Delight in the diverse creatures and environments that make up our oceans, lakes and rivers, including the challenges they face and some inspiring solutions.

The actions of our past and present shape our ocean future. We collect and share stories of innovation and hope across science, industry and communities.&nbsp;

Each month the Museum will feature a leading voice in ocean action. These people come from all backgrounds and walks of life. From scientists to industry leaders and innovators, global heroes, youth activists, and local champions, there are many ways to make a change for a sustainable ocean future.&nbsp;

Ocean changemakers

Valerie Taylor – An underwater life 

The museum is opening its windows to the world
&nbsp;Immerse yourself in historical and contemporary stories of Sydney Harbour – both above and below the waterline – and understand your role in keeping the inhabitants of our harbour safe.&nbsp;
See ship models that highlight past and present commerce and trade, and learn about the importance of keeping our working port alive. Find out what scientists and designers are doing to restore vital habitats and protect biodiversity. Understand the threats our harbour has overcome, and what we need to do to protect it in future.
The Sydney Harbour Gallery is sponsored by Port Authority of NSW who retain the significant maritime roles of Harbour Master, management of dangerous goods and emergency response plus responsibility for the navigation, security and operational safety needs of commercial shipping operating in the ports of Sydney Harbour, Port Botany, Newcastle, Port Kembla, Yamba and Eden. They also operate Sydney’s two international cruise terminals (Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay and White Bay Cruise Terminal at Balmain) and hosts the city’s only dry bulk facilities, located on Glebe Island.
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Sydney Harbour Gallery

In 2020-21, Schmidt Ocean Institute collaborated with research institutions from across Australia and the globe to explore the deepest and most remote parts of the Australian marine environment.&nbsp;
This free outdoor exhibition includes amazing ‘discoveries’ found by researchers on board RV Falkor, and imaged with ROV SuBastian’s high-resolution 4k camera system. From whale falls, ram’s horn squid, new reefs and new black corals, this year in science has it all.&nbsp;
The exhibition gives visitors a ‘taste’ of the amazing discoveries to be found in our waters, and is an entree to the major new One Ocean — Our Future exhibition in the main museum building.&nbsp;
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Ocean Wonders

Yolŋu sculptor Guykuda Munungurr presents a powerful demonstration of ancestral and totemic affiliations of marine life to family in the Yirrkala region. The exhibition involves a three-dimensional installation space of cultural knowledges extending beneath the surface of the ocean. Many of the fish, sharks and crocodile that are represented in these works are depicted in the museum’s internationally significant saltwater bark paintings. Protecting Sea Country is an important message aligned with the museum’s commitment to the UN Ocean Decade.

Mäṉa and Bäru – The Sea Country of Guykuda Munungurr

What's on at the museum

Exhibitions 

Explore the collection

Ron and Valerie Taylor were pioneers in Australian skindiving and spearfishing in the mid 1950s before turning their interest to scuba diving and underwater photography.&nbsp;
Passionate defenders of sharks and the marine environment, the Taylors have been recognised for their work all over the globe. Their work has made a massive impact on ocean conservation, a cause that Valerie still vocally supports to this day.&nbsp;

Ron and Valerie Taylor

The Death of Sharks - a looming threat to our ocean's future

The first of its kind in the world, Seabin scientists analyse marine debris – from macroplastics to tiny nurdles, sucked from the sea by the 30 Seabins stationed around Sydney Harbour. Dive deep into the stories behind the data and learn about what we can do to turn the tide on marine pollution.
Explore the world’s first Ocean Health Lab with free tours.

Ocean Health Lab

Come to the Australian National Maritime Museum to discover how you can help to clean up the ocean.
In this program, your students will go on a ‘trash and treasure’ tour, solving riddles to find plastic trash and marine treasures. Along the way you’ll learn about sustainability, First Nations connection to Sea Country, the effects of plastic on food chains, and witness a Seabin in action! Your class will see how science and technology can be used to tackle waste management, and will leave knowing how to reduce their plastic footprint on the ocean.

Solutions to ocean pollution

They may be small, but only in size! Be amazed by the superpowers of plankton in our ocean science program at the Sea Museum.
Students will discover the beauty and diversity of plankton and their vital role in the marine food web. We’ll catch plankton samples from the wharf and view a microscopic world buzzing with activity, geometric shapes and tiny creatures with alien features.

Underwater microbeasts

Students will discover life below the waves in this whole-day depth study on marine science. &nbsp;
Students will get their hands wet with ocean science fieldwork exercises.

Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics 

Created by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) in collaboration with the Australian National Maritime Museum, this learning resource supports students and teachers in Years 3 to 6 to explore the award-winning animated television series The Deep in the classroom and beyond.

The Deep learning resource

Learn with Blueback

School programs and online resources perfect for school students learning about ocean science and sustainability

From our education team

Search our Ocean futures objects collection

Search our Ocean futures objects collection

Learn more in our collection

Explore online

Get a closer look at the Delta RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) used by the non-profit conservation organisation, Sea Shepherd, with 3D photogrammetry by Rampe Realistic Imaging.

Ocean futures

Delight in the diverse creatures and environments that make up our oceans, lakes and rivers, including the challenges they face and some inspiring solutions.

Ocean changemakers

Exhibitions

Valerie Taylor – An underwater life

Sydney Harbour Gallery

Ocean Wonders

Mäṉa and Bäru – The Sea Country of Guykuda Munungurr

Ron and Valerie Taylor

The Death of Sharks - a looming threat to our ocean's future

Ocean Health Lab

From our education team

Solutions to ocean pollution

Underwater microbeasts

Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics

The Deep learning resource

Learn with Blueback

Search our Ocean futures objects collection

Westpac Little Ripper Life Saver (unmanned aerial vehicle)

Blue Nemo Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV)

Volvo, Piping Hot for Clean Oceans swimsuit

Delta RIB - 3D photogrammetry