Navigators, explorers and traders

Join us on a tour of the museum galleries to explore early contact with the Australian continent, navigational tools and historic ocean voyages.

Explore artefacts and documents in the museum’s exhibitions to discover the diverse ways in which navigation, exploration and trade have shaped Australia.

Your students will:

  • Learn about the navigational techniques of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Pacific Islander seafarers and European explorers
  • Explore the significance of trade between First Nations people of the northern Australian coast and Macassan traders
  • Discover the stories of Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English explorers and understand the motivations behind their historic voyages
  • Experience a digital artwork by producer and historian Brett Leavy, which showcases pre-colonial life in Darling Harbour
  • Gain insights from leading Aboriginal art and cultural practitioners about life before colonisation
  • Explore artefacts from the convict era and learn about the British decision to colonise Australia. 

Also included

  • Free self-guided access to museum exhibitions and HMAS Vampire outside of the scheduled program times. If you wish to visit any other vessels, please include the details in your booking form.  
  • All groups have a 30-minute recess and safety induction on arrival.  
  • Please indicate in your booking enquiry if you would like to schedule a lunch break during your visit. 

Cost

$225 per group of 15 students.  

Free for teachers and supervising adults within the required supervision ratio.

Book with another education program on the same day for $300 per group of 15 students.  

Discounts are available to schools with an ICSEA score of 800 or lower. 

Accessibility

This program is conducted within the main museum building.  

  • There is ramp and lift access to all exhibition spaces within the main museum building.  
  • This program does not include boarding the vessels.   

Please indicate in your booking enquiry if anyone in your group has additional support needs so that we can ensure everyone has a positive experience at the museum.    

 

Accessibility for schools

Still have questions?

Read the frequently asked questions to find out more.  

Stay for the whole day!

Book two programs on the same day for a discounted price.

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Back in the classroom

Discover the Museum’s award-winning educational games and digital resources across a range of stages and subjects. 

1606 - Contact at Cape Keerweer

This education resource introduces students to the Duyfken, which was the first European vessel to meet the First Nations people of Australia on Wik country on the Cape York Peninsula in 1606.

Illustration showing silhouettes of people siting around a campfire with a sunset in the background
Illustration of the Duyfken watched by Wik people