More than 5000 visitors attended a free open day at the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) on March 1, marking 125 years since the foundation of Australia’s Navy.

Families explored historic vessels, met serving personnel and took part in hands-on activities, including touring MV Krait and HMAS Vampire II, and meeting Clearance Diving Team One and seeing their state-of-the-art equipment in action.

Lively jazz from the RAN Band Sydney – New Orleans Band, along with model ships and sailor-led talks, brought extra energy and helped bring history to life.

Director General Fleet Review Captain Anthony Raeside said the community’s enthusiasm was clear from the moment doors opened.

“It was fantastic to be here at 9.30am this morning and see a couple of thousand people lined up at the front door, right the way up to Pyrmont Bridge,” he said.

'There was a real sense of national pride today. It feels good to celebrate.'

The excitement was shared among Navy personnel.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to has been absolutely enthused,” Captain Raeside said.

“Our sailors have carried out conversations with members of the public – children, adults, older people – and everyone in uniform has told me what a great day they’ve had.”

Formal proceedings began with a Welcome to Country by Yuin and Wailwan Elder Uncle Dean Kelly, followed by a yidaki performance from Chief Petty Officer Thomas Jeffery, leading guests to the Spirit of Sea Rights bark – the artwork gifted to Navy by Djambawa Marawili.

Reflecting on the cultural dimension of the day, Chief Petty Officer Jeffery said the anniversary was a chance to recognise the development of a shared maritime narrative between Navy and Indigenous Australians.

“It was a great honour to bring my yidaki, to share this part of my culture and hope it grows into something bigger,” he said.

Across the museum floor, Navy personnel offered hands-on experiences.

Seaman Caitlin Hall, from HMAS Kuttabul, guided families through a touch trolley of World War II artefacts.

“The kids can actually interact with them and try them out,” she said.

“They really love being able to touch the items and experience a bit of Navy history hands-on.”

From interactive displays to the popular Service@Sea talk, featuring current serving members reading personal letters and journals, the anniversary honoured generations of service while strengthening Navy’s connection with the community.

'They really love being able to touch the items and experience a bit of Navy history hands on.'

That connection resonated strongly with Craig Lucas, a visitor from Queensland.

“I really enjoyed Service@Sea,” Mr Lucas said.

“The personal stories and accounts, not just of the personnel that served, but also their loved ones, were very engaging and well presented.

“There was a real sense of national pride today. It feels good to celebrate.”

Curator of Navy for the museum, Stirling Smith, said the milestone highlighted the service’s enduring role.

“Our Navy is so integral to our maritime heritage,” Mr Smith said.

“Historically it’s incredibly significant, but it’s also still deeply relevant to today’s society. 

“Navy protects the trade, resources and connections that keep Australia moving.”

As the day drew to a close, Captain Raeside spoke about what the open day commemorations represented for Navy.

“I think the value to Navy is sharing our story with the public, sharing our experiences, and also, for our own people, being closer to the Australian public and feeling a part of the whole nation,” Captain Raeside said.