HMAS Onslow

HMAS Onslow is an Oberon-class submarine built in Scotland and now moored at a maritime museum in Sydney. The vessel is roughly 295 feet long with a gray hull and a long, streamlined profile designed for underwater movement.

The submarine was completed in Scotland in the late 1960s and entered service with the Royal Australian Navy in 1969. After 30 years of operations that included Cold War patrols, it was decommissioned in 1999 and later converted into a museum ship.

The vessel takes its name from a town in Western Australia, and its badge displays a judge's wig that connects to a former Chief Justice. The Latin motto translates as making haste slowly, which reflects the careful approach needed when operating underwater.

Visitors can walk along the deck and climb through narrow passages inside, so comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Tours are often led by former crew members who share stories from daily life aboard.

In the 1980s, this vessel became the first Australian submarine equipped with anti-ship missiles, which greatly increased its combat power. It also had a diving chamber that allowed special forces to exit secretly for covert operations.

Location: Sydney

Address: 20 Murray St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:30-15:10

Phone: +61292983777

Website: http://sea.museum

GPS coordinates: -33.86911,151.19969

Latest update: December 5, 2025 14:52