Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum sits on the Darling Harbour waterfront in Sydney, the country's flagship museum dedicated to the sea and the nation's rich maritime story. From exploration and navigation to defence, immigration and surf culture, it brings Australia's deep connection to the ocean vividly to life across its galleries and its fleet of historic vessels.

The big drawcentre is getting aboard the ships moored alongside — a replica of Captain Cook's HMB Endeavour, the submarine HMAS Onslow and the destroyer HMAS Vampire among them — for a genuinely hands-on experience. Combined with engaging indoor exhibitions and its prime harbourside location, it's a fascinating and family-friendly day out.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 6,200 reviews, it's a much-loved institution. General galleries, the ships, special exhibitions and any tours have their own admission and arrangements, and the vessels in particular can have set access times, so it's worth checking current details and considering booking ahead before you go — and allowing a good few hours to take in both the galleries and the ships.