Under Southern Skies

Explore the rich history of navigation under the southern skies through a captivating exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Discover the incredible stories of navigation and voyaging across Australia and its surrounding oceans in this engaging exhibition. From the observation of the transit of Venus to the night sky's importance in Torres Strait Islander navigation, this exhibition unites the long history of navigators under the southern skies.

What to Expect

Visitors will experience over 500 objects from the National Maritime Collection, many never publicly displayed before. Highlights include bark paintings depicting Makassan fishermen trading with Indigenous communities, historic navigational instruments such as sextants and compasses, modern Indigenous art, and objects recovered from famous shipwrecks like the Batavia and James Cook's HMB Endeavour. Interactive digital touchscreens and model ships bring the history to life.

Activity Details

This permanent exhibition traces the history of ocean voyaging from Aboriginal people crossing seas over 60,000 years ago to Muslim Makassan traders, the Chinese Grand Fleet of Zheng He, and Polynesian sailors. It reveals the cultural contacts and technological advancements that shaped navigation around Australia long before European arrival.

Location and Access

The exhibition is located at the Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. The museum is accessible by public transport and offers visitor facilities suitable for families.

Important Information

This exhibition is suitable for visitors of all ages, especially families interested in history, culture, and navigation. It provides a unique educational opportunity to learn about First Nations knowledge and maritime history. Visitors are encouraged to allow ample time to explore the extensive collection.

Booking and Prices

Entry to the Australian National Maritime Museum is required to view the exhibition. Please check the museum's website for current ticket prices and booking options. Discounts may be available for children, families, and concession holders.