Twilight tours and free family boat festival these holidays at the Maritime Museum
by Jude Timms 10 Mar 2018 11:18 PST
Autumn © Jude Timms
These school holidays families are invited to immerse themselves in the museum's major exhibitions and Arctic Voices and embark on an exciting hands-on journey from the Arctic to Sydney Harbour through a range of fun activities for all the family.
Children can travel back in time through a twilight tour on HMB Endeavour, star in their own maritime music video and set sail on an adventure to Sydney's fascinating North Head for a photography workshop. Visitors can also participate in interactive science shows, enjoy creative craft, circus performance, 3D film and more.
Also during the school holidays the museum presents a FREE three-day family festival – The Classic and Wooden Boat Festival – with beautiful boats and nautical fun for everyone.
The full program available throughout the holidays includes:
Free festival: 2018 Classic and Wooden Boat Festival (all ages)
13 - 15 April, 10.00am - 5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The Australian National Maritime Museum presents a lively FREE festival celebrating Australia's rich maritime history. With over 100 beautiful boats, maritime demonstrations, fashion shows, entertainment, market stalls and ferry rides. There's also plenty of family friendly activities. Children can bounce around in a jumping castle, witness the enchanting work of our bubble artist and listen to the Australian Girls' Choir. They can challenge their friends in a rope throwing competition, enjoy a nautical magic show and roving maritime character performers and visit the Kids' Boat Shed.
For the full festival program visit www.anmm.gov.au/whats-on/events/classic-wooden-boat-festival-2018
Festival entry Free, fees apply for selected activities.
Classic and Wooden Boat Festival Kids' Boat Shed
14 – 15 April 10am – 4pm
Get your hands busy with some crafty festival fun at the Kids Boatshed – an area just for children at the 2018 Classic and Wooden Boat Festival – with art making, games, and dress ups for primary school aged children and their carers. Craft a model sailing vessel and race it, decorate a sailor hat or print your own calico bag. Children can also enjoy face painting, dress ups, musical storytelling and interactive aqua play games inspired by all the beautiful boats on our wharves this festival weekend.
Also join in interactive circus workshops with Heidi Hoops at the boatshed daily at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
For the full festival program visit www.anmm.gov.au/whats-on/events/classic-wooden-boat-festival-2018
Free Daily activities – 16 – 29 April
Performance: The Stowaway Critters Science Circus All ages)
16 – 29 April (except Saturdays) 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm (25mins)
Enjoy spectacular science demonstrations, daring displays of skill and a cast of kooky characters in this lively and interactive circus show.
Entry included in the School Holiday Big Ticket - Tickets $32 adults, $20 child or $79 families, no booking required.
3D film: Oceans: Our Blue (All ages)
Throughout April - Check website for times (40mins)
Oceans: Our Blue Planet takes us on a global odyssey to discover the largest and least explored habitat on earth. New ocean technology has allowed us to delve further into the unknown than we ever thought possible.
Beginning our journey in the warm coastal shallows, we meet surfing dolphins, and an ingenious tusk fish that uses a tool to crack-open its food. In enchanted sea-forests, we find a cunning octopus that uses shells as armour from predators.
As we journey through our oceans, we share these extraordinary discoveries and uncover a spectacular world of life beneath the waves.
Entry included in the School Holiday Big Ticket - Tickets $32 adults, $20 child or $79 families, no booking required.
Workshops and tours
Family torchlight tour: Twilight on a Tall Ship (4 - 12 years and adults)
Thursday 26 April, 6 - 7.30pm
Join your character guide for a dramatic twilight tour through the magnificent HMB Endeavour replica. Enjoy creative capers, light refreshments and exclusive after-hours access to the vessel.
Adult $18, Child $22
Bookings essential on 02 9298 3655 or book online at www.anmm.gov.au/schoolholidays
Exhibitions
Exhibition: Arctic Voices
Dive into the freezing arctic through this hands on exhibition. Discover the secrets of this icy wilderness and turn your expectations of a barren frozen expanse, upside down.
Children can pounce, hop, push and crawl their way through the Arctic, and come face to face with giant polar bears. Explore with scientists as they catch and tag Arctic whales, and marvel at how flora survive and thrive in this harsh environment.
Entry included in the School Holiday Big Ticket - Tickets $32 adults, $20 child or $79 families, no booking required.
The Australian National Maritime Museum, in Sydney's Darling Harbour, is open daily from 9.30am to 5.00 pm.