Western Australian Museum, WA, Australia
The Western Australian Museum is the state museum for Western Australia. It has six main sites: in Perth within the Perth Cultural Centre, two in Fremantle (Maritime and Shipwreck Galleries), and one each in Albany, Geraldton, and Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The Western Australian Museum is a statutory authority within the Culture and the Arts Portfolio
Housed in an intriguing sail-shaped building on the harbour, just west of the city centre, the Maritime museum is a fascinating exploration of WA’s relationship with the ocean. Well-presented displays range from yacht racing to Aboriginal fish traps and the sandalwood trade. If you’re not claustrophobic, take an hour-long tour of the submarine HMAS Ovens . The vessel was part of the Australian Navy’s fleet from 1969 to 1997. Tours leave every half-hour from 10am to 3.30pm.
Various boats are on display in the museum including Australia II, the famous winged-keel yacht that won the America’s Cup yachting race in 1983 (ending 132 years of American domination of the competition). Other boats include an Aboriginal bark canoe; an Indonesian outrigger canoe, introduced to the Kimberley and used by the Indigenous people; and a pearl lugger used in Broome. Even a classic 1970s panel van (complete with fur lining) makes the cut – because of its status as the surfer’s vehicle of choice.
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