Nestled in the heart of historic Williamstown, Seaworks Maritime Museum is a museum that is devoted to preserving Victoria's maritime history. Officially opening in January 2011, it houses unique and significant collections of maritime artefacts.
The museum has been pivotal to Australia's maritime history. It was where the Enterprize set anchor in 1835 (during the foundation of Melbourne), and during WWII it was the facility for ship repairs, and serviced and built vessels for the Port of Melbourne (Australia's first independent port authority and busiest port operations).
Today, Seaworks Maritime Museum welcomes tall ships from all around the world and the Discovery Centre is home to an impressive collection of artefacts, models, bells, an extensive library, photographs, replica displays, exhibits, and more. The significance to most items in the collections is high with importance to the site, which is still a working sea precinct since 1803!
The collection comprises of items from the Polly Woodside collection as well as historical items that relate to the Port of Melbourne Authority and the Melbourne Harbour Trust.
Every artefact is beautifully well preserved, and impressive displays include First Fleet models, R.A.N models, photos and ship emblems, historic ship models, and more.
Exhibitions include a magnificent collection of First Fleet, prison hulks, Melbourne Harbour Trust and the Colonial Navy, mock-up displays, cannons, model ships, extensive library and photograph collection which features chart listings of the First Fleet vessels and passengers, and more.
Seaworks Maritime Museum is an incredible museum, not just for maritime enthusiasts, but for all ages. With its impressive collections, models including life-size displays and replicas, photographs and more, you will not be disappointed.
Seaworks also hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year.
