From Sea Monsters to a Cockatoo Island adventure, the school holidays are overflowing with fun this Winter at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Head up a lighthouse, venture aboard our fleet of vessels, explore touchable objects and specimens at the Cabinet of Curiosities and celebrate NAIDOC week with acclaimed artist Alick Tipoti.

Catch a new exhibition or get hands-on with creative activities; chill with a film, or jump onboard a workshop featuring fossils, photography and underwater drones. People with hidden disabilities or who are on the autism spectrum can access a quieter museum experience, through the Sensory Friendly Sundays Programs.

Winter program highlights

Exhibitions

Sea Monsters returns. Millions of years ago while dinosaurs ruled the land, giant reptiles over 20 metres long hunted the depths of the sea – and they’re coming back to life this winter at the Maritime Museum. From June 25.

Shaped by the Sea Our newest gallery uses objects, ideas and spaces to explore the concept of Deep Time, reflected from dual perspectives of scientific knowledge and indigenous culture and practice. Opens late June.

Celebrating NAIDOC week

Celebrate NAIDOC 2022 at the museum on July 8, 9 and 10 with lively performances, creative cultural activities, tours, workshops and storytelling. The museum proudly hosts acclaimed artist Alick Tipoti in performance and conducting linocut print-making workshops. Find out more here

Malangu rooftop film projection Daily 3-10 July 6pm – 8pm
Every night, the Museum’s roof will come alive with this beautiful animation from Alick Tipoti, which tells the story of hunters returning to their island after pursuing dhangal (dugong) and waaru (turtle).

Mural-making and wearable weaves workshop
July 8, 9, 10 – 11am-3pm, Waterside Studio, Free, drop-in
Mural making inspired by the story of Tiddalik the frog and weaving activities by Wiradjuri artist Peta-Joy Williams.

Film Screenings July 8, 9, 10 from 12.00pm, free
Alick and Albert A unique documentary following the friendship of acclaimed artist Alick Tipoti and Prince Albert II of Monaco. From different communities, both share a passionate concern for the future of oceans. Lake of Scars A tale of allyship, environment and heritage on Dja Dja Wurrung country, told by Uncle Jack Charles, directed by Bill Code. Looky Looky, Here Comes Cooky A fresh look at the Cook legend from a First Nations’ perspective: connection, country, resistance, and survival.

Alick Tipoti Printmaking Workshop
Sunday, 11am and 1pm. Free, limited capacity, bookings essential, Ages 7+
Master print maker and acclaimed artist Alick Tipoti shares how his art practice communicates his story, his strong cultural traditions, language and links to the sea. Carve a small print of your own and contribute a copy of your print to a collaborative ocean-inspired art installation.

Sunday celebration
Sunday, 10.30am, Performance Platform /main stage

Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony
Bangarra Dance Theatre workshop, Sunday, 11.15am and 1.15pm
Lead artists from Bangarra Dance theatre share dances from the upcoming production Waru Journey of the small turtle in this interactive workshop.

Alick Tipoti and Sons, Sunday, 2.30pm, free
World renowned artist from Badu Island in the Torres Strait, in performance with his sons. Alick Tipoti’s work depicts the Land, Sea & Sky of his country through traditional Melanesian patterns. His work is in collection throughout some of the most prestigious Galleries & Museum all over the world.

Majeda Beatty- Murri Island Girl, Sunday, 12pm and 2pm, free
Creative learning with Sydney-based performer Majeda Beatty – an exploration of Torres Strait Islander dance, music and cultural traditions, designed especially for primary aged participants and their carers.

Wharves and Galleries
Discover hidden histories of the John Louis and Tribal Warrior Pearling Luggers. Explore the Mariw Minaral and Shaped by the Sea exhibitions. Kids can explore the museum’s Indigenous art collection with an Activity Trail, and find saltwater/freshwater themes in the Cabinet of Curiosities.

Creative workshops

Photography workshop, Cockatoo Island Adventures, 1 day workshop*

Ferry out to the spectacular, spooky shipyards of Cockatoo Island and build your skill using digital SLR cameras. Learn how to use aperture, iso, framing and shutterspeed in your photography and have your photos printed and exhibited in a special exhibition at the museum. Earlybird rates available, bookings essential. *Creative kids vouchers accepted

Fantastic Fossils, Replica Reptiles and Spectacular Sculptures, 1 day workshop Be inspired by the fossils in our Sea Monsters exhibition and discover the science behind their formation and how museum replicas are made. Make your own sea-monster inspired creations. Bookings essential, earlybird rates available. 

Hands-on art and science

Kids on Deck – Mesozoic Monsters Inspired by prehistoric ocean creatures, dive into hands-on art and science sessions. Create sea monster puppets or jellyfish softies, make a goofy gastrolith (pet rock) or carve a clay fossil. Discover archaeological techniques in our sea monsters dig site or dress up as your favourite prehistoric aquatic creature. Daily, 3-17 July.

Underwater drones Got gaming skills? Try your hand at piloting an underwater ROV drone and explore below the surface of the harbour in a private workshop with our ocean-science educators. Sessions suit 1 – 4 people and are suitable for wheelchair users. NOTE: drones cannot be operated in adverse weather conditions, refunds apply if cancelled. Ages 8 to adult, selected dates, bookings essential.

Under 5’s Programs

Mini Mariners Creative and educational activities for 2-5-year-olds and their parents/carers, with a different theme each month.

Terrific Transport Toot-toot, chug-chug and row, row, row your boat around the museum, with this special character tour.
Silly Sea Creatures Wobble, glide and snap your way around the museum to discover the magnificent world of sea creatures. A touch tour of sea-specimens and objects with take-home craft activities.

Where: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour
When: 3 – 17 July

For more information and to book click here