Victorian Maritime Centre facts for kids

The Victorian Maritime Centre is a special place in Australia where you can learn all about ships and the sea! It's like a museum for boats and maritime history. It's currently located near Melbourne, Victoria, at an old office building in Crib Point, Victoria.

There are exciting plans to build a much bigger maritime centre in Hastings, Victoria. This new centre would be a fantastic place to explore and discover more about Australia's naval past.

What is a Maritime Museum?

A maritime museum is a place that collects and shows things related to ships, sailing, and the ocean. These museums help us understand how people have used the sea for travel, trade, and defense throughout history. They often display old ships, navigation tools, and stories of sailors and explorers.

Ships and Their Stories

The Victorian Maritime Centre has big plans to display important ships. These vessels tell us about Australia's history on the water.

The Submarine HMAS Otama

The HMAS Otama was a large submarine that served in the Royal Australian Navy. It was an Oberon-class submarine, which means it was a type of submarine used by several navies around the world. The Otama was active from 1978 until 2000, helping to protect Australia's waters.

For many years, after its service, the Otama was docked offshore at Crib Point. There were big hopes to display this submarine out of the water at the new centre in Hastings. This would have allowed visitors to see its massive size up close. However, the Otama has now been moved to Western Australia to be taken apart. This means it will no longer be part of the museum's collection.

The Ship Wyuna

Another important ship that was planned for display at the centre is the Wyuna. This vessel has a long and interesting history. It was once a lighthouse supply ship and a training vessel. The Wyuna has traveled to many different places.

For a while, the Wyuna was docked in Beauty Point, Tasmania. It then underwent a lot of work to be made ready for display. The original plan was to move it to Docklands in Melbourne. When that spot became unavailable, it returned to Beauty Point. Later, it was towed to Bell Bay, where it was anchored for some time. The hope was to have the Wyuna in a special "wet berth" at the new centre, meaning it would be floating in the water right next to the museum.

The Future of the Centre

The Victorian Maritime Centre aims to be a major attraction for people interested in Australia's maritime heritage. Even though plans for some ships have changed, the centre continues to work towards creating a place where everyone can learn about the fascinating world of ships and the sea. It will be a great spot to discover how important the ocean has been to Australia's past and present.

Images for kids

• HMAS Otama at Crib Point.jpg

  The HMAS Otama submarine, once planned for display.