Fodor's Expert Review Australian National Maritime Museum

The six galleries of this soaring, futuristic building tell the story of Australia and the sea. In addition to figureheads, model ships, and brassy nautical hardware, there are antique racing yachts and the jet-powered Spirit of Australia, current holder of the world water speed record, set in 1978. The USA Gallery displays objects from such major U.S. collections as the Smithsonian Institution, and was dedicated by President George Bush Sr. on New Year's Day 1992. An outdoor section showcases numerous vessels moored at the museum's wharves, including the HMAS Vampire, a retired Royal Australian Navy destroyer, and the historic tall ship the James Craig. You can also climb to the top of the 1874 Bowling Green lighthouse.