortably read the corresponding plaques to the exhibit. The guides were on hand with quirky tidbits that you couldn't find written down Would definitely recommend visiting here. It's also donation entry. So very affordable.

  • 5/5 Netty 7 months ago on Google
    Netty. Was. Here. Donation based fee. Wonderful collection of shipwreck discovery items and part of the Batavia shipwreck. Fascinating.

  • 5/5 Tracy C. 8 months ago on Google
    Absolutely worth a visit. The curators have put together a stunning and most interesting collection. An interesting history of Australia's early settlers and sea trade.

  • 5/5 Aquiles M. 7 months ago on Google
    This is a must see Museum in Freo Fremantle Australia. It's free to get in and they have very interesting pieces on display.

  • 5/5 Samuel P. 7 months ago on Google
    Really cool museum detailing shipwrecks and the history of navigation around Western Australia. Some really detailed displays about the Dutch explorers and VOC sailing routes, as well as a piece of the infamous Batavia.

  • 5/5 Deb W. 7 months ago on Google
    Great place to spend a few hours. Very informative. Free to visit but please make a donation.

  • 5/5 Yuli T. 6 months ago on Google
    Visited on a weekend afternoon, it wasn't too busy. Very clean and well maintained. The staff are pleasant and friendly.

  • 5/5 Mihaela V. 5 months ago on Google
    Free of charge entrance museum. Well organized, with descriptive information about all the historic pieces.

  • 5/5 Rosie M. 4 months ago on Google
    Very well displayed exhibits. Stories of the various shipwrecks are most interesting. Background baroque music in the Batavia display adds to the atmosphere. The fonts are large and lit by spot lighting so easy to read.

  • 5/5 David B. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing Great staff and gold coins donation to enter How good is that

  • 4/5 Peter B. 2 years ago on Google
    Can bring your friends come and look x2..very nice

  • 4/5 wuri l. 2 years ago on Google
    Full of Shipwreck history. Only two story building

  • 5/5 Janine K. 2 years ago on Google
    Entry is by donation. Plenty of artifacts and information on local shipwrecks. Really interesting and informative, not really my thing I tagged along with hubby, but I was pleasantly surprised. Spent over an hour here, lots to read.

  • 4/5 Sophie 1 month ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Super interesting place! Little gift shop is cool too. Spend some time there to have a good look and read of everything.

  • 5/5 Martyn G. 2 years ago on Google
    Another great place to visit free or a $5 donation

  • 4/5 Hilux 2 years ago on Google
    Wasn’t sure what to expect here, but for a gold coin donation to view some interesting history from the Perth area, and around Australian, it was a good arvo out.. Call past, and see what you learn

  • 5/5 Troy T. 1 year ago on Google
    It is very interesting learning about the history of Australia and the ships, nice layout all the information about the objects well done team, made my day 😊 last time I was there was when the endeavour was getting built, very pleasant experience 😀 I liked the kids' corner. That sign was very helpful to me 🫡. I will definitely come back, won't leave it so long.

  • 5/5 R&R A. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful museum and its for free But a donation is always welcome. They have patr of the Batavia and t Lots of other artefacts and information about shipping and the history of it. Take your time there is lots to see.

  • 5/5 Liz C. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a great place to visit. First of all it's free ! Secondly the staff are friendly and well informed if you want to ask questions. And then of course there are the exhibits. I love the story of The Batavia shipwreck and this is superbly exhibited. As well there are other shipwreck stories and items. Well worth the time looking around. 👌

  • 5/5 Sergey G. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a fascinating museum that offers a new perspective on maritime knowledge - the perspective of lost and recovered artifacts and shipwrecks. The story and the remains of the magnificent Batavia ship really captivated the mind. Just to imagine that what you see in the photo is only 10% of the actual ship... Strongly recommend to visit! Also, it's free, but I recommend at least a $5 donation. Also, if you are curious, you might ask at the reception to help provide some more context, and they might have a spare team member to share some more history about these artifacts

  • 5/5 Kerry C. 1 year ago on Google
    Very impressive museum. From the building to the staff that greet you a good experience. Entry is just a small donation. The location is great with good restaurants nearby. A must do.

  • 5/5 Lizz S. 1 year ago on Google
    My advice join the free tour and then go wandering, wonderful museum with very interesting informative guides, the Batvia wreck is a sight to see up close.

  • 5/5 Janette M. 1 year ago on Google
    We had an amazing couple of hours wandering through the museum. We discoveriled many new facts on our history in the area shipping.

