Since the days of first settlement, Australian communities have relied on the sea for the transportation of people and goods. Even today, hundreds of ships ply Australian waters or are docked in Australian ports, taking the products of Australian mining, agriculture and industry to foreign markets or delivering goods for Australian consumption.

Through displays and posters, follow the story of the evolution in cargo handling, from the early days of sacks, pallets and individual items to the modern world of containers and bulk cargos. See how ships have become specialised in the type of cargos they carry, including oil tankers and gas tankers, car transporters and container ships. From a cut-a-way model, discover how ships have developed to transport oil and petroleum products across the seas.

The photographs and posters of the Museum's display Packet Boats to Palaces shows the changes in passenger comfort, from the almost spartan fit out of the late 1800 and early 1900 steamers to the grandeur and opulence of the passenger liners of the Golden Age of sea travel in the mid 1900's. See the modern look of sea travel, with onboard shopping malls and entertainment as shipping companies keep pace with current trends in sea travel.