Love my247? Be one of the first to try the new.my247.com.au site in its new glory and tell us what you think! Click here for the preview!
welcome guest, join now   | member login | venue login

Sydney

in Search Whats On, Dining and Nightlife Guide
Search Whats On, Dining and Nightlife Guide
quick the boss is coming - go to google!
 Sydney > Darling Harbour Guide > Galleries and Museums / Functions / Catering

Australian National Maritime Museum

essentials reviews photos map competitions what's on menus offers

Watermarks - adventure, sport & play

Until Sunday
This is a long term exhibition
Free Entry
Bookings & Enquiries: [02] 9298 3777
A coastal culture's love of the water


Free Entry


Like a watermark into paper, water seeps deeply into Australia's memory and culture, our sense of place and identity.

Blessed by temperate to tropical weather and a superb coastline, Australians head to the water to swim, surf, water-ski, race anything that floats, and very often just to soak up the sunshine. The traditional figures of the beach and the pool (the bathing beauty, bronzed lifesaver, champion swimmer) promoted health, sexuality, physical competence and sporting prowess. Today this image is tempered by the knowledge that Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

There are also stories of aquatic adventure and achievement - individuals testing themselves against the sea in all sorts of ways, from marathon swims to perilous solo voyages.

Watermarks is an exploration of Australians' infatuation with the water in all its diversity. These images have provided generations with ideas of themselves that have entered the culture and become part of a national identity which is now being challenged.

In the museum's most spectacular exhibition space - the 34-metre-high ANZ Tall Gallery - one of Australia's best-known yachts takes pride of place - Kay Cottee's globe-circling Blackmores First Lady - fitted out below deck so visitors can go on board. Britannia, a classic 1919 18-foot skiff, sails in mid-air. And a boat built of beer cans highlights the spirit of fun which, along with a determined sense of competitiveness, is part of the package of Australian attitudes to water.

more @ Australian National Maritime Museum

Commerce - the working sea

@ Australian National Maritime Museum
Until Sunday
This is a long term exhibition
Australia has always relied on the sea for sustenance and survival. Free Entry After European settlement in... full details

Eora First People

@ Australian National Maritime Museum
Until Sunday
This is a long term exhibition
This exhibition takes us on a journey from Tasmania to far Northern Queensland and the Torres Strait, exploring the... full details

Navy

@ Australian National Maritime Museum
Until Sunday
This is a long term exhibition
Developing a new nation's Navy Free Entry Entering this spectacular gallery, completely redesigned and... full details

Passengers - The long sea voyage

@ Australian National Maritime Museum
Until Sunday
This is a long term exhibition
Free Entry Travel by sea is one way that many of us have participated in Australia's maritime history. The grand... full details

The United States of America Gallery

@ Australian National Maritime Museum
Until Sunday
This is a long term exhibition
The United States of America Gallery - linked by the sea The US Bicentennial Gift to Australia Free... full details

Flags Ahoy!

@ Australian National Maritime Museum
Mon. 1 Dec 08- Sun. 14 Dec 08

Celebrate International Day of People With Disability with Flags Ahoy! full details

Pacific Play!

@ Australian National Maritime Museum
Mon. 5 Jan 09- Sun. 25 Jan 09

Take part in a series of workshops learning skills from around the Pacific Islands. Get hands-on with activities from... full details
getting here
Park in local carparks
Sydney Taxis - Legion Taxis
Sydney Taxis - Premier Cabs
Sydney Taxis - St George Taxis
Sydney Public Transport
interactive map
the map is loading . . please wait . . .
© 247network 1999-2008 Adelaide - Brisbane - Gold Coast - Melbourne - Perth - Sydney