Set within the old 19th-century Protestant chapel, the Sirius Museum is dedicated to its namesake: a British navy ship that led the First Fleet and fell victim to the treacherous waters off Norfolk Island in 1790.
Inside the museum, you can lose yourself in the seafaring saga of the Sirius, from its role in transporting European convicts to Australia, to its ill-fated attempt to deliver stores to Norfolk Island’s first penal settlement. Exhibits include anchors, cannons and other items from the vessel, most of which lay on the ocean floor for more than 170 years before they were salvaged from the wreck.
The actual wreck site is located on the reef near Slaughter Bay, just a stone’s throw from the museum.
Visitor Information
Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $10 (single entry); $35 (museums pass)
Getting Here: Find the museum on Bounty Street, behind Slaughter Bay in Kingston, a 5-10 minute drive from Burnt Pine.
Top tips for Sirius Museum - Protestant Chapel
- For a more in-depth account of the history of the HMS Sirius, join one of the guided tours run by Norfolk Island Museums on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
- Bring flippers and a mask with you in the car: at low tide Slaughter Bay is great for swimming and snorkelling. Note that it is too dangerous to snorkel at the Sirius wreck site.
Explore more museums at Kingston UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Commissariat
No. 10 Quality Row
Pier Store
Research Centre No. 9 Quality Row