  • 5/5 Kit T. 1 year ago on Google
    Back in the day this was the maritime museum and I've always liked coming here. Being a super stingy guy, I love the fact that museums are free. There are a lot of good museums in WA, but the Shipwrecks museum is probably the most underrated (except maybe that Tractor Museum in Caversham that I almost went to one time). The imposing wreck of the Batavia is still there, and still very well preserved. The story of the Batavia shipwreck may be dumbed down for the kids, but it is a good intro for those curious about the atrocities that happened before WA was even a civilisation. There are remnants of WA's maritime past - antique gilded things, paintings that beat anything in AGWA, books with them cursive handwritings you don't see anymore because people forgot how to write. And that skeleton. If you're a visitor to Freo, go to the Sail and Anchor, the markets, but please don't skip this gem of a place.

  • 5/5 S L C. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited the WA Shipwreck Museum in Fremantle. The stories of shipwrecks and actual items from these ships are displayed here. The largest shipwreck piece is from Batavia owned by the Dutch East India Company and shipwrecked in 1629 in Western Australia. The museum is not very large but worth a visit for the excellent ship models and artifacts.

  • 5/5 Yvonne O. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting. I was there to see the remains of the batavia and I was not disappointed.

  • 5/5 Bill Q. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely fascinating set of displays - even for a landlubber like me. I was thoroughly absorbed by the room devoted to the recovery and restoration of the Xantho engine, especially the audio visual component. Will have to come back to see the Batavia video. Highly recommend a visit.

  • 5/5 Trudy Y. 11 months ago on Google
    Cannot speak more highly of this little space. It's modern, clean, fun, jam-packed with info, and really quite captivating for both adults and kids. They have a treasure map and a sheet of questions to be answered throughout the museum to work out a padlock code for a treasure chest, sitting at the entrance. Honestly, blown away by how wonderful this spot was. We didn't have enough time to view all areas and items thoroughly. It was warm and a little safe haven on a cold and windy ANZAC day, with 2 little kids and 3 adults. The gift shop was charming and full of quality products. The staff were helpful and welcoming. I would absolutely recommend popping in and donating what you can. There is no entry fee.

  • 5/5 Laura L. 11 months ago on Google
    Very cool, lots to see and learn all about shipwreck history! Amazing what people are we’re hand building in the 1800’s! Quite big, we spent a good 1.5hrs wondering around, looking at the canons, relics and watching the videos.

  • 5/5 Daniel MouMouBall (. 11 months ago on Google
    Lots of cannons Free to visit, definitely worth it But I strongly suggest you to donate some money

  • 5/5 warren m. 2 years ago on Google
    Best maritime museum I've ever been to & unbelievably it's free. Loved the old cannons.

  • 5/5 Y G. 1 year ago on Google
    Free entry 👍 Recommend to visit if you are in Fremantle. Also, you can watch “Shipwrecks Hunters” on Disney+ for understanding shipwrecks.

  • 5/5 yola n. 2 years ago on Google
    WA maritime history. The Batavia on display. Fun activities for kids and a great gift shop. Located on near the water front.

  • 5/5 Chandra 7 months ago on Google
    The WA Shipwreck Museum vividly showcases artifacts from numerous shipwrecks off Western Australia's coast, including timbers from the 1629 Batavia wreck , and countless artifacts from the Dutch shipwrecks Zuytdorp (1712), Zeewijk (1727) and Vergulde Draeck (1656). Also featured is the Dutch SS Xantho railway engine (1872). No effort or expense was spared to make the immersive exhibits impactful. An art exhibition from local artists was also featured and impressive. Overall, a must-see attraction for all ages, worth supporting.

  • 5/5 Maria G. 7 months ago on Google
    This is a place where everybody should go. It represents a slice of WA history and a very interesting one. Children are very well entertained by the variety of exhibits. There is no entry fee, you can choose to donate $5, there is a machine at the reception where you can paypass for exactly that amount. There is also a box where you can donate cash if you choose to. Very interesting exhibition and using story telling method of shipwrecks around West Australian coasts, from the last survivors of Austro-Hungarian barque Stefano from 1875 that resorted to cannibalism to survive, to the shipwreck that took more than 160 years until it was able to identity its name and to the engine that was more 100 years underwater, and once restored – it can still work. An entire room is dedicated to the Dutch sea captain de Vlamingh who discovered and explored the West Coast, our current WA of what was then called New Holland, as they named Australia. There are lots of exhibits, beautifully restored, and that makes you wonder how that porcelain, the pottery and glasses survived the water and the centuries, military items, and even an incomplete set of chess pieces. That was my favourite. There is also a souvenir shop well stocked with history books about the topic and other gift items. The museum has wheelchair access and lift and friendly staff ready to assist in each room. We spent very interesting few hours in the museum.

  • 5/5 Gordon D. 8 months ago on Google
    Had an absolutely fantastic and educational visit to this museum today. A magnificent record and collection of artefacts from many shipwrecks of a bygone era. A credit to all the staff and volunteers, especially those who recovered and restored back to working condition an old ship engine! A bonus, until 30 July, is a special display of a large private collection of scale models of hundreds of naval ships and submarines. The fine detail and other aspects were truly astounding.


Call +61 1300 134 081 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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