THE new exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum pays homage to the men and women who served their country in the navy.
The $12 million Action Stations experience was 18 months in the making and is housed in a dynamic new space on the museum's south wharf overlooking Darling Harbour.
Visitors can watch a film on a 14-metre long floor-to-ceiling screen which features 60 naval servicemen in a mock exercise that shows some of the daily challenges they face at sea. The immersive walk-through cinema is designed to give the feeling of being on a submarine — without the seasickness.
The film shows how everyday life in the Navy can ramp up from the mundane — we see naval servicemen playing cards and drinking cups of tea — to getting orders to engage.
The film was partly shot on the HMAS Vampire, a ship that museum visitors can explore.
Misses 8 and 10 loved the hands-on exhibition, which included artefacts from submarines and shipwrecks.
The interactive display included iPads detailing stories of people who have helped piece together maritime archaeology.
There's also plenty for science and history sleuths, stories about punch-ups over the last sausage on a submarine, and a "tattoo yourself" app that allows visitors to overlay their photo with a digital tattoo and then email it to themselves.
After the exhibition we enjoyed morning tea at the museum's recently refurbished cafe.
Decorated in a coastal-theme, the open space makes the most of the impressive city views.
Action Stations is highly recommended for families and those with an interest in Australia's maritime history.
For details including opening hours and tickets see www.actionstations.sydney
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