The James Craig

What they say: Our maritime history lives on, and its your to share.

What I say: After the disappointment of the Maritime Museum the James Craig was a breath of fresh air. Our guide took us around the boat, explaining all about its history, how it was saved and rebuilt and all the workings of it. It was very interesting and he managed to answer nearly all of my dumb questions.

It's run and maintained by a team of volunteers but is a working vessel and regularly puts out to sea. You can join her on a cruise, if you have the time and money - all the way to Hobart if your really flush.

Inside has been stripped out for parties etc, it used to carry coal and grain, but the officers quarters are still there, including the captains bath tub - I liked that!

Where: Wharf 7, Pyrmont, just beside Darling Harbour

When: 10am to 4 pm most days - but it does go out on sails most weekends - either the Saturday or the Sunday. Check the website (click the title) for the sailing calender.

How much: $10 for adults.

Australian National Maritime Museum

What they say: To bring maritime heritage to life and preserve it for future generations

What I say: It was alright. And the enthusiasm in that statement comes from the majority of it being free. Although you do have to pay to go on the actual boats moored in the harbour.

The gallery is quite large and there are various features on whaling, beach life (swimming cossies and the like), a section on Australian Naval history, a little bit about the convict ships and an oddly large section about the influence of the American on Australian seafaring history. I know I am slightly biased but where was the British influence? Surely a bit more valid?

If you have been to the Maritime Museum at Greenwich in London then this will be a bit of a let down. There just wasn't enough stuff and there wasn't enough to play with! There is so much scope for interactive exhibits at this sort of museum as well.

Where: Darling Harbour

When: Daily 9.30 am - 5.00 pm (6.00 pm in January). Every day except Christmas Day.

How much:

Free Museum ticket - Includes free entry to all museum galleries, Maritime Heritage Centre at Wharf 7, the North Wharf and marina to view the small fleet of historic vessels, Cape Bowling Green lighthouse and family films on Sundays and during school holidays.

Big ticket, Adults $25, ankle biters $13 - Includes entry to HM Bark Endeavour replica, destroyer HMAS Vampire (audio guide), submarine HMAS Onslow (submarine will re-open 1 Dec) the 1874 tall ship James Craig and children's activities and theatre shows when applicable.