Featured Ship Tours
Walk the decks of historic vessels and the MV Wyuna pilot cutter — the museum's flagship under restoration.
- Naval & Merchant Navy stories
- Self-guided or expert-led
- Group bookings welcome
Crib Point · Victoria
Australia's maritime story, preserved.
Step aboard the Victorian Maritime Centre — where the courage of naval and merchant sailors is brought to life through authentic ships, artefacts and stories.
220 The Esplanade, Crib Point
Open Sat & Sun · 10am – 3pm
4.8 / 5 visitor rating
25+
Years preserving heritage
2,000+
Library volumes & artefacts
4.8★
Average visitor rating
99 yrs
Our oldest active volunteer
What Awaits You
Four ways to experience Australia's maritime heritage
Every exhibit, vessel and book in our care exists to bring the sea — and those who sailed it — closer to you.
Immersive Exhibits
From the AE2 submarine at Gallipoli to HMAS Australia at Leyte Gulf — exhibits that bring history within arm's reach.
- Authentic artefacts
- Scale model warships
- Interactive displays
Duncan MacKinnon Library
Over 2,000 maritime books, journals, navy magazines and rare photographs — open during museum hours.
- 2,000+ volumes
- Historical periodicals
- Research-friendly
Group & Education Tours
Curated visits for clubs, schools and community groups — paired with guides who lived the stories.
- Custom itineraries
- School programs
- Coach parking on site
Featured Fleet
View all exhibits Real ships. Real stories. Preserved at Crib Point.
Authentic photographs of the vessels whose stories live on through our exhibits — from Australia's first submarine to the heavy cruiser that defied kamikaze attacks at Leyte Gulf.
Heavy Cruiser1928 – 1955
HMAS Australia (D84)
County-class heavy cruiser — survived kamikaze attacks at Leyte Gulf and served across two world wars.
E-class Submarine1914 – 1915
HMAS AE2
Australia's first submarine — first Allied vessel to breach the Dardanelles during the Gallipoli campaign.
Wartime ArchiveWWII Service
HMAS Australia · Bridge
View from the bridge and forward turrets of the heavy cruiser during her wartime operations in the Pacific.
Light CruiserRoyal Australian Navy
HMAS Perth
Among the proud line of RAN cruisers featured in our gallery — a tribute to the sailors who served aboard.
Historical photographs courtesy of the Australian War Memorial archives via Wikimedia Commons.
About the Centre
More than a museum — a living tribute to those who served the sea.
The Victorian Maritime Centre at Crib Point is dedicated to preserving Australia's rich naval and merchant marine history. Our exhibits, artefacts and the Duncan MacKinnon Library are curated and brought to life by volunteers — including our oldest, who at 99 still works among the books he loves.
Authentic Heritage
Real artefacts, ships and uniforms — not reproductions.
Volunteer-led
Guided by people who know the stories first-hand.
All Ages
Engaging for families, scholars and naval enthusiasts.
Community Spirit
A welcoming home for clubs, schools and groups.
How It Works
From booking to boarding in four simple steps
01
Choose Your Visit
Pick a weekend, a tour, or a group booking that fits your party.
02
Reserve Your Spot
Book online or contact us — concession and junior pricing available.
03
Arrive at Crib Point
220 The Esplanade. Open Saturday & Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
04
Experience the Story
Be guided through ships, artefacts and stories that shaped Australia.
A Visual Voyage
Three glimpses of what's waiting on the other side of the door.
Galleries that breathe history
Walk among ships, uniforms and the moments that defined a nation at sea.
Artefacts you can almost touch
Sextants, charts and logbooks from the era of sail and steam.
A library 2,000 volumes deep
The Duncan MacKinnon Library — a haven for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
What's On
Upcoming events at the Centre
Talks, group visits and special weekends — there's always something new on the horizon.
Sat 16 May
Free with admissionVolunteer-Guided Heritage Walk
A 90-minute deep-dive through the centre's flagship exhibits with one of our naval historians.
220 The Esplanade, Crib Point
Sun 24 May
Group dayWestern Port Coffee & Cars Visit
Classic and antique car clubs gather on the foreshore — drop in afterwards for a guided tour.
220 The Esplanade, Crib Point
Sat 7 Jun
Special eventMV Wyuna Restoration Update
An evening talk on progress restoring the museum's flagship pilot cutter in Tasmania.
220 The Esplanade, Crib Point
Visitor Stories
Loved by families, scholars and seafarers alike
"An absolute treasure. The volunteers' stories brought every exhibit to life — we'll be back with the grandkids."
"A perfectly-run group tour. The team accommodated our schedule and made everyone feel welcome from the moment we arrived."
"Rare artefacts you simply won't see anywhere else in Victoria. The library alone is worth the trip."
Questions, answered
Everything you need to plan a great visit.
Still wondering about something? Email us at bookings@vmctestwmg.com and a volunteer will respond personally.
Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday.
Logbook Newsletter
Stories from the sea — straight to your inbox.
Monthly highlights: new exhibits, restoration progress on the MV Wyuna, and special events at Crib Point. No spam — just maritime heritage.
Begin Your Voyage
Step aboard a story that shaped a nation.
Open every Saturday and Sunday — limited weekend capacity. Book your visit or group tour today and discover the men, ships and moments behind Australia's maritime heritage.
220 The Esplanade · Crib Point VIC 3915 · Sat & Sun 10am – 3pm