Shipwreck Galleries
Built by convicts in the 1850s, the Western Australian Museum – Shipwreck Galleries is one of the most important maritime archaeology museums in the southern hemisphere.
The Museum is located within Fremantle’s historic West End precinct. It is home to hundreds of shipwreck relics from Western Australia’s maritime past, from the 17th century to the early part of last century. Schools might like to consider combining their Museum excursion with a visit to the Western Australian Museum – Maritime, for a whole day’s experience of Fremantle.
Uncover tales of exploration, disaster, mutiny and survival as your class explores Australia’s earliest shipwrecks with our experienced Education Officers and Volunteer Guides.
Trace the extraordinary voyages of the spice traders and the race to discover the Great South Land. In our interactive programs, learn how to load and fire a replica cannon, and imagine life aboard a 17th century sailing ship. Learn how boats float, and build and race your own model boat. Imagine you are a marine archaeologist. Handle real artefacts and unlock the mysteries of the deep.
WA Museum education brochure 2012 - all sites
[PDF 14.8mb]
Shipwreck Galleries education brochure pages
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K - 3: Early Childhood
Pirates Apprentice
Clean, load and ‘fire’ a cannon, see real treasure and learn about shipboard life and shipwrecks.
4 - 7: Middle Childhood
Exploration and Discovery
Follow the journeys of the early European explorers who charted the coast of the Great South Land.
Shipwreck Scientists
Become a shipwreck scientist for a day in this hands-on program. Examine shipwreck artefacts and learn conservation techniques that enable 400 year old artefacts to survive the journey from the bottom of the sea to a Museum display.
Don’t Rock the Boat
Build and race your own boat in our test tank. Learn how boats work and what makes them go faster.
European Settlement Walking Tour
Imagine the conditions faced by early European settlers. Starting at the convict built Shipwreck Galleries, this walking tour includes Bather’s Beach and the Round House.
General Tour
Hear stories of the spice trade and see relics from famous shipwrecks along the WA coast on a tour with one of our volunteer guides. Learn about the Batavia and other Dutch shipwrecks and tales of mutiny and survival.
8 -10: Early Adolescence
General Tour
Hear tales of exploration, survival and mutiny as we trace the extraordinary voyages of the spice traders and the European discovery of the Great South Land. Guided tours can also focus on specific themes within the galleries (subject to availablilty).
European Settlement Walking Tour
Imagine the conditions faced by early European settlers. Starting at the convict built Shipwreck Galleries, this walking tour includes Bather’s Beach and the Round House.
Maritime Archaeology
Handle, describe and record features of real artefacts, and tour the Shipwreck Galleries to discover the stories and artefacts from the famous shipwrecks on our WA coast.
11 -12: Late Adolescence
Guided Tours
Tours can focus on specific themes within the galleries and can be tailored to the Marine and Maritime Technology Course of Study.
Maritime Archaeology
Handle, describe and record features of real artefacts, and tour the Shipwreck Galleries to discover the stories and artefacts from the famous shipwrecks on our WA coast.
Resources: Planning your excursion
Teacher’s Guide - Shipwreck Galleries
This guide contains a large selection of pre and post-visit activities with Curriculum Framework links provided.
Holding History in Your Hand Maritime Archaeology Loan Kit
Classroom resrouce: Holding History in Your Hand Maritime Archaeology Loan Kit.
Excursion Management Plan 2012 - Western Australian Museum - Shipwrecks Galleries
Developed in line with DoE excursion policy, please download for assistance with your excursion planning.
Excursion Management Plan 2012 - Western Australian Museum - Shipwreck Galleries2012 Education Brochure (All Sites)
Western Australian Museum educational brochure (all sites) 2012.
Excursion Options
Facilitated Programs:
All facilitated programs are led by our Education Officers or trained Volunteer Guides and must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Program duration varies between one and two hours, depending on the program and the age of students.
Self-guided Experiences:
Visit the museum and explore the galleries in small groups at your own pace. Self-guided visits must be booked in advance.
Program Costs
Facilitated Programs:
$5.00 - $8.00 per student (including GST)
Self-guided Experiences:
Entry by donation
Excursion Bookings
Western Australian Museum — Shipwreck Galleries
Cliff Street, Fremantle
Telephone: (08) 9431 8455
Fax: (08) 9431 8490
Email: freoedu@museum.wa.gov.au