The weather was gloomy and it had been a long week of toilet training the tiny one. We had battened down the hatches and cabin fever had totally set in. It was time to hit the upper deck for fresh air; to visit new shores and find our sea legs.
The Australian National Maritime Museum is located on Sydney’s Darling Harbour. It is pretty difficult to miss. In fact, I had spotted the big ships from a ferry on a previous trip and knew my wannabe pirate scallywag son would go nuts for it. And I was right.
We decided to visit the exhibitions first…(OK; I was still super nervous about toilet training and wanted to keep close to the bathrooms).
My kids sticky little hands were drawn to those glass cabinets like bears to honey. They ran frantically walked sensibly from each display to the next; pointing and squawking, giving us no time to actually catch our breath and read about the beautiful time keepers, miniature vessels or sunken treasures. They were breathless and excited. But you know what? This is what a family day out is all about, right? Voices booming through speakers and lights creating imagery around the walls kept their wild minds racing, but I admit to feeling relieved when we came across a room specifically for the little ones. Upstairs, the kids were given cute backpacks with ‘treasures’ inside. My son was over the moon to find a star costume which had to go on immediately, and raced about with his father discovering various items used by sailors to find their way on early journeys of discovery. The daughter was thrilled to continue her backpack obsession, though it was a struggle for me to be allowed to pry it open to show her the little puppets, instruments and puzzles also included. Big ticks for the curators who had puzzle sheets and a small book for the kids to receive upon returning their packs upon exiting; otherwise I would have had a guaranteed meltdown! Well played.
Anything interactive has my vote. The kids sat up on chairs and hit buttons to identify noises on the sonic radar, they climbed on thin, bunk beds, and they looked through telescopes.
We found the Mini Mariners play room and it was a relief to sit and let the kids mess about safely with a toy boat, fishing rods, life vests and whistles (whistles?). They ran back and forth from one toy to another and we sat and breathed and regrouped.
Next up was a necessary visit to the Yots Cafe, which had a beautiful view of the water, cute nautical decor, and a mean bowl of chips which was snuffled fast by the two little seafarers. Oh..OK..and me…I had a few…
It was time for the biggies.
ALL ABOARD!!! Look out boats; we were coming.
The first ship was a special visit to the SV Tenacious; a ship which has been visiting various ports around Australia from the UK. This incredible lady has been made to allow access for people with disabilities, including a wheelchair lift and a speaking compass. I managed my Titanic moment, albeit I was gripping tightly to the hood of my 4 year old whilst we were ‘flying’ out the front; well back from the edge of course.
Next up, I pasted my ‘mummy’ smile on, as we approached the HMAS Onslow submarine. We had to walk down steps, backwards, into the belly of this baby, and I was unsure how comfortable I would be. But, I had nothing to be concerned about. It was fantastic! I have no idea how these sailors could live like this, but I still enjoyed peeking into their rooms and kitchens and seeing the mechanics behind this incredible machine. It was nice to crawl out into the fresh air, however. Just note that there is a height restriction for entry to all the vessels of 90cm if you are visiting with your kids.
Over to the HMAS Vampire, a destroyer ship which felt luxuriously spacious after the sub, but still amazing to see how people lived on board. The video that was shown highlighting this ship at work, was so wide in a small room we almost felt like part of the action. The kids actually were fully engrossed (or starting to tire) as incredibly they sat still and watched it.
Finally we just scraped in a visit to the HMB Endeavour replica. My son was in raptures as he and his father entered full pirate mode. Once we climbed down into the hull and the volunteer began talking potatoes and scurvy, Miss Fussypants declared loudly that she was done and we climbed back out. The boys rejoined us later, and they came out with smiles as wide as the previous boats cinema screen, so it was certainly a win.
There are many areas that are free to visit, but if you wish to board the vessels, the BIG TICKET valued at $75 would be your best option. This allows entry for two adults and up to 3 kids for all the ‘cool’ stuff. There are also some great options if you want to become a member. Check out prices at http://www.anmm.gov.au/visit/admission . I have also been given some family passes to give away, so keep an eye on my Mummy Muckups facebook page for the upcoming competition.
This is definitely a place you need to visit. I was absolutely exhausted, but it was totally worth it when my son declared that going in a submarine was to be his ‘news’ at pre-school on Monday. Given each week he wants to take along a transformer toy, this was seriously ground breaking and high praise indeed for the Australian National Maritime Museum.
The Museum was kind enough to provide us with a family pass; but these opinions are all my very own.
