Free along the waterfront this summer
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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
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
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
Life Drawing Club
Join us for free sessions of Gladdy Drawing Club en plein air every Wednesday from 11am for the rest of this month. We’ve gone for a deep dive (pun intended) on three films with strong throughlines to our nautical venue and unique perspectives on the human figure.
Artists! These sessions are by the museum's waterfront so do not forget to bring sunglasses and a hat! Drawing is in the boardwalk amphitheatre right next to a coffee cart! Materials provided or BYO.
Session 1 - Ursula
Wednesday 8 January , 11am
Inspired by The Little Mermaid, 1989
Feat. Demon Derriere
Session 2 - Jack and Rose
Wednesday 15 January, 11am
Inspired by Titanic, 1997
Feat. Rosie Rivette and Shaleim Brown
Session 3 - Ephraim and Thomas
Wednesday 22 January, 11am
Inspired by The Lighthouse, 2019
Feat. Melvin Heng and the lucky winner of the Willem Dafoe look-alike contest (details soon)
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
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!
