Discover Victoria Maritime Centre History at Crib Point.


The Victorian Maritime Centre preserves and showcases Victoria, Australia’s rich nautical history. The museum features exhibits on historic ships, navigation, marine trade, and coastal life, charting the impact of the sea on the state’s identity and economy. Through dynamic displays, educational programs, and interactive events, the centre brings the stories of early explorers, shipbuilders, and fishermen to life for visitors of all ages.

  • Tour Highlights

    Embark on a gripping journey through Australian naval history with two extraordinary wartime stories:

    • The Epic of the AE2 Submarine: Discover the daring Gallipoli campaign of Australia’s first submarine as it made its historic, perilous breakthrough of the heavily fortified Dardanelles straits.

    • HMAS Australia – Under Fire: Step onto the deck of this heavy cruiser during WWII to witness the intensity of the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the crew’s resilient survival against devastating Kamikaze attacks.

    Through rare artifacts and immersive storytelling, this tour brings the courage and sacrifice of Australia’s maritime heroes to life.

Plan a visit

  • Exhibition Highlights

    • Step Into Naval History: Experience life aboard the Royal Australian Navy and Merchant Navy, with knowledgeable guides on hand to answer your questions.

    • The Wyuna Project: View a detailed scale model of the historic pilot cutter MV Wyuna, celebrating the legacy of the actual heritage vessel.

    • Australian Warships: Marvel at an extensive collection of intricate, operational ship model replicas honoring Australia’s historic naval fleet.

Explore Exibits
Victorian maritime centre

Explore the Victorian Maritime Centre

Discover Victoria’s rich seafaring past and the enduring spirit of the sea.

  • Immerse Yourself: Begin with an introductory video blending archival footage and dramatic reenactments, setting the stage for gripping tales of legendary mariners, iconic lighthouses, and daring ocean rescues.

  • History Brought to Life: Explore meticulously curated exhibits featuring rare artifacts and maritime relics that showcase the resilience, innovation, and heritage of our coastal region.

The Duncan MacKinnon Library: A Legacy to Celebrate

  • The Heart of the Library: Inspired by our 99-year-young lead volunteer, the library is the vibrant core of the Victorian Maritime Centre.

  • A Treasure Trove: House to over 2,000 volumes, including rare historical archives, newspapers, Navy magazines, and vintage photographs documenting Australia’s maritime history.

  • Research & Community: Visitors are welcome to conduct in-house research during operating hours. Our passionate volunteers continuously expand and preserve this collection.

Step inside, explore our pages, and connect with living history. [Learn More]

Victorian maritime centre
Merchant navy

Behind the Scenes: Cataloging Our Artifacts

Cataloging is the pillar of the Victorian Maritime Centre, ensuring the preservation, public access, and future exhibition of our shared maritime heritage.

  • Meticulous Records: Every acquisition is logged with precise measurements, materials, condition, and provenance.

  • Standardized Systems: We use industry-standard archival software for accuracy, consistency, and easy searchability.

  • Volunteer Craftsmanship: Dedicated volunteers carefully document each artifact, ensuring its unique story is preserved and ready to showcase.

The Legacy of the MV Wyuna

  • Scottish Craftsmanship: Built in 1953 by Scotland’s Ferguson Shipbuilders, the MV Wyuna was custom-engineered to withstand demanding oceanic conditions for the Port Phillip Sea Pilots.

  • Navigating the Rip: Operating as a pilot cutter in treacherous coastal waters, the vessel stationed expert pilots ready to board massive international ships entering the dangerous mouth of Port Phillip Bay.

  • The Transfer Operation: The Wyuna would deploy a specialized workboat to ferry pilots alongside incoming ships, allowing them to safely guide the vessels into port.

MV Wyuna

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Administration    admin@vmctestwmg.com

Enquiries         Info@vmctestwmg.com

Bookings   bookings@vmctestwmg.com

The Victorian Maritime Centre 

220 The Esplanade 

Crib Point

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