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WA Shipwrecks Museum
4.7
2644 reviewsAbout
Dive into the fascinating history of Australia's oldest shipwrecks. The WA Shipwrecks Museum is internationally recognised for its contributions to maritime archaeology and shipwreck conservation.
Journey through its galleries to learn about Western Australia's treacherous coast, first European encounters, the riches of maritime trade and one of the deadliest mutinies in known history.
Located on Whadjuk Nyoongar land, the Museum is housed inside Fremantle's historic Commissariat buildings. Originally built to store the food, clothing and building supplies of the Swan River colony, these buildings are among the first Western Australian sites built using convict labour. With the creation of the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976, the Western Australian Museum became the delegated authority for the management of Commonwealth historic shipwrecks and relics in Western Australia.
Positioned beside Bathers Beach and Fremantle's lively port precinct, the museum complements a day of discovery with nearby attractions like The WA Maritime Museum and oceanfront restaurants. Housed in an 1852 convict built Commissariat building, the museum's architecture is itself a touchstone of Western Australia's colonial past. With each curated gallery revealing human stories from centuries ago, the WA Shipwrecks Museum invites visitors to uncover the depths of WA's maritime tales. Plan a visit today to dive into these unforgettable narratives.
Hours
Closed now
Daily: 09:30–17:00
Facilities and visitor features
13 featuresDisabled access available, contact operator for details.
Nearby places
Reviews & Ratings
majid rezanasab
Google review
We visited the WA Shipwrecks Museum. It was pretty good—not a must-see, but definitely worth a visit. The best part was that entry was free, and there were some really interesting shipwreck artifacts and historical displays. The gift shop also had some nice handmade crafts and souvenirs at reasonable prices, which was a pleasant surprise.
Michael Mcpherson
Google review
Very extensive detailed quality displays of the actual shipwrecks and artefacts and remains of the crew plus all the extensive models were amazing such attention to detail and finesse to create them. The skill and patience to reclaim the artefacts the almost complete steam engine was astounding that it was painstakingly recovered from the ocean was very impressive.
Pando Bones
Google review
Free to visit but donations are welcome. Nicely laid out and well presented exhibits with historical information. The ship and engine reclamation exhibits are very well done and leave plenty of time to look at all the magnificent models made by one person. Pando from France 🇫🇷.
harby nanad
Google review
The WA Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle is a must-visit! 😊 It's a hidden gem that's free to enter, although donations are appreciated. The museum showcases an impressive collection of artifacts and relics from over 1,400 shipwrecks off Western Australia's coast, including the famous Batavia shipwreck. You'll get to see original timbers from the Batavia, the de Vlamingh Dish, and other treasures. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1850s-era Commissariat building, and the exhibits are well-curated and engaging. Visitors rave about the knowledgeable guides and the free highlight tours, which provide a great overview of the museum's history and significance. Allow a couple of hours to explore the museum, but it's not crowded when I went there on a Monday.
Alkaline by Design
Google review
A very worthwhile visit for a small donation, this museum has some very interesting history and artefacts of shipping. A fabulous book and gift shop. Get there early and snag a carpark out front and then lunch at one of the several restaurants.
Get in touch
Where you'll be
Cliff Street
Fremantle WA 6160