Hmas Advance

HMAS Advance Sydney: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Historical Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

HMAS Advance (P 83) stands as a distinguished symbol of Australia’s naval heritage. Preserved at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, this Attack-class patrol boat invites visitors to experience life aboard a pivotal vessel in Australia’s maritime defense history. This guide delivers essential information about visiting HMAS Advance, including historical insights, visitor details, ticketing, accessibility, and tips for making the most of your time at this celebrated Sydney historical site (Australian National Maritime Museum; Naval Historical Society of Australia; Wikipedia).

Historical Background and Significance
Design and Operational Legacy
Preservation and Museum Experience
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
What to Expect Onboard
Educational Programs and Events
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Historical Background and Significance

Commissioned in 1968, HMAS Advance (P 83) was one of twenty Attack-class patrol boats built to bolster Australia’s coastal defense and maritime surveillance at the height of the Cold War. The Attack-class was developed in response to strategic lessons from the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation, emphasizing robust, versatile patrol boats suited for remote and tropical waters (Naval Historical Society of Australia; Wikipedia).

Constructed by Walkers Limited in Maryborough, Queensland, Advance was launched on 16 August 1967 and entered Royal Australian Navy (RAN) service on 24 January 1968. She was primarily stationed in Darwin, conducting vital missions such as:

Coastal surveillance and fisheries protection in the Torres Strait and Gulf of Carpentaria.
Search and rescue operations and hydrographic surveys.
Law enforcement, including intercepting illegal fishing vessels and deterring smuggling.
Humanitarian aid, most notably after surviving and assisting in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy in 1974.

Advance also gained prominence in Australian popular culture by portraying “HMAS Ambush” in the 1979 ABC television series “Patrol Boat” (Wikipedia).

Design and Operational Legacy

Technical Features

HMAS Advance was designed for durability, adaptability, and ease of maintenance in remote areas. Key features include:

Dimensions: 32.76 meters in length, 6.1 meters beam, 1.9 meters draught.
Displacement: Approximately 146 tons fully loaded.
Propulsion: Two 16-cylinder Paxman YJCM diesel engines (3,460 brake horsepower combined), allowing speeds up to 24 knots and a range of 1,200 nautical miles at 13 knots (TVD Naval Warfare).
Armament: A 40mm Bofors L/60 gun and two .50 calibre M2 Browning machine guns.
Crew: Three officers and sixteen sailors operated in tight quarters, with basic but functional accommodations.
Navigation/Communication: Fitted with radar, echo sounder, gyrocompass, and both HF and VHF radios, periodically upgraded during her service (Military Factory).

Service Highlights

Intelligence-gathering and surveillance missions, including the monitoring of the Soviet trawler Van Gogh.
Participation in anti-illegal fishing operations (Operation Trochus, 1975–76).
Training for RAN personnel and international cooperation exercises.
Survived Cyclone Tracy and played a key role in subsequent recovery efforts.

Decommissioning and Legacy

After nearly two decades of service and a final stint as a training ship, HMAS Advance was decommissioned in 1988 and donated to the Australian National Maritime Museum, where she remains a fully preserved exhibit (Australian National Maritime Museum).

Preservation and Museum Experience

HMAS Advance is moored permanently at the Australian National Maritime Museum, alongside other notable vessels such as HMAS Vampire and the submarine HMAS Onslow. Her preservation allows visitors to:

Explore original decks, bridge, engineering spaces, and crew quarters.
Experience the “Action Stations” multimedia attraction, a cinematic simulation of naval missions.
Appreciate detailed interpretive displays and stories of life aboard.

Interpretive signage and knowledgeable guides help contextualize the vessel’s historical and technical significance (Sydney Point).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location

Address: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney.
Getting There: Easily accessible by train, bus, ferry, and light rail. Discounted parking is available nearby (13MaxiCabs).

Visiting Hours

Standard Hours: Open daily, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (last boarding around 3:20 pm).
Extended Hours: During NSW school holidays, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Closures: Check the official website for updates and special closures.

Tickets

Admission: Entry to HMAS Advance is included with general museum tickets.
Pricing: Adult, child, senior, and family passes available; see Tickets Sydney for current rates.
Purchasing: Tickets can be bought online or at the museum entrance.

Accessibility

Due to the vessel’s historic design (steep ladders, narrow passageways), access may be limited for visitors with mobility challenges.
The museum provides accessibility information and alternative experiences; staff assistance is available upon request.

What to Expect Onboard

Deck and Bridge: Walk the original decks and enter the bridge with panoramic views.
Armament: Inspect the Bofors 40mm gun and machine guns.
Living Quarters: See where the crew lived and worked in close conditions.
Multimedia Experiences: Participate in interactive “Action Stations” simulations.
Photography: Personal photos are welcome (please respect privacy); commercial photography requires permission.

Educational Programs and Events

Guided Tours: Regularly scheduled tours provide deeper insights into HMAS Advance’s history and operations.
School Programs: Curriculum-aligned tours for students.
Family Activities: Interactive displays and discovery trails.
Special Events: The museum hosts commemorations, naval reviews, and cultural festivals featuring the vessel (Thrillophilia).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the HMAS Advance visiting hours?
A: Open daily, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (last boarding usually at 3:20 pm). Extended hours during school holidays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Tickets are included in general admission; see the museum website for current prices.

Q: Is HMAS Advance accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Due to design constraints, full access may not be possible for all visitors. Alternatives and assistance are available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours and educational programs are offered. Check schedules on the museum’s website.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Personal photography is welcome throughout the museum and on the vessel.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Other Historic Vessels: Explore HMAS Vampire and submarine HMAS Onslow.
Dining: Enjoy waterfront meals at Ripples Café.
Nearby Attractions: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Darling Harbour’s shops and parks (Tripoto).
Plan Ahead: Wear comfortable shoes, arrive early, and check for special events or seasonal programs.

Conclusion and Call to Action

HMAS Advance is a living testament to Australia’s naval resilience and maritime history. A visit offers an immersive, educational experience for all ages—whether you’re a history buff, student, family, or tourist. To make the most of your visit:

Check the Australian National Maritime Museum’s official site for up-to-date hours, ticketing, and event details.
Download the Audiala app for self-guided tours and exclusive content.
Follow the museum on social media for news and updates on exhibitions and commemorations.

Step aboard HMAS Advance and experience firsthand the challenges, innovations, and stories that shaped Australia’s maritime defense.