So after a leisurely early morning breakfast at Girdlers on Dee Why Beach, we headed into the Australian National Maritime Museum, and the "Vikings - Beyond the Legend" exhibition. The boys were excited to see what real Vikings were like being that they watch their animated counterparts on "Mike The Knight".
The boys were fascinated by the Viking boat moored in Darling Harbour and the boat inside the exhibition. They were able to try on heavy Viking helmets, hold a Viking sword and try their best at picking up the 20kg Viking armour (as it weighs more then they do, they were very impressed).
There was even a "real Viking" to talk to and ask questions of. However the boys were so frightened of him, they were rendered speechless when he came around the corner in full Viking costume and armour. Whilst they eventually posed, albeit reluctantly, for a photo with the Viking, they didn't utter a single word to him (though he has been the topic of much discussion between them since).
We ventured into the Kids on Deck section of the museum but as it was over-run with vacation-care children we made a hasty retreat and the boys decided they didn't want to make craft anyway. Besides the Viking Exhibition, we also wondered through the core Navy exhibition and the boys enjoyed trying out the bunks which submariners have to share, captaining a submarine and seeing a giant engine at work. Highlights for Nathan were the beer boat and the naval exhibition, and for me the Tasman Light.
In truth, the Maritime Museum was not an entirely perfect choice on such a hot day - as the lure of large ships moored in Darling Harbour was hard to resist for the boys and their dad despite the heat. There was HMAS Vampire, HMAS Onslow - the submarine, Barque James Craig - the tall ship, and the Viking Vessel. They only managed to clamber aboard the Viking Vessel before they got too hot and came back inside to the air conditioning. Thankfully, we took them onboard some of the Navy Ships during the Fleet Review in Sydney back in October.
With the heat, we didn't make it out to the Viking Wetworld before the heat of the day got too much for everyone and we headed home, but we did enjoy sitting in the air-conditioning and watching "Asteriks and the Vikings" animated film whilst Kyah had her lunch. We ate down at the Yots Cafe which was family friendly and had nice food. The kids ate fish and chips and a cheese melt, and we had a BLT and a Wagu burger - totaling $60 (including a Viking Golden Lager).
All up it was a good day. The boys were able to wonder and explore a lot of hands-on exhibits as well as watch an animated movie. It wasn't too busy, and we didn't have to queue up to see anything. Basically, large boats, fast boats and things that go in general are always going to be a winner with our boys. The highlight for the boys was definitely the "real Viking" even if they didn't talk to him.
My Tips:
Buy your tickets online to save the queue at the door.
With a 5yo, 3yo and 9mo we couldn't dwell on detail, just wonder through and get some visual highlights (I think Nathan would have enjoyed more time reading the dearth of information provided by the museum at the various exhibits).
The Details:
The Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
anmm.gov.au
Open daily except Christmas Day from 9.30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Galleries Admission - Adult $7, Child (4 yrs- 15 yrs) $3.50, Family (2 adults + 3 children) $17.50
Big Ticket (Vikings, Galeries, Vessels, Kids on Deck) - Adult $27, Child (4 yrs - 12 yrs) $16, Family (2 adults + 3 children) $70
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