All events

Free along the waterfront this summer

Festival
2 Fleet Services volunteers, standing in front of the ENDEAVOUR.

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There is plenty to do at the museum this summer, from looking at boats to tying knots in rope, with plenty of free activities happening along our newly renovated waterfront. Scroll down to discover the fun for all ages, including:

  • Roving performers
  • A flotilla of rare Halvorsen boats
  • Early morning Yoga
  • Still Life drawing club

And much, much more

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Roving performances

Come face to face with a curious cast of characters as captivating performance artists engage in lively roving entertainment around the museum.

Enjoy encounters with larger than life deep sea divers, a majestic jellyfish stiltwalker, a bubbling submarine and a dancing lighthouse. Sing along to shanties, tap your toes to the beats of brass bands, get your own sailor -style temporary tattoo painted on while you wait to board a vessel. Spot synchronised swimmers and jovial jugglers, spectacular puppets and a whimsical whale in our rotating program of free daily performances.  

Daily, 19 December – 2 February 
11am - 2pm

After Sunrise Yoga

Start your morning with a peaceful yoga session  led by Auntie Jacqui Jarrett, a proud Dharawal and  Gumbaynggirr woman. Held on our serene boardwalk  overlooking the harbour, these sessions welcome participants of all levels to explore the connection between First Nations practices and yoga.  

These classes blend First Nations wisdom with modern wellness, offering a transformative experience for mind, body, and soul. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel. 

Mondays 6, 13 and 20 January 
8.30am to 9.30am 
Free tickets will be available soon

Photo showing the silhouette of a woman doing a yoga pose. There is water and a pink, purple sunrise behind her.
Photo of a young girl standing at a table, being shown a model head of a crocodile.

Tucker Tuesdays

Join Aunty Marie and the team from Koori Kulcha as they share native plants, herbs and spices in an engaging talk, demonstration and tasting experience. Learn about how these ingredients and flavours have been sourced and utilised for cooking, medicine and traditional practices over the years. Enjoy an interactive cooking demonstration and sample cuisine featuring these locally sourced bush tucker ingredients.  

Tuesdays 14, 21 and 28 January
11am – 12.30pm 

Still Life Drawing Club

Sketch the graceful lines of sailboats, the sturdy geometry of a tall ship, the towering Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse. Or channel your inner artist and recreate iconic scenes from Titanic, inspired by the actual costumes from our James Cameron - Challenging the Deep exhibition in our Still Life Drawing Workshops.    

Set against a harbour backdrop, this unique event invites artists of all levels to sharpen their observational skills.  

This summer, Gladdy Drawing Club reimagines traditional life drawing, pairing figure models with boats and a lighthouse as striking subjects. Guided by Australian artist Bligh Twyford-Moore (Total Bore), each session includes tips on capturing movement, texture, and proportion. All materials are provided — just bring your creativity. 

Wednesdays 8, 15 and 22 January
11am-12pm 

Photo showing a line of people sitting on stools and sketching in an art gallery, with colourful paintings behind them.
Photo showing detail of a decorative knot and pulley on timber decking of KATHLEEN GILLETT

Nautical Knots & Ropemaking Demonstrations

Experience the age-old craft of maritime ropemaking with the museum's Fleet team during their weekly demonstrations. Delve into seafaring history as skilled ropemakers showcase traditional techniques passed down for centuries. Join us on the newly refreshed Performance Platform to meet the team that keeps our vessels afloat. Here, you’ll witness their craft in action and even try your hand at creating your own rope. Take home a handmade souvenir and a deeper appreciation for this vital maritime tradition. Don’t miss this hands-on journey into the heart of maritime craftsmanship! 

Saturdays at 11am 
Duration: 30 min

See the floating fleet

Walk along or wharves to learn more about our collection of historic vessels. 

Halvorsen centenary flotilla

This summer marks one hundred years since Lars Halvorsen and his family of boatbuilders and sailors immigrated from Norway to Australia, initiating the love of a boating holiday to non-boating Australians.

Our Halvorsen Centenary Flotilla will celebrate this significant milestone with a remarkable display of Halvorsen vessels on our newly restored Heritage Pontoon, highlighting the beauty and exceptional craftsmanship of the Halvorsen family through a myriad of varied vessels. Please note that boarding these vessels is not permitted.

10-22 January

Photo of small model sailing boats on the blue, green water.

Floating Model Boats

Explore a miniature maritime world this summer at the museum’s model boat display. Watch as remote-controlled boats navigate the marina, skilfully operated by expert modellers and passionate enthusiasts.  

Admire a stunning collection of handcrafted marine models, from sleek modern vessels to historic ships, showcasing incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail. The display features static models and fully functional boats gliding across the water.  

See the art and engineering of model boating as talented creators pilot their radio-controlled models. Whether you’re a maritime fan, an admirer of fine craftsmanship, or simply looking for a unique summer outing, this display promises a captivating experience for all ages. 

Dates to be announced

Ocean health lab

The Seabin Ocean Health Lab is 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.  

Open for tours 2- 25 January and weekends in term time 
Recommended for ages 5 to adult   

Beat the heat

Come inside and enjoy the aircon in our free exhibition galleries, documentary film and activities for the kids!

A man and woman are in a room inside the ship vampire with red lighting and lots of technical equipment around them.

Get more with our See it all ticket or museum membership

Enjoy a full day of fun with our one ticket which includes so much more. 

Get onboard the vessels, escape the heat with even more exhibitions and join in our range of programs. 

Too much for one day? A membership allows you to visit as much as you like, so with new activities and exhibitions throughout the year, there is something for the whole family.